If you are in the market for a new vacuum, you need to know what to look for. With the different makes and models on the market, you can easily become overwhelmed and end up buying the wrong vacuum. To avoid this, you need to look at certain factors that help you find the right one for your home.
Bagged Or Bagless
One of the first points to consider is the dirt collection system. There are two types of systems and they are bagged or bagless. Many modern vacuums will be bagless, but you might be better off with a bagged vacuum.
As the name suggests, bagged vacuums will have a bag inside where all the dust, dirt and debris collect when you use the vacuum. When the bag is full, you will remove it from the vacuum and throw it away. This is ideal for people who have asthma or suffer from allergies.
Bagless systems will have a collection chamber in the vacuum. When this is full, you need to remove it from the vacuum and empty the chamber into a bin. The problem is that the dust can form a cloud when dumped and irritate the sinuses.
The Type Of Vacuum
While the dirt collection system is important, you also need to look at the type of vacuum you want. There are three primary types for residential use and they are upright, canister and stick vacuums. Each type has pros and cons that you need to consider before you make any decisions.
Upright vacuum generally cost less than canister ones and have a wider head. They also have features such as rotating brushes making them ideal for deep cleaning carpets. They are also easy to store because they stand on their own.
The primary issue with these vacuums is the weight. They can weigh upwards of 20 pounds and this can be a problem for many people. There are some lightweight models available, but they will cost more.
The canister vacuum is better for stairs, bare floors and under your furniture. They also come with a range of attachment making it easier to clean upholstery and drapes. These vacuums are often quieter than upright ones and will weigh less.
The primary issue is the size of these vacuums. They will generally be bulkier than the upright options. The hose and wand combination can also make it harder to store these vacuums in the closet.
The last type of vacuum is the stick vacuum that looks like an upright, but is smaller and battery operated. They weigh less and are more convenient when you need to quickly clean. The problem with these vacuums is their limited power. They do not perform as well as full-sized vacuums and only pick up surface dirt.
The Noise Level
When you look at a vacuum, you need to consider the operating noise level. This will be listed in decibels and most vacuums have a 70 to 80 dB level. A good reference is the standard garbage disposal that runs at 80 dB.
Ideally, you will want a quiet vacuum, particularly if you have a large home that needs to be cleaned. Vacuums can also seem louder when using them because of the echo in certain rooms. This is most common in tiled bathrooms. Canister vacuums are generally quieter, but there are quiet upright vacuums on the market.
Before you buy a new vacuum, there are a few factors you need to consider. You need to choose the right type of vacuum for your needs and the dirt collection system. The noise level is also important because you do not want this to be too loud.