Vacuum Cleaners

Lilah Knowles asked:


A lot of people feel that vacuum cleaners are a necessity in their homes. Not just any vacuum will do though. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the need for quality vacuum units. Quality units however are not always easy to get because the prices can be quite steep. Fortunately it is possible for you to get a hold of a discount vacuum cleaner that also has top quality. You simply have to look around at different offline and online stores for the perfect discount vacuum cleaner. To give you a head start in your search, here are some good items to consider.

Hoover WindTunnel

Looking for a good deal on upright vacuums? Some shops are offering the Hoover WindTunnel with almost over $50 the original price. The WindTunnel is a self-propelled forward and reverse vacuum that can clean 15 inches of area with a single stroke. Packed with a powered hand tool and a dual brush, this dust buster has a stretch hose, height adjustment capability, and easy operation fingertip control. Quiet and strong, one can get a discounted Hoover WindTunnel and still avail of a full year’s warranty.

CleanMate 365 Silver

For a little more than $100 you can be part of a developing technological trend with the CleanMate 365 Silver, a robot cleaner that you can order around. This is simply a great product if you want to multi task or simply sit and rest. You can do whatever you are doing and simply control your vacuum by remote. This unit is good in any surface and because of its compact design, it can even suck dirt from under beds, tables and cabinets. The best thing about it is that while it is cleaning up, it can also deodorize and even kill bacteria. This is definitely a technological wonder.

Bissell 5770 Bagless Upright

Been watching television and seen something you wanted that was out of your range? Keep an eye out on deals on some of the best upright vacuums such as the Bissell 5770. Some shops online are now offering this monster of a vacuum at $100 less than the original price. Considerable savings? That’s an understatement! This bagless, cyclonic vacuum from Bissell comes with a one year warranty, a 35 foot cord, on-board tools, and a built-in selector that allows you to use it on bare floors as well as carpets. The airtight vessel that collects the dirt is protected by a sealed HEPA filtration system to protect you from any allergens that might bother you.

These are just some of the many discount vacuum cleaner deals that you will find online and perhaps at your local store. Vacuums do not have to be expensive, and if you are a patient buyer, then the chances are that you will find what you like the most at a cheaper price later on. Just give it some time and make sure to browse and shop around before deciding on what to buy. Some of the best purchases are made when they are discounted and this will help you get the best high-quality products without having to break the bank.



Douglas

Paul Teven asked:


A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration vacuum cleaner is an important tool to minimize the effects of allergens and other indoor air pollutants, whether they aggravate existing conditions or to prevent future health problems.

Because HEPA filtration is so desirable, the term HEPA is used to market a wide variety of vacuum cleaners, and it is often applied in a highly misleading way that can make it difficult to choose a vacuum cleaner that will provide the levels of filtration you’re buying it for in the first place.

The HEPA filtration specification consists of two numbers that designate a very high level of filtration of very fine particles. The first number represents the filtration efficiency as a percentage and the second number is the particle size retained. For HEPA, filtration efficiency must be 99.97% and particles retained must be as small as 0.3 micrometers (formerly microns).

The phrase ?as small as? is important because it means that if all the particles were 0.3 microns in size, the filter would still capture and retain 99.97% of them (usually referred to as ?filtration efficiency?). The term ?down to 0.3 micrometers in size? does not refer to the same filtration performance, as it may refer to a mixture of particle sizes for the stated efficiency.

The ability to filter very small particles is a very important specification because small particles can easily reach the deepest recesses of the lungs and, according to the U.S. EPA, may cause a wide range of extremely negative health effects, such as aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms including aggravated coughing and painful or difficult breathing, eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory infections and chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, shortness of breath and lung cancer.

And for allergy sufferers, one of the most potent allergens, which is thought to be responsible for a significant percentage of allergies worldwide, is found in dust mite feces, which are generally 10 to 24 micrometers in size and even smaller when disturbed.

To give you some idea of how small these fine particles are, a human hair is approximately 100 micrometers thick. HEPA filtration is designed to capture 99.97% of particles one-third of one micrometer in size.

