Choosing the Vacuum That Is Right for You

What vacuum is right for you? We don’t know! But you do, and we will help you discover what you already know. The right vacuum for you is the one that best meets your needs. Let’s look at the three major components involved in the right vacuum purchase: Volume, Versatility, and Value.

Volume: Let’s start with this question: How much floor do you have to vacuum, either carpeting or bare floor? If you have more than 1,500 square feet, then the width of the nozzle should be a major factor in your purchase. Vacuum widths range from 8 inches to about 16 inches. Larger homes or commercial spaces require the time-saving benefit of a wider width. If you have less flooring to clean, then other features can play a larger role. If you have more flooring, but it contains lots of obstacles like furnishings or retail display racks, then you might want to opt for wide, but not too wide, like a 12 or 14-inch unit.

Versatility: What other cleaning do you plan to do with the vacuum? If it’s just floor care, buy the best carpet/bare floor machine you can afford. Here’s a hint: Sometimes commercial units are built from more durable components, and may offer a better warranty, for just a few dollars more. This is especially true for models that do not have any attachments or onboard tools. If you want the unit to help with upholstery care, dusting, digging into crevices in the couch, and removing cobwebs from overhead corners, then a machine with a good selection of onboard tools is a better choice. Hoses should be at least six feet long. Telescoping wands add reach. A motorized upholstery and stairs brush is a big advantage.

Value: Your budget is the third vital factor in deciding which vacuum makes the most sense. There are very good machines in all price ranges. You certainly don’t want to spend more on a vacuum than your carpet is worth, especially if you plan to replace it soon, or move. On the other hand, if you have invested in finer carpeting and flooring, or plan to, then some of the budget should be reserved for a machine that will do a superior job of eradicating dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris. Clean carpeting lasts longer, and the cleaner the longer, as the experts have proven. If you plan to shampoo the carpet yourself, clean upholstery, polish hard wood floors, as well as vacuum very regularly, then buying one multi-tasking unit will likely cost less than separate units of equal quality. In the competitive vacuum cleaner market, it is generally true that you get what you pay for. Quality of floor care will be consistent with price. You might also be happier with a refurbished vacuum of superior quality rather than a new one that will not perform as well, but will cost about as much.

Beyond the 3 V’s, consider the quality of the air in your environment. Most of the top vacuums on the market have very good filtration systems, with HEPA filters doing the best job of removing allergens from the air. Asthma and allergy sufferers will want top quality filtration, especially where pets or smokers are present. Speaking of pet owners, they will want a unit that has a motorized roller brush for lifting pet hair off floors and furniture. Many models will offer this performance, not just those with “pet” or “animal” in the product description.

Be sure to ask your friends about their vacuums and the performance they deliver. Do some research. Buying the right vacuum takes a bit of thought, but be patient and find the right fit.