If style is not important, then what features are important in vacuums?

Vacuums: The Basics

Before we go into types of vacuums, vacuum cleaner accessories and other particulars, it is important to start with the basics. To state the obvious: the main function vacuums serve is to clean floors. Dust, hair, dirt and other debris falls to the floor and needs to be removed. How much of it a vacuum removes and how efficiently it does the job makes the subject a little more complicated.

Vacuums use suction to remove debris. The air that the vacuum sucks in has to be eliminated. The filtering system of the vacuum is what makes it dispel clean air rather than redistributing the dirt and dust throughout the house. When you choose a vacuum, these two factors, suction and filtration, are your primary concerns.

Suction

When vacuuming hard surfaces such as linoleum and hardwood floors, very little suction is needed to pick up the dirt. Carpets are another matter, though. The vacuum needs to be able to extract particles trapped deep within the carpet pile. Dirt acts like sandpaper on a carpet: even if it is not visible on the surface, it accelerates wear on the carpet. Dust mites love to hide in the depths of a deep carpet.

While it seems logical to assume that the more powerful the motor, the greater suction power the vacuum will have, this is not always the case. Some less powerful motors work more efficiently. Some models have dual fans, for instance. Instead of looking for a powerful motor, look for the air flow capacity of the machine. The most powerful vacuums have up to 4.8 cubic metres (170 cubic feet) per minute air flow capacity.

Filtration

There are two basic types of filtration systems: bag and bagless. Both of these filter air efficiently, but some do it more efficiently than others. The average vacuum cleaner filters out dust particles of between 30 to 50 microns in size. A micron is one thousandth of a millimetre, so that's pretty small. However, if allergies are an issue in your home, most allergens are around .3 microns in size. The only type of vacuum cleaner filter that will handle particles that small is one with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

Types of Vacuums

The two most common types of vacuums are uprights and canister style vacuum cleaners. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages:

Uprights

Uprights are generally recommended for cleaning deep pile carpets and larger floors. They are very efficient cleaning machines and tuck neatly into the corner of a closet. The disadvantages to uprights are that they are heavy to vacuum with since you have to move the entire machine and they tend to be noisier than canister models.

Canisters

Canister vacuum cleaners are much lighter to use than uprights. On the other hand, they are a little more cumbersome, since you have to lift and frequently move the canister as you vacuum. They are quieter than uprights and come with a number of accessories that make them great all around cleaners. They make vacuuming stairs much easier than uprights, but are not as efficient on deep pile carpets. On the other hand, they are more efficient than uprights at cleaning smaller areas.

Others

Central vacuum cleaners have strategically placed connectors in rooms, while the power unit is placed outside. These are the most powerful, but also the most expensive type of vacuums. On the other end of the scale, small, handheld vacuums, either corded or battery powered, are very handy for light work, but lack the power to do serious cleaning.

Vacuum Cleaner Features to Look For

What is your priority? Are you looking for ease of use, cleaning efficiency or both? Uprights combine both of these, especially on deep pile carpets. They are harder to push than canisters, though, unless you get a power-assisted model, and are not as manoeuvrable as canister vacuums. They don't clean under coffee tables efficiently, for instance. In general, uprights are preferable for larger homes, while canisters are better for apartments, smaller homes and homes with stairs and many small rooms.

Features to consider include the following:

Telescopic Wand

The wand or handle should be height adjustable. Having to bend over or reach up to manoeuvre your vacuum increases fatigue.

Bag or Bagless?

Vacuums with disposable bags are convenient and you don't kick up dust when you empty them. Bagless vacuums tend to be lighter in weight and are more environmentally friendly.

Adjustable Heads

Most vacuums come with adjustable heads: raise the head for vacuuming carpets and lower it for hard floors. Look for a model that lets you do this easily with your foot or consider a model that has height sensors and makes this adjustment automatically.

Variable suction

Sometimes, such as when vacuuming area rugs or drapes, less suction is better than more. Most vacuums have a manual air release mechanism that accomplishes this, while others have more sophisticated electronic controls.

Storage Options

It's nice to have all of your most used accessories with you as you vacuum. Look for models with good onboard storage features. Don't forget to look for retractable cord storage on canister models.

Final Considerations

If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, don't settle for anything less than a (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA) vacuum cleaner. There are vacuums on the market that are marketed as having "HEPA type" filters or "High Efficiency" filters, but only genuine HEPA filters can be trusted to do the job. You will pay more for one of the vacuums and HEPA bags also cost more. To save money, look for reusable, washable HEPA filters and be sure to wear a face mask when emptying their contents.

Most vacuum cleaners come with "turbo" heads. These are the little brushes that agitate the carpet ahead of the suction unit. Machine suction powers turbo heads. Power heads have their own internal motor. They weigh more, but are more efficient. Consider getting a power head model if you have a large carpeted area to vacuum and don't mind the extra weight.

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