HEPA filtration is an important and valuable feature to have as part of your vacuum cleaner. So how can you be sure that you are getting true HEPA filtration? Let’s start with certified HEPA filters.

The HEPA Filtration Specification

The best HEPA filters are certified to meet stringent standards, such as the European Norm 1822 (also referred to as EN 1822) for filtration performance, and are identified with a certification number. Certified HEPA filters are also known as True or Absolute HEPA filters. European companies often refer to them as S-Class filters.

Originally developed for rating filtration systems for maintaining extremely clean environments in pharmaceutical, computer manufacturing, medical and other clean-critical facilities, certification using this standard assures you that the filter will perform as a true HEPA filter.

The EN 1822 is a two-part test. The first part of the test identifies the particle size that most easily penetrates the HEPA filter, to establish the ?Most Penetrating Particle Size? or MPPS.

Once the MPPS is identified, the second part of the test challenges the filter ONLY with particles of the most penetrating size. If a filter can maintain 99.97% filtration under the very worst-case scenario, then you have a filter that delivers true HEPA filtration.

And because efficiency is strongly correlated to the speed at which the air passes through the filter, this test is done using the same rate of airflow as when the filter is in place and the vacuum cleaner is in use.

This is extremely important because all vacuum cleaners operate based on air flowing from the opening at the cleaning head, through the vacuum cleaner and the bag and filter system and then out the exhaust port. It makes sense then that HEPA filtration is achieved when the filter system (a filter or series of filters that can include the dust bag) retains 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.

If a HEPA filter is tested at less than the actual airflow it will be subjected to when the unit is being used, these small particles can simply blow right through the filter into the room air during normal operation. This is one way in which a filter that may actually be HEPA will not deliver HEPA filtration in the real world.

Certifying the Entire System

The next important question is whether or not all the air going into the vacuum cleaner actually passes through the filter system. If air leaks out of the vacuum before it is filtered, some percentage of those lung damaging particles and allergens that have settled on flooring and other surfaces are recirculated into the room air where the extremely light particles can circulate for hours. In this case, vacuuming can actually worsen the air quality in the home.

So not only is a HEPA filter certified using standard EN 1822 crucial, it is also important that the vacuum cleaner be extremely well sealed, so that air does not leak before the filter.

In order to deliver the highest levels of filtration in a sealed system there are now some vacuum cleaner manufacturers that use HEPA filters certified using the EN 1822 standard but they are also certifying the entire vacuum cleaner.

These manufacturers are offering proof positive that no air leaks before the filter and that all air that goes into the unit is HEPA filtered before it leaves.

Therefore, to protect your health and in situations where someone in your home is already suffering with a condition that can benefit from a true HEPA filtration vacuum cleaner, certified vacuum cleaners are the only way to obtain total assurance of HEPA filtration.

This doesn’t mean that companies that do not certify the entire vacuum cleaner leak air before the filter but you have to use your judgment. The companies that offer certified vacuum cleaners also offer high quality models with certified HEPA filtration, even though the entire vacuum is not certified.

Look for heavy rubber seals where the housings come together, as well as other evidence of high quality construction, such as heavy-duty plastic that maintains its structural integrity.

When selecting vacuum cleaners where the whole machine is not certified, be sure that the HEPA filtration is tested and certified using the EN 1822 standard. This is a solid indication that you are dealing with a manufacturer that is serious about delivering true HEPA filtration.

If you choose a vacuum based on anything less than described above, you may or may not be getting HEPA (or anything close to HEPA) filtration. The minimum standard should be that the manufacturer makes a HEPA claim and states the filtration efficiency and particle size retained, so that you can be sure that it is actually the HEPA standard of 99.97% efficiency capturing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.

Beware Misleading Tactics

Unfortunately, ?creative? use of the term HEPA is rampant in the vacuum cleaner industry and we have seen so-called ?True HEPA? claims on vacuum cleaners with no efficiency or particle sizes listed. And the rest of the claims they make in their advertising do not come close to true HEPA performance.

