Plus, how to choose a new vacuum and take care of it.
You dont want to ignore any of the red flags that you need an upgrade.
Janice Stewart is the owner ofCastle Keepers House Cleaningin Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina.
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The vacuum doesn’t work as well as it used to.
A vacuum that cant do its job effectively is just taking up space.
The vacuum gets clogged easily.
This is certainly frustrating, but it can actually become a fire hazard.
The vacuum is excessively loud.
Every vacuum makes noise, and some are inherently louder than others.
Check for a clog first, which is likely if theres also been a drop in performance.
Once you rule that out, you should start looking for a replacement vacuum before your current one breaks.
You want to upgrade to a more advanced model.
Not all vacuums are created equally, and technology changes all the time.
Your cleaning needs have changed.
Different vacuums are effective in different circumstances.
Upright and canister vacuums, with proper maintenance, can last eight to 10 years, she says.
If you take care of stick vacuums, it’s possible for you to get five to eight years.
As you may have gathered, the key to extending the life of your vacuum is prioritizing the upkeep.
It takes only minutes but could end up saving you hundredspotentially even thousands over time.
Thinking about these factors will help you narrow them down.
Floor bang out
According to Stewart, this is going to be your biggest consideration.
Besides carpet, theres hardwood, tile, and laminate.
If you have mixed flooring, you just want something with a height setting.
Filtration System
The gold standard is the HEPA filter, which is short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air.
It can remove 99.995% of particles in the air, from 0.3 microns, and requires annual replacement.
If allergies arent a concern, a regular vacuum with a simple filter is fine, Stewart says.
When considering what features to splurge on, Stewart recommends you prioritize weight, maneuverability, and noise level.
You dont want a noise level above 60 decibels, she says.
Popular Types of Vacuums
Upright
This is the most traditional kind of vacuum.
Theyre best for large carpeted areas, especially where you have wide cleaning paths, explains Stewart.
Theyre easy to move around furniture and stairs, and theyre good for mixed surfaces, she continues.
I use mine to quickly vacuum in the kitchen and theyd also be good for apartments.
Can I Repair My Vacuum Instead?
Repairing your vacuum is almost always an optionthe real question is whether or not it makes sense.
The last consideration is how well your vacuum is serving you overall.
If youve been hoping to upgrade to newer models with extra features or better performance, nows the time.
