Vacuum Buying Guide

A vacuum is a must-have any living space, from small apartments to large single-family homes, and everything inbetween. Keep reading to find out what HEPA stands for, how to clean your agitators, and what model is the best fit for you and your family.

Vacuum Types

​1. Upright : This is a great option if you have a ranch style home or will be leaving the vacuum on one level of your house since they tend to be bulkier. Upright models require less lifting and bending and can cover large areas quickly.

2) Canister : Canister vacuums consist of a lightweight canister attached to a hose which means they are easy to pick up and manoeuvre. They are a great choice for hardwood floors, curtains, stairs, and vertical surfaces.

3) Robotic : This option (see image right) is self-powered so it takes the work out of vacuuming. The combination of dirt sensors and a head that adjusts to accommodate different carpet heights makes it a snap to use.

4) Stick or Broom : Stick vacuums, sometimes called broom vacuums, are a lightweight design, that tends to use less power than the larger varieties. Often cordless, these models are best for small messes and do not have agitators.

5) Handheld : Handheld Vacuums are small, lightweight, and usually cordless, which makes them perfect for small clean-up jobs in tight spaces. Some models come with agitator attachments to help remove dirt from carpeting.

6) Deep Cleaning : These use steam cleaning to sanitize and deep clean carpeting. This model would be a good option if you have small children or pets since it removes deep set stains and dirt.

7) Steam Cleaners ​: Steam cleaners work to sterilize hard surface flooring using steam instead of chemicals. Consider this option for high traffic spaces like kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms.

Bag vs. Bagless Models

Benefits of Bag Vacuums: * The bag helps to contain the dirt and dust when it's time to dispose of the bag.

• A bag also adds another level of filtration. There are different grades of filtration bags that can help prevent allergen build-up in the home.

Benefits of Bagless Vacuums: ​* No bag, means no money spent on replacements.

• There is the satisfaction of seeing how much dirt you are picking up.
• No suction is lost as the canister fills up.

Tip!
Dump out your bagless vacuum's canister every time or every other time you use it to be sure it doesn't clog up with hair or other small objects you may vacuum up.

Agitators

An agitator is the part of the vacuum that comes in contact with the carpeting. It lives in the front of the machine and is either a metal, plastic, or wood piece that has bristles. These bristles work the carpet fibres to release dirt and debris so that the vacuum can suction it up more easily.​* Be sure to check your agitator for string and hair regularly. These pieces can get stuck and jam up the machine. To clean, just use your fingers, or a comb, to release the strands.

• Look for a metal agitator with replaceable bristles for a long term investment.
• Keep an eye on the bristle length. Shorter bristles are less effective in removing dirt.

Air Quality Features

HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air". HEPA filters are important to consider, especially if someone in your family suffers from allergies.​* Filters work to remove particles from the air that other vacuums would just release back into the air.

• True or Absolute HEPA filters are certified filters with serial numbers that have passed a test where they are required to filter at least 99.97 percent of particles.
• HEPA type filters are similar to the True HEPA filters, but have not passed the same test. These typically capture 85 to 90 percent of particles in the air.
• A true HEPA filter is only necessary if you have someone in the household who suffers from allergies.

Understanding Power

• Amps: The amount of electric current flowing through the vacuum.
• Watts: The amps multiplied by the voltage drawn.
• Most Upright cleaners are 7 to 12 amps.
• Higher ampage does not necessarily translate to more power. If you require more power instead consider the amount of suction a machine offers and the quality of the agitator.

Tip!
Small cordless vacuums make it easy for kids to pitch in. Try keeping one in the playroom or kid's bedrooms so they can be responsible for vacuuming their own space.

Suction

Suction is what makes for a more powerful machine that is capable of picking up deep down dirt.​* Look for a vacuum with two or three fans instead of one which improves suction power.

• Keep in mind hose and nozzle quality. Suction power can be lost through small gaps in the hose design.
• Handheld models (like the one pictured to the right) or upright versions often offer superior suction since there are few opportunities for suction loss.

Other Considerations

• Think about the surfaces you plan to use your vacuum on. If you have more hardwood than carpeting, think about investing in a steam cleaner. If you have pets, consider getting a vacuum specially made for pet stains and fur.
• If you have a lot of stairs in your home consider a lightweight model that can manoeuvre up stairs and into tight spaces.
• Be sure that whatever model you decide on comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. This protects you from defaults in the vacuum's design.