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Choosing A Vacuum

 

What You Should Know About Bagless Vacuums

      The first vacuum cleaners were all bagless.  They either used a cloth filter, or a cloth outer bag that needed to be dumped out.  Paper bags were introduced in the 1940's to dramatically cut down on dust and keep the home environment healthier.  The main reason consumers today want a bagless vacuum is they have been told it will save them money on paper bags, however, the problems remain the same:  not enough air movement to clean well, leakage at the canister housing that allows dust to escape into your home and the dust container that has to be emptied out which usually results in a cloud of dust.  Another problem is bagless vacuums have one or more expensive filters that need to be cleaned or changed every few months, which is a dirty job and quite expensive.

      Do you have a kitchen trash can?  Do you put plastic liners in it?  It's far easier, faster, and more sanitary to change the liner than to dump the entire contents of the trash can. You would have to wash out the can each time to get it clean. If you dump a bagless vacuum, the same principle applies. The canister and all removeable parts should be washed and set aside to dry so that airborne virus, dust mites, and pet dander are eliminated.  This requires more time and effort compared to removing the used bag and replacing it with a new one.

 

Decide on a Type of Vacuum

      If you're not sure what type of vacuum to get, talk to a vacuum professional and ask for advice.  Depending on the type of floor coverings and other features of your home, they will be able to help you decide if an upright or canster type will best suit your needs.  There are also other choices such as lighter weight vacuums and specialty vacuums that may be possibilities.  In the end, it's your choice as to what type of vacuum you think will best work for you

      Once you've decided on which type of vacuum is best for your needs, your next move should be to review the type of options and features available for that type of vacuum.  For example, if you're considering an upright, would you like on-board tools?  Is it important that the machine have a feature to turn off the brushroll when it's being used on hard floors? What about machine weight?  Is one motor fine, or is the new "tandem air" two motor system best for you?  Is the filtration technology offered sufficient?  Is quiet running important to you?  What is the life of the vacuum?  These are all things to consider.

Test Drive a Vacuum

      At a minimum, we urge you to take a close look at the machine you are interested in and check the quality of materials and how it was put together. Examine the bottom of the machine where most of the work is done and inspect the bottom plate, brushroll, and nozzle housing. Is it plastic or steel?  Is it sturdy?  Ask your vacuum dealer:  does the brushroll use ball bearings and are the strips replaceable?  Is the belt a long lasting type, or one that has to be replaced often?  Try the tools and see if they're easy to use.  Are they on board?  Are they effective for your needs?   Where is the vacuum made?  Then ask your dealer about the warranty, what does it cover, and do I have to send the vacuum somewhere, or is service done locally?