True, certified HEPA performance represents some design challenges to vacuum cleaner manufacturers. Creating a sealed system and dealing with the increased levels of airflow resistance of true HEPA filtration while maintaining outstanding cleaning performance require companies to meet very high standards of engineering, design and manufacturing. This is one of the main reasons that these vacuum cleaners cost more than mass-market products.

But a side benefit to products from these companies is that because they are so quality oriented they produce some of the very finest vacuum cleaners available that deliver outstanding cleaning performance and are a pleasure to use.

Some companies also produce very high filtration vacuum cleaners that do not reach HEPA levels, in order to deliver high filtration at a more affordable price. For example, one company offers filtration that retains 99.95% of particles down to 0.5 of a micrometer and 94% of particles down to 0.3 of a micrometer. And, many of these units can be upgraded to a true HEPA filter at any time. These vacuum cleaners can be an excellent value, delivering very high levels of filtration just shy of true HEPA.

Beware of the misleading tactics of many vacuum cleaner manufacturers. Some manufacturers play fast and loose with the term HEPA and make claims such as ?traps 100% of dust mites, ragweed and common grass pollens?, with no mention of filtration efficiency or particle size. Manufacturers that make statements like this are counting on uneducated consumers choosing their product based on information that is misleading at best.

The reality is that dust mites do not cause allergic reactions; it is an allergen contained in their fecal material, which is very small. Dust mites themselves are generally about 125 micrometers long and most pollens are between 5 and 50 micrometers in size. These are huge particle sizes and nowhere near as small as the 0.3 micrometers required for true HEPA filtration. And, this claim is also on a machine that claims HEPA filtration but does not list filtration efficiency or particle size.

When evaluating vacuum cleaners that offer advanced filtration below HEPA, once again, look for specific efficiency and particle size ratings as well as a highly sealed housing so you can make an educated decision. If a manufacturer doesn’t show these numbers you’re better off somewhere else.

And, beware of companies that will state filtration efficiency without a particle size or a particle size without filtration efficiency. One without the other is meaningless.

In summary, filtration of fine particles can really improve indoor environmental conditions for people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments as well as protect the health of everyone in your home.

The very best performance will be obtained by use of EN 1822 certified HEPA vacuum cleaners (the entire vacuum cleaner), followed by high quality, well sealed vacuum cleaners using EN 1822 certified HEPA filters. High filtration but less than HEPA vacuum cleaners made by reputable manufacturers may also be good choices but be sure to look for both filtration and particle size specifications in an extremely high quality product.



Roland

Jennifer C asked:


I want to get a vacuum cleaner for my house, and I am considering getting a bagless one. I will use it for carpet and other surfaces.

Jesus

scanjet asked:


I essentially am looking for a carpet/floor upright vaccum cleaner. I was looking around in stores and found a lot of choice however. I notieced the following things about various brands.

1. Bissell = Seems to be the cheapest and offers more features for it’s price but looks kind of flimsy. Is this a good brand. Offers 1 yr warranty.

2. Dirt devel = Cost a little more and looks better. Offers 2 yr warranty?

3. Hoover = I know this is a well known brand but all I was able to see was the steamvacs. My mom had one and it’s about 4 yrs old. Its very good still cleans up.

Also I noticed Canaster Vacuum cleaners. What are the advantages of these? What is the purpose of having a canaster? I just don’t want to get a habbit of purchasing a vacuum every 1 year because it breaks….

Carolyn

Janesmith asked:


A good vacuum cleaner is an essential tool necessary to clean any home. It can be the one piece of equipment that makes a home fresh and neat. There is a vast market of various vacuum cleaners and it can be hard to find the right one. With the array of different vacuum cleaners on the market, it can be very difficult to choose just one, especially the right one.

The most important aspect of buying a vacuum cleaner is making sure that it will fulfill all the duties it needs to. There are several different types of vacuum cleaners and it is important to choose that style that will fit best in the way it needs to be used.

