Central Vacuum Vs. Dyson: What Are The Major Differences?

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Having a powerful vacuum cleaner can make light work out of household chores. Not only is a powerful vacuum easier to use, but it can cut down the amount of time spent cleaning the house every week. When it comes to vacuum cleaners, there are two powerful options that people regularly turn to. Both Dyson vacuums and a centralized vacuum system offer several benefits, making each an attractive option.

Dyson vacuums are typically upright canister vacuum cleaners that provide powerful suction. They are the best vacuums for pet hair and offer plenty of versatility. Conversely, centralized vacuum systems are robust and convenient but are often five times the price and require a hefty home installation.

While central vacuum systems are convenient, they are also pricey. These systems require a centralized motor placed in the garage, basement, or attic. The central vacuum system can provide powerful suction and a clean and healthy environment but also need plenty of room to store the long hoses and attachments.

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What Is a Central Vacuum?

A central vacuum system is a home system that has vacuum units built into the walls of your house. A large vacuum motor is located in an inconspicuous space, with several ports and hoses throughout rooms that connect to the centralized unit. Unlike a traditional upright vacuum, there is no need for cords or heavy vacuum moving from room to room. These systems are quiet, lightweight, and will last for about eight years before requiring a new motor replacement.

What Are the Benefits of a Central Vacuum?

Many people rave about their central vacuum system because of the several benefits associated with this efficient and powerful cleaning system. Some top benefits associated with a central vacuum include:

  • Improved Air Quality – Dust, dander, and dust mites stay contained in a centralized system with little need to change or empty a canister as you move room to room.
  • Efficient – Compared to a conventional upright or canister vacuum, these systems have powerful suction that makes vacuuming fast and efficient.
  • Lightweight – Because the motor for the system is housed in a separate location, you only have to move the hose and the accessories throughout the room.
  • Versatile – A vacuum system can be installed just about anywhere, so they are easy to stay out of sight. People will commonly install the vacuum motor in the garage, attic, or basement.
  • Quiet– Because the motor is usually housed in a separate room, running these centralized vacuum systems is very quiet.
  • Investment – A centralized vacuum system becomes integrated with your home, adding market value and improved resale value for your home.

What Types of Central Vacuum Systems Exist?

There are plenty of options when it comes to a centralized vacuum system from your home. Different motors for the vacuum system can provide other benefits and are featured at various price points. The most common types of centralized vacuum motors include:

  • Flow-Through Motor – These motors are the cheapest option for a centralized vacuum system. They are larger and more powerful than a traditional upright vacuum cleaner. They cool themselves by passing the vacuumed air over their components. They require intensive care to keep the filter clean throughout the system, and regular maintenance is needed to keep these motors working.
  • Peripheral Bypass Motor – Moderately priced, this type of motor has its own cooling fans that help to keep the motor cool and operable. They are very reliable and are generally cleaner to operate because they pull in their own cool air to operate the machine. Unlike the flow-through motor, these systems will not use the dirty vacuumed air throughout the chamber.
  • Tangential Bypass Motor – The most expensive option for a centralized vacuum is the tangential bypass motor. Although it is the most expensive, it is also the most common installation. These motors are built to channel all the heated and dirty exhaust out of the chamber, which helps to increase the motor’s longevity. This motor is very powerful and provides the same amount of suction as a dual-motor system. The tangential bypass motor is also the longest-lasting option for a centralized vacuum system.

What is a Dyson?

Dyson is a brand of vacuum that creates high-end cleaners in a range of options. They are best known as the creator of the dual cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner, which uses cyclonic separation to power these great vacuum cleaners. There are corded and cordless options, and all Dysons are canister vacuums.

What are the Benefits of a Dyson?

