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With so many different vacuum cleaners
available, it can be difficult to choose the one that's right for
your floor. Choosing the wrong type of floor care machine for your
home or workplace leaves your floor dirty. Worse yet, the wrong
type of vacuum cleaner may even cause damage to your surface. Avoid
these common consumer mistakes when purchasing your next vacuum
cleaner. |
| Don't buy a
vacuum cleaner before establishing your floor care needs.
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| It's imperative that you choose the right vacuum cleaner
for your home or office as different types of carpet and
hard floors are cleaned differently. Always keep in mind
factors such as the depth of your carpet pile; your floor
type; whether you have stairs, ceilings, or other
difficult-to-clean areas; and whether you require allergen
control. Answering these questions before making your
purchase will help you in your search for the right vacuum
cleaner. After all, no one vacuum cleaner is ideal for every
type of situation. To choose a vacuum cleaner by floor type,
click here. To see an overview of the different styles
of vacuums available,
click
here
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| Don't get too
caught up with a vacuum cleaner's specifications.
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Consumers oftentimes pay too much attention to a
vacuum's specifications and not enough attention to their
individual vacuuming needs. For example, many people think
buying the highest amperage will provide the most cleaning,
but this simply isn't true. These are the three most
important factors that determine a vacuum's cleaning
efficiency:
- Suction
- Air Flow
- Brush Roll Action
Therefore, always make sure the vacuum you are looking to
purchase will perform as you expect it to before bringing it
home. While a lot of extra features are nice, they may not
help you effectively clean. For more vacuum buying tips,
click here.
Vacuum
Cleaner Buying Tip: |
| Figures such as
amps are simply a measure of electrical current and
not vacuuming performance. Instead, the design
of the entire unit, how it handles and controls
airflow, and its filtration system actually
determines its quality. |
|
| Don't buy a
"disposable" vacuum cleaner. |
| While there are vacuums to fit every price range and
budget, it's always important to ask yourself how long you
want your new vacuum to last. Choose a vacuum that will last
you 10 years or more, and don't forget to look at a vacuum's
warranty. Pay attention to the vacuum's construction and
materials. Also remember that to ensure long life and proper
operation, your vacuum may need to be serviced once a year. |
| Don't
purchase a vacuum cleaner that cannot pick up pet or human
hair. |
| Did you know that pet and human hair is one of the most
common reasons why vacuum cleaners fail? Hair can get stuck
in bearings, cause a unit to overheat, and melt plastic
parts. If you purchase the wrong type of vacuum, may find
yourself replacing your unit every year. To help with the
problem of hair, look for a vacuum that has a metal brush
roll. For more information on pet vacuums,
click here. |
| Pay attention
to bag and filter pricing. |
| When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, don't forget to
check the price of replacement bags or filters, as you may
find that that the value-priced vacuum cleaner you've
purchased will cost you a lot to maintain. Check which type
of bag the model that you're considering buying uses. Some
bags can be quite expensive and not very easy to find.
Furthermore, some are quick to go out of stock when new
vacuum models become available. |
| Don't
purchase a bagless vacuum without doing your homework first.
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| Many people think bagless vacuums are much more
convenient than traditional bagged models, but fail to fully
understand how they really work. Although it's true that
bagless vacuums do not require any replacement dust bags,
they do utilize filters to catch smaller-sized particles
that may exhaust back into a room. In order to efficiently
clean, keep in mind that bagless vacuums still require
frequent changing of these filters every three months to one
year depending on use. For information on the bagged versus
bagless vacuum cleaner debate,
click here. |
| Choose a
vacuum cleaner that you can easily maneuver.
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| If you have a one-story home that consists of
wall-to-wall carpeting, a standard upright vacuum cleaner
may be just what you need. However, if you have stairs or
need to clean hard-to-reach spaces, you may want to look for
a vacuum cleaner that is easier to maneuver such as a
canister or cordless vacuum. Also keep in mind that lighter
vacuums tend to be less powerful than sturdier models. |
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Pay attention
to decibel ratings. |
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Let's face it -- vacuum cleaners are loud. If you are
sensitive to noise or have pets, be sure to look for a
vacuum that emits less noise and always pay attention to a
vacuum's decibel rating. To get a basic idea of decibel
ratings, refer to the following chart below:
|
Source |
Decibel Intensity Level |
| Whisper |
20 dB |
| Air Conditioner |
54 dB |
| Normal Conversation |
60 dB |
| Upright Vacuum Cleaner |
69 dB |
| Large Orchestra |
98 dB |
| Jet Takeoff |
140 dB |
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Vacuum Guide Main Page >>
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