Buying Guide - Vacuum Cleaner Buying a vacuum cleaner can be a real challenge. In today's marketplace, consumers are being offered a wide variety of choices. Generally, you will find vacuum cleaners in two main styles: Upright vacuum cleaners (see our selection of upright vacuum cleaners) Canister vacuum cleaners (see our selection of canister vacuum cleaners) When there are so many different vacuum cleaners, how do you know which one is right for you? First, think about the type of flooring that you have. Uprights are designed primarily for carpets while canisters are more suitable for hard floors. Whether you have carpet, rugs or hard surface floors it’s important to have a vacuum that is efficient and easy to use. The following paragraphs give more detail about the vacuum styles available to you. Upright Vacuum Cleaners Upright vacuum cleaners are designed to clean large carpeted areas and heavy, plush rugs. Although they vary in weight, size and style the typical cleaning path of an upright vacuum ranges from 12” to 15” wide. Most models offer standard features such as carpet height adjustments, a headlight and swivel caster system for comfortable movement, a self-propelled motor and wall/furniture bumper guard. They generally come equipped with a dusting brush, hose, crevice tool and upholstery tool (depending on the model). Keep in mind that having many attachments can cause for a heavier vacuum which may be more difficult to maneuver. Beyond the standard features, some upright vacuums also offer advanced features that can increase the efficiency and convenience of your cleaning. The following advanced features are important to look for when shopping for a vacuum, they include: HEPA filtration— True HEPA filters have completely sealed airflow systems that limit the amount of dirt recycled by the vacuum. True HEPA filters remove 99.97% of 0.3 micron diameter particles (or larger) from the air that passes through the filter. These are especially useful in areas where people suffer from allergies. Dirt sensors—Dirt sensors reduce the suction strength of the vacuum if the floor isn’t very dirty and increases the suction strength if there is a lot of dirt on the floor.  On/off brush switches—On/off control switches allow you to turn the cleaning brush off for bare floor cleaning. Cord Length—A long electrical cord (more than 20' long) is desirable because it will enhance the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner. Noise Factor—Operating noise can be a factor in the convenience of using your vacuum cleaner. The noise factor is especially important to consider in areas where there are a lot of people (i.e. sleeping babies, nearby neighbors, etc.) Bagged or Bagless Uprights? Many upright vacuum cleaners have a bag where the dirt and dust is collected. This bag is usually made of thick paper or special fabric material and must be replaced when it becomes full. It makes for an easier disposal of the dirt (it all stays in the bag) but it also means that you always have to have a few extra bags on hand. Many of the newer upright models are bagless and collect dirt and dust in a special storage compartment. This storage compartment must be periodically taken out and emptied. The advantage of bagless models is that you do not have the additional cost of buying replacement bags. Canister Vacuum Cleaners Canister vacuums are best suited for cleaning bare floors, stairs, draperies and upholstery. They come equipped with versatile attachments to be used in floor to ceiling cleaning—this includes curtains, shelves and minute corners. Canister vacuum cleaners are portable and extremely easy to use. Most models feature a standard 12” to 15” wide cleaning path as well as a power brush nozzle for use on carpet and a retractable cord. Standard attachments include bare-floor brush, dusting brush, a wand, crevice tool and upholstery tool. Generally, the standard attachments are conveniently stored within a compartment in the canister, making it convenient to adjust cleaning modes at any time. Beyond the standard features, some canister vacuums also offer advanced features that can increase the efficiency and convenience of your cleaning. The following advanced features are important to look for when shopping for a vacuum, they include: HEPA filtration— True HEPA filters have completely sealed airflow systems that limit the amount of dirt recycled by the vacuum. True HEPA filters remove 99.97% of 0.3 micron diameter particles (or larger) from the air that passes through the filter. These are especially useful in areas where people suffer from allergies. Cord Length—A long electrical cord (more than 20' long) is desirable because it will enhance the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner. Hose Length—A long hose (more than 5’) is desirable for reaching into the especially high or far areas of your home. Noise Factor—Operating noise can be a factor in the convenience of using your vacuum cleaner. The noise factor is especially important to consider in areas where there are a lot of people (i.e. sleeping babies, nearby neighbors, etc.)

Bagged or Bagless Canisters? Many canister vacuum cleaners have a bag where the dirt and dust is collected. This bag is usually made of thick paper or special fabric material and must be replaced when it becomes full. It makes for an easier disposal of the dirt (it all stays in the bag) but it also means that you always have to have a few extra bags on hand. Many of the newer canister models are bagless and collect dirt and dust in a special storage compartment. This storage compartment must be periodically taken out and emptied. The advantage of bagless models is that you do not have the additional cost of buying replacement bags.