If you are in the market to replace your vacuum, ask yourself the following questions:
What surfaces are being cleaned?
- Are you cleaning hard surfaces, wall-to-wall carpeting, drapes, area rugs, above the floor areas?
- What type(s) of carpeting do you have? Plush, Berber, Frieze, thin, thick? Glued down or padded? Certain vacuums work better than others on different surfaces. For instance, the newer thicker “Soft or Smart” stranded carpets are difficult to clean using older models that were not designed for the newer carpeting. Be aware of these challenges. We recommend bringing in a sample of your carpeting when considering replacing your vacuum especially if you have newer carpeting.
Have your cleaning needs changed?
- Do you have a new home with more or less carpet? More or less hard surface floors?
- Moving from a two-story to a rambler or vice-versa?
How much are is being cleaned?
- 500-1,000 square feet, 1,000-2,000, Larger?
How often is the cleaning done?
- Monthly, weekly, two to three times a week, daily?
Who will be using the equipment?
- Adults, children, senior citizens, home cleaning service, etc.?
Do you have pets?
- What type of pets? Short hair or long hair? Birds? Potty trained? Shedders?
Allergies?
- Do people in your home suffer from allergies to dust or other particles? How about asthma?
Short term or long term?
- This is a trick question but worth asking. If you are planning on being in the same environment for a long time it makes sense to invest in a quality vacuum that will give you years (decades?) of worry-free service. This is always sound advice but easier to justify when your needs will not be changing. The alternative is the “buy it, break it, throw it away” mentality and in today’s product choices you could be in for lots of new vacuums until you decide to break the cycle.
Bagged or Bagless?
A simple question with a complicated answer. Here is our take on the subject: If you do not mind “playing with your dirt” and are aware of the amount of maintenance required to keep a bagless unit working properly (filter maintenance and replacement), go bagless.
If, on the other hand, you like better filtration (when equipped properly) and do not like “playing with your dirt” it’s time to consider a “Bagged” vacuum. Yes, the bags are a small extra expense but well worth it for the cleaner environment they will leave in your house.