Style

The two basic styles are the upright and the canister. Decide how the vacuum will be used and choose a style with that in mind.

Bag?

Vacuums today come in either bag or bagless design. If the bag style is chosen, bags must be bought periodically, while the bagless design clearly needs none of the excess.

Duty Rating

This is important to consider when thinking of the longevity of the piece of equipment. How long is the vacuum going to be used? In what fashion is the vacuum cleaner going to be used? Answering these questions will help decide what type of duty rating is needed when purchasing a vacuum cleaner.

Suction Power

Decide how much cleaning ability the vacuum must have to complete the job at home. Is there constantly dirt on the floors, or is the house relatively clean? Answering this question will help decide how much suction power the vacuum must have.

There are many vacuums on the market today and, ultimately, it comes down to how the vacuum is going to be used in the home. The right vacuum cleaner is a matter of finding one that will fit well with you current lifestyle.



Jesus

starlightrap asked:


My vacuum (hoover bagless) had no suction so I turned it over and found a mess of a clog just behind the beater bar. I took it apart and cleaned it out and found there is a flap just at the beginning of the hose. I pushed it with a screw driver and it does move open but not easily. I have to push pretty hard to get it to move. Does anyone know what function this flap has? Can I remove it somehow or would that ruin my vacuum?

Eva

Eliza asked:


Dyson vacuum cleaners have their origins in as early as 1978. Since then it has revolutionized vacuum cleaning and home maintenance. Dyson differentiates itself through its use of technology to avoid usage of bags or filters to combat dust. This allows for powerful, smooth dust suction.

Dyson vacuum cleaner spares and accessories comprise Dyzolv spot cleaners, Flexi crevice tools, Mattress tools, party cleanup kits, soft dusting brushes, stubborn dirt brushes, up top tools and zorb pouches. Their spare parts depend on the type of vacuum cleaner type such as upright cleaners, cylinder cleaners, or handheld cleaners. Depending on this there are different models to choose from ranging from DC 01 to DC 18. Then upon selecting the model variant, Dyson recommends the best spare or accessory suitable. Thus through refined searches, Dyson vacuum cleaner spares and accessories are customizable to each model’s unique needs.

Flymo Lawn Mower spares and Accessories are designed to combine comfort with effortless lawn moving. These accessories and spares include plastic lawn mover blades which come in packages of 10 pieces. The plastic blades also include Microlite blades which are half moon in shape and also come in packets of 10. The Flymo Lawn Mower spares and accessories also comprise Flymo Lawn Rake Compact 340 which is good for scarifying lawns. The 34 cm working width combined with a cylindrical mechanism make for good collection of moss.

Goblin Vacuum Cleaner Paper Dust Bags and Accessories are versatile with a combination of strength and endurance. Goblin’s paper dust bags come in packs of 5 or 10 in each and prices vary from between 3.99 to around 8.98 British pounds sterling. Goblin’s Vacuum cleaner paper dust bags and accessories also comprise filters, tools, hoses and belts. These add functionality and ease of use to Goblin’s existing wide range of vacuum cleaners.

For More Details : www.unifit.co.uk



Roberta

Susan Fielding asked:


A vacuum cleaner is one of the most vital cleaning tools for your home or business. Therefore it is very important when purchasing a new vacuum cleaner that you make the correct decision.

With such an ever increasing selection of different models, types and styles of vacuums available today, selecting the right one for your needs can soon become confusing.

The following is a breakdown of the main types of vacuum cleaners which will make choosing the right one a little easier.

Upright Vacuum Cleaner: This is the most popular type of vacuum in the United States. An upright vacuum cleaner will provide you with greater suction power than other types, and is generally easier to use. Upright vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning large carpeted areas and rugs.

