| A home vacuum cleaner is one of the most | | | | hoses that are sturdier and crush resistant. Make sure |
| expensive pieces of home cleaning equipment we will | | | | to check the amps of the vacuum cleaner to make |
| ever buy. There are quite a few features you want | | | | sure you're getting enough power. |
| know about and look for before you buy any upright | | | | It's important to find out exactly what kind of |
| or canister vacuum cleaner. There have been a lot of | | | | maintenance your new vacuum cleaner will need to |
| wonderful advances in vacuum cleaners over the | | | | keep it running properly so you can eliminate as many |
| years so it's hard to buy one that's actually bad or | | | | repairs as possible. Make sure the machine feels |
| you'd be unhappy with. Although sometimes you may | | | | comfortable to you. If you are buying online, try to |
| be unhappy with the features you selected or | | | | find the model in one of your local stores and try it |
| features you wish you had. That's where doing a lot | | | | out. Note that canister vacuum cleaners can come |
| of research first will really pay off. With diligence you | | | | with a bag or without a bag. |
| will find the right and best vacuum cleaner for you. | | | | Do you know if you want an upright unit or canister? |
| Now metal components in a vacuum cleaner are | | | | Do you want a new, used or refurbished vacuum |
| better than plastic but will make the unit much | | | | cleaner? The highest priced upright models may carry |
| heavier than you might like. The bagged upright | | | | every possible feature imaginable and they may be |
| vacuum cleaners use the bags as a filter to trap dirt. | | | | true HEPA rated vacuums. A self-propelled vacuum |
| And it may be more difficult to find as many of the | | | | cleaner may sound great, but in actuality they may |
| bells and whistles you'd like on the lightweight models. | | | | be very heavy to lift. So try lifting the potential |
| There are no standards set for the sealed vacuum | | | | model if you can. |
| cleaner models. If you have family members with | | | | A vacuum without a bag that uses filters may leak |
| long hair you might want to get a vacuum cleaner | | | | dust, dust mites, mold spores, fungus, bacteria, |
| that has a stainless steel brush roller with ball | | | | smoke particles, chemicals, allergens and other |
| bearings. A vacuum cleaner should be able to pick up | | | | particles into the air that are so small you may not |
| dust and particles both from the carpet and | | | | be able to see them. It's important to note that |
| hardwood floors. Many vacuum models don't pick up | | | | HEPA type or HEPA-like filters may be made in similar |
| well on all types of surfaces; make sure you check | | | | ways to 'true' HEPA filters and may resemble them |
| this out. | | | | but do not have to meet the same standards as |
| Check the height of fully assembled attachments to | | | | 'true' or 'absolute' HEPA filters. |
| make sure that you won't be bending over or holding | | | | Many people do not know that HEPA on the vacuum |
| your arm up in an uncomfortable position to use | | | | could mean the HEPA-type but not be the true |
| them. A vacuum cleaner with a bag will keep the air | | | | HEPA. So check this carefully. I always recommend |
| you breathe free of dust, allergens, pollen, smoke | | | | the 'true' HEPA to prevent respiratory illnesses and |
| particles, and many other chemicals and pollutants | | | | protect the precious lungs of your family. Those are |
| found in household air, that is if it doesn't get clogged. | | | | two different categories of HEPA filters that can |
| In the low end uprights you'll find a few models that | | | | make understanding the abilities of your filter |
| have an additional feature, like models without bags | | | | confusing. So get a vacuum with a good filtration |
| or models with bags and a 'full bag' indicator light. | | | | system and protect your lungs and overall health. |
| You can find vacuum cleaners listed in many places: in | | | | 'True' or absolute HEPA filters must pass a strict test |
| the yellow pages under the vacuum cleaner repair | | | | to be considered worthy of the HEPA rating. |
| stores, classified ads in your local newspaper, on | | | | Reducing or eliminating particles will make cleaner air |
| Craigslist online, eBay and other online auction sites | | | | for everyone in your home. Considering your health |
| and the manufacturer and dealer websites on the | | | | when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner is |
| Internet. You can also find refurbished vacuum | | | | important. You don't want to create or worsen |
| cleaners - many, of course, at garage sales that are | | | | respiratory, mobility, or back problems needlessly. |
| well used or next to new. You may want to find a | | | | Double check the reviews, ratings, rankings and |
| canister vacuum cleaner with the kind of wheels that | | | | opinions on the vacuum cleaner you've chosen. Ask |
| won't scuff or damage your floors. Higher-priced | | | | your friends and associates what has been the best |
| uprights have a wider cleaning path, possibly dirt | | | | vacuum for them. There have been a lot of |
| sensors, and some may be self-propelled. They might | | | | advances in vacuum cleaners over the years so it's |
| also have pre-motor filters to protect the motor | | | | hard to buy one these days that you'd truly be |
| from serious damage too. | | | | unhappy with, but if you proceed slowly and do your |
| Lower-end uprights may have headlamps and/or | | | | research you'll find the perfect vacuum cleaner with |
| bumper protection for your precious furniture. And | | | | just the right features for you. |
| uprights in the higher price ranges may have suction | | | | |