The Best Vacuum Cleaner for You
Buying a new vacuum cleaner is not as easy as it used to be. There are so many variances today in features, price, etc., that choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your needs takes a little bit of research. Would a bagless canister unit work best for you or do you need a cordless version? What type of upright is best for hardwood floors? What about brand? Should you go with a well known brand like Eureka or Kirby? Or would a lesser known brand, but one that gets good reviews and ratings be sufficient? Below is a short list of important decisions you should make to ensure that the vacuum you buy is the best vacuum cleaner for your needs.
1) What type of floor will you be vacuuming? Is most of your floor hard surface like hardwood floors, laminate flooring or tile? If so, a canister unit will work best for you. Bagless canister vacuums are best for stairs as well. They are much easier to maneuver up and down. However, they are not great for big open areas. Upright vacuums work best for those. Uprights also get the best ratings for carpeted floors.
2) Filter. There are many types of microfilters that work very well, not just HEPA. HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air. There are many types of filters that can perform as well as a HEPA filter, and can trap all of the bad stuff like it does, but costs less.
3) Attachments. Over 70% of homeowners that were surveyed in a recent study, reported that they consistently use two or less of the vacuum cleaner attachments that their unit came with. Do not overpay for attachments. There are units on the market that will only charge you per attachment. Determine your needs before shopping and only go with the attachments that work best for you.
4) Brand name or lesser known manufacturer. There can be a tremendous price difference between vacuum cleaners that are well known by name, like Eureka, Kirby or Oreck, and units made by lesser know vacuums. The main thing to consider when purchasing is the durability factor and the performance factor. The best way to determine whether or not the unit will last is by the warranty terms. Look for an unlimited warranty for a minimum of twenty years. Even a lot of the lesser known vacuum manufacturers will offer this. Do not purchase a unit with a limited or bad warranty.