How To Choose The Best Vacuum Cleaner For Your Home

If you’re shopping around for a new vacuum cleaner, you’d already know that there are many models and a wide assortment of features. We’ve created this easy checklist that will guide you through the vetting process.

Here’s how to choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home and family.

Consider the Filter

As you vacuum and suck items from your floor, it goes into either a dust collection bin or into a bag. The air then goes back through a series of filters to trap the remaining dust and dirt as it expels clean air into the room.

There are a few filters you can choose from, including:

• Disposable Filters – If you buy this type of vacuum, you’ll have to replace the filters periodically. If you are trying to lessen your carbon footprint and save money, you will need to consider this recurring purchase and expense.
• HEPA Filter – A HEPA filter is excellent for homes that have people with allergies. HEPA filters trap and remove microscopic debris like dust and pet dander. Many high-quality vacuums, including a number of the best Shark vacuums (among others) come with powerful HEPA filtration systems installed. Other popular brands, including Dyson, Miele, and Bissell also commonly include HEPA filtration.
• Washable Filters – Many top-rated vacuums today have reusable, washable filters. You can even put them into your dishwasher for a quick clean between uses. Your filter will get a deep clean, and you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

Bag or Bagless

If you decide to get a vacuum with a bag, you’ll have to throw it out when you fill it and put a new one in. A bagless system has you empty out the container or dust cup when it fills up. A bagged vacuum cleaner is less messy, but it’s more expensive because you have to buy new bags.

Emptying a dirty container can be messier, but it’s less expensive. One big thing you have to dig into is how easy it is to get into the container or dust cup to empty it. Sometimes, longer fibers or hair can wind around parts of the container, and you have to see how easy it is to get to it and pull it out.

Corded or Cordless

A cordless vacuum gives you more freedom to move, but it puts constraints on how long you can run it before you have to charge it. If you have a smaller home that you can vacuum under 30 minutes, a cordless unit isn’t a bad idea to have.

If you have a larger home, a corded vacuum is typically best. While you will have to maneuver around more and be mindful of the cord, it’ll run as long as you want. Whichever one you choose, think about your home. If you go cordless, pay attention to how long it runs and how long charging takes. For corded, pay attention to cord length.

Weight

Technology has managed to strike an excellent balance between power and weight. Many of the higher-rated vacuums weigh around 20 pounds. If you have back or joint problems, this could be heavier than you can easily manage to carry up or down stairs.
There are several very lightweight vacuums available as well that weigh in around seven pounds. While this is lightweight, it may not be strong enough to handle deep pile carpeting.

Dimensions

A lot of people fail to take a vacuum’s dimensions into consideration when they shop. If you have a large area to cover each time you vacuum, getting a vacuum with wider dimensions can cut down the time you spend each time you take it out. However, they make it more difficult to fit into tight spaces, and it usually makes them heavier.

Also, take your vacuum’s height into consideration. If you’re really tall or short, it can be uncomfortable vacuuming if you can’t adjust it to fit. Look at the reviews and see what people say about attachments or adjustments your vacuum has and doesn’t offer to help make your decision.

Capacity

How much dirt will your vacuum hold before you have to empty it or change the bag? If you have a large house, having a bigger container or bag ensures you won’t have to empty it after every vacuuming. Smaller houses can usually get away with smaller bags or containers. Double-check the vacuum’s capacity and how difficult it is to get to it to switch it out or clean it.

Versatility

Depending on the vacuum, versatility is a big thing to consider. Do you just need it to go back and forth across your flooring? Maybe there are times when you need your vacuum to do more for you. Do you want it to reach into corners above your head to clean cobwebs, or do you want it to help you clean blinds? If so, you may need a vacuum that has attachments that you can switch out to clean various parts of your home.

See Also: 9 Foolproof Ways On How To Maintain A Clean House

Warranty

What will happen if you need to clean your vacuum cleaner? If you have a warranty, it can help cover the costs. Since a vacuum can be an expensive investment, you want a long warranty. Many vacuums come with at least a five-year warranty. Double-check what the warranty covers as far as damage too.

Budget

Price will play a role in the vacuum you end up choosing because they can get very expensive. Do you want a cheap option that may not last as long, or can you pay more for a machine that will last years? Generally, a basic upright vacuum runs around $100, depending on the brand and features. More expensive options range from $300 to $500 each. Canister vacuums run between $50 and $1,500. Finally, handheld vacuums start around $30 and go up to $300 each.

Bottom Line

By considering the size of your home, what you need from your machine, and which features you lean more into, you should be able to choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home the next time you’re in a showroom or shopping online.