Tips & Advice
How often should vacuums be serviced?
Ideally, service vacuums every 12-18 months. With time, dirt and lint can gather on the vacuum's motor bearings, which can slow the roll of its brush and place undue strain on its motor. The brush may also wear out with time, and this can reduce the vacuum's cleaning ability by as much as 50 percent. Dirty motor bearings can also cause the vacuum's engine to overheat.
Do vacuums with higher amperage clean better?
Vacuums with higher amperage don't necessarily provide better cleaning. A vacuum's amperage is the amount of electric current that flows through the unit. While high amperage can favorably affect performance, other factors play even more important roles. Air flow is a key variable to consider, since it will give you an idea of how well the vacuum handles suction. Other important factors include filtration, hose quality, and nozzle design.
What is the difference between a canister and an upright vacuum?
Upright vacuums stand vertical, and include the motor and suction head in the same unit. With canister vacuums, the cleaning nozzle is located at the end of a wand that connects to a wheeled canister via a hose. The canister holds the unit's engine, filter, and dust bags, and it needs to be dragged by the user when the vacuum is being operated. Upright vacuum cleaners tend to be less expensive than canister vacuums, but canister models tend to be more maneuverable.
What is a stick vacuum cleaner?
A stick vacuum cleaner has its dustbin container incorporated within the stick that connects to the nozzle. This gives it a cleaner look than other types of vacuum cleaners, and it also reduces its weight. Stick vacuum cleaners require minimal storage space, so they're a good choice for apartment dwellers. However, they typically have less cleaning power than other types of vacuums.
Do vacuum cleaner stores specialize in specific brands?
Vacuum cleaner stores usually specialize in specific brands. Large chain stores often carry mainstream brands that are widely known, while smaller vacuum cleaner stores are more likely to carry lesser-known specialty brands. When evaluating vacuum cleaners from different brands, it's important to consider things like the unit's air flow, and the warranty protection offered.
Is it worth getting a broken vacuum repaired?
To determine if it's worth getting a broken vacuum repaired, compare the repair costs with the price you originally paid to purchase the vacuum. If the repair cost is equal to or more than 50 percent of the vacuum's original purchase price, it's time to think about replacing the unit.
What services do vacuum cleaner stores provide?
Many vacuum cleaner stores provide repair services for damaged machines. They also provide vacuum cleaner maintenance that can prevent problems from arising. For example, if you have a bagless cleaner, you will find that its suction power can diminish after a few months if the vacuum hasn't been properly maintained.
What is the most common vacuum cleaner problem?
The most common vacuum cleaner problem is lack of suction. Other frequent problems include a burning smell (usually a problem with the brush roll or the belt connecting it to the motor), excessive noise, unusual vibrations when starting, and the always-popular brush roll not rolling. Most of these are easy fixes and can be as simple as switching out the bag.
How often does a vacuum bag need to be changed?
It’s time to replace the vacuum bag is when the vacuum’s performance is dropping. A full bag reduces a vacuum's ability to remove more dirt and debris--because there is nowhere to store it anymore. You might also notice less suction and more debris coming out of the vacuum.
What are the benefits of bagless vacuums?
The biggest benefit of bagless vacuums is not buying replacement bags (you just saved money!)But they tend to have more filters (HEPA filters) that need to be periodically removed and cleaned, so there’s more maintenance.