Dyson is one of the most popular brands for vacuum cleaners, and for a good reason. Consistently, this brand can offer top-quality efficiency with a well-designed product. Some of the most significant benefits of a Dyson vacuum include:

  • Powerful – For an upright canister vacuum, the Dyson has some of the best power on the market.
  • Versatile – Dyson vacuums work well on several floor surfaces and fabrics. They can easily transition from tile to carpet to a hardwood floor. The several accessories make it easy to vacuum drapes and furniture.
  • Swivel Head – The swivel head design makes this vacuum easy to maneuver throughout the home, making it simple to get into tight spaces. This feature can help save time because you are not constantly moving furniture out of the way.
  • Small – The vacuum is rather small and upright, making it easy to store away in a closet.
  • Quick Empty – The canister is easy to empty with just a single touch button. There is never a need to touch or come in contact with the dirt while emptying the canister.
  • Options – There are many makes and models of the Dyson vacuum. Their models range from small portable cordless options to conventional upright vacuum cleaners with canister filters. The Dyson vacuums come at different price points, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.

What Types of Dyson Options Are There?

One of the biggest benefits of Dyson is the range of available vacuum options. Consumers will have the choice of purchasing traditional upright vacuums, like their classic ball vacuums, or cordless stick vacuums, which are easy to carry from room to room. Dyson also has the Omniglide line of vacuum cleaners ideal for hard surfaces like tile and hardwood floors.

The various vacuum cleaner options will come at different price points. Expect basic upright vacuum options to be the cheapest. Mid-range prices will feature the cordless stick options and upright vacuums, while the most expensive options will be specialized upright vacuums or cordless vacuums with extended battery power.

How Much is a Dyson Compared to a Central Vacuum?

There are many Dyson models, and price can vary significantly between options. For the basic model of Dyson vacuum cleaner, expect to pay about $400. This price will be for an upright, basic canister vacuum. Cordless stick vacuums tend to be around $500, while the higher-end canister upright vacuums can cost up to $850 for a Dyson.

While this may seem expensive, compare this to the cost of a central vacuum system. The central vacuum system is a significant investment, and many installations can start at about $1,000. Once you add additional ports and accessories through your house, the price can jump quite drastically. On average, most people will pay about $3,000 to have a standard central vacuum system installed in their home. Of course, additional accessories or features can make this price increase even more.

Are There Downsides to a Dyson or Central Vacuum System?

While Dyson vacuums may seem great, there are some downsides. Upon initially purchasing this vacuum, the assembly can be a little tricky to put together. Plus, the corded upright vacuums can be heavy and difficult to carry around the house, especially when moving up and down the stairs. And, of course, the big price tag compared to other vacuum cleaner options cannot be ignored.

Comparatively, a central vacuum system also has some downsides which you must consider before making this long-term investment. These vacuum systems aren’t great for small homes since a typical upright vacuum cleaner is cheaper and can be moved from room to room. The long hose for these systems can be challenging to work with and require a great deal of storage space. And, of course, central vacuum systems have a high upfront cost. Many systems can reach $3,000 or more before you even start to purchase additional accessories to optimize your system.

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Related Questions

Which vacuum system is best for pet hair?

You know the ongoing battle you fight daily to contain the hair floating through your house if you have pets. Overall, the best vacuum for pet hair is the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum. This vacuum has the best suction and ability to remove pet hair from all surfaces, not just carpeting or hardwood floors. Several attachments allow you to clean drapes, fabrics, and furniture as well. Plus, this vacuum cleaner offers a whole-machine filtration system that helps to eliminate dust, dander, and mites that may trigger or worsen allergies.


Do HEPA filters on vacuums help with allergies?

Ongoing testing has shown that HEPA filters on vacuums can help collect and contain contaminants found throughout the home. Pending the seal attaching the HEPA filter is working and intact, HEPA vacuum cleaners work better than conventional vacuum cleaners when capturing dust, pet dander, and dust mites.If you suffer from allergies, you’ll also want to find a bagless vacuum cleaner. These options are better for those with allergies because it prevents the dust from cycling back into the air. Bagless vacuums often have larger chambers, so you won’t have to empty them as often.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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