Canister Vacuum Cleaner: A canister vacuum is ideal for bare floors, and also great for cleaning upholstery, drapes, and blinds. Canister vacuum cleaners are light and more maneuverable, and are the best option if you have a staircase in your home.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaner: A bagless vacuum does not have a bag, so this is very convenient when you need to empty the dust compartment. You simply take out the filter, empty it into the trash, and then put it back into the vacuum. The suction power of a bagless vacuum cleaner will last regardless of how full the dust compartment may get.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner: A robotic vacuum is set to automatically move around the room, and is powered by a battery. When it has finished cleaning, it returns to the charging base.

Central Vacuum Cleaner: This is installed in your home or business, and has the suction motor and bag located in a central place in the building. Vacuum inlets are placed at various points throughout the building, so only the hose and attachment is needed to be carried from one room to another. Central vacuum cleaners are typically more expensive, and you will need to consider the cost of installation as well as the design.

There are also the handheld vacuum cleaners which are typically used for spot cleaning. These are small, light and usually cordless.

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, make sure you consider what types of surfaces you will be cleaning. If you have to deal with pet hair, the power head brush types of vacuums are best. Also take into account the size of your house, the type of carpet, and whether you will be cleaning stairs, curtains, upholstery or cleaning beneath sofas. Taking the time to ponder these things will help you to make the best choice.



Gladys

Massey asked:


This is a terrible movie with horrible special effects. A babysitter and young boy are being hunted by a old-school vacuum cleaner. That vacuum can hear but not see and kills its prey by sucking on victim’s faces.

Rhonda

Arthur Raise asked:


Vacuum cleaners are today a part of our lives. They do not just ease heavy chores but help keep our homes, offices, shops, clinics, hospitals, and other business environments allergen free and dust free. Studies have proven that vacuuming has several health benefits.

The market is flooded with many kinds and brands of vacuum cleaners. There are Dirt Devils, Eureka, Dyson, Electrolux, Kirby, Hoovers and many more. Every brand and type has its pros and cons. There are gadgets with many different functions and attachments. Buying a vacuum cleaner is not easy business and different kinds are to be used for differing purposes.

Here is a vacuum cleaner 101 to help you in your purchase of a vacuum cleaner:

1. Determine what your vacuuming needs are, do you have heavy curtains and upholstery. Do you live near a dusty road with lots of traffic or in a clean quite environment? There are tow basic kinds of vacuum cleaners the upright and the canister. Check out the pros and cons of each kind.

2. Think about weight. If you buy a heavy vacuum and too many stairs then things will be difficult. So choose a vacuum that is easy to handle and can be used even by the kids.

3. Ask about the suction power. If you have pets and hair all around you will need a vacuum that has greater suction power. If you are cleaning electronics then you need a gentler vacuum.

4. Many vacuums have a HEPA or water filtration system to trap dirt sucked up from carpets and upholstery. Few machines let microscopic dust out through the exhaust and this causes asthma and other allergies. Although vacuums with filtration systems are more expensive they are more effective in removing pollen and dust mites from the environs.

5. Another important consideration is attachments. Some vacuums have many different attachments to clean special equipment like computer key boards, music systems and so on. Some have different kinds of brushes for upholstery and curtains and computer key boards.

6. Read through the warranties carefully. This is important as you need to know what is covered and what is not.

7. Determine what the ongoing expenses are likely to be. Many vacuums require replacement of filters and bags.

8. Think about storage space. How you will store the vacuum and its numerous cords and attachments.

9. Consider how much electricity the vacuum will consume and the noise it will create. The stronger the machine the more the power it will use. The higher the wattage the better its cleaning capacity and saving on power. You will need to check whether you have the right kind of socket in all the rooms in your home.

10. Think whether you need a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. These are useful to mop up liquid spills but are not considered to be very useful in a home.

11. Check whether the cleaner has CRI Green Label. This certifies adherence to stringent performance standards.

In general high-traffic areas of the home need more frequent vacuuming. If any surface is lightly soiled then it will need three passes while heavy duty surfaces will need at least eight passes of the vacuum cleaner.

Choose a vacuum with care and you will gain a friend for life. Vacuuming keep your environment clean and promotes good health.



Manuel