Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! About 80% of our central vacuum projects are retrofits in existing homes throughout Kalamazoo, Galesburg, and Southwest Michigan. Using attics, basements, and crawl spaces, we can install tubing and inlets with minimal disruption. Whether your house is decades old or recently built, The Central Vac Shoppe specializes in custom solutions tailored to your home’s layout. Our experience ensures a clean, efficient install—no major renovations required. Call us to schedule an on-site assessment.

Hide-a-Hose is a retractable hose solution that eliminates the hassle of storing and carrying long vacuum hoses. The hose is built directly into your wall and pulls out only as much as you need for each room. When finished, it retracts back inside, making cleaning fast and clutter-free. This system is particularly popular in larger homes in Portage, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids. Our 23-second in-home demo shows how easy it is—ask about scheduling yours!

We repair a wide range of portable and central vacuum brands, including Shark, Hoover, Bissell, Riccar, Sebo, Simplicity, Kirby, Rainbow, Eureka, and Filter Queen, as well as official dealer work for Lindhaus, MD, and Hide-a-Hose systems. Repairs are available within a 20-mile mobile service radius from Galesburg, with service calls starting at $59.99. We also provide tool replacements and motor/suction repairs. Note: Service is subject to manufacturer part availability.

ActivePure® technology, featured in the Beyond Guardian Air and Aerus Pure & Clean, actively neutralizes 99.98% of airborne SARS-CoV-2 within 3 minutes and surface contaminants within 7 hours. Unlike standard HEPA filters, ActivePure® uses advanced oxidation to reduce allergens, pet odors, and viruses at the source. This is ideal for allergy-sensitive families in Kalamazoo and pet owners seeking clinical-grade air quality. Ask about integrating air purification with your central vacuum for complete indoor health.

Central vacuum systems installed by The Central Vac Shoppe are engineered for 20–30+ years of reliable service, far exceeding the 3–5 year lifespan typical of retail portable vacuums. Our systems are designed as permanent home infrastructure, similar to HVAC or plumbing. With routine maintenance and access to quality parts, your system can deliver decades of hassle-free cleaning and improved air quality.

Yes, our central vacuum installations are designed with full outside venting. This means that dust, allergens, and fine particles are exhausted completely outside your living space, unlike most portable vacuums that recirculate air indoors. This is especially beneficial for homes in allergy-prone areas of Southwest Michigan, ensuring a healthier environment for your family and pets.

Our mobile repair service covers a 20-mile radius from Galesburg, including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, and surrounding neighborhoods. For new installations and retrofits, our territory spans much of Southwest Michigan: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Holland, Jackson, Sturgis, Coldwater, Albion, Niles, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Three Rivers, and all of Van Buren County (not Van Buren City). If you’re unsure if your home is in range, just give us a call!