Selecting upright vacuums
Everything about selecting upright vacuums
Before you research upright vacuums, make sure you have defined your individual needs, as your choice will depend on this decision. There are many options and advantages from which to choose when selecting the right upright vacuum cleaner for you. These are some of the options you should consider before making your final choice.
The motor power (amps) can range from 3.6 to 12. The higher the amp rating, the more suction the vacuum will have and the more expensive it will be. You will also need to consider if you desire a bag or bag-less vacuum unit. The advantage of a bag-less vacuum is that you do not have to purchase costly cardboard bags. Another fact to consider is the type of filter.
You can choose micron filters or HEPA filters. HEPA filters claim to offer the best filtration, but the vacuum cleaner will be more expensive. The upright vacuum will generally include cleaning attachments. You should compare the available attachments with other models before deciding on which unit to purchase, and also consider the flexible hose length if that is appropriate to your needs. If your cleaning area includes wall-to-wall carpeting you may want to make sure the vacuum you choose has an edge cleaner.
Another advantage is the fact that the upright vacuum cleaner can be stored easier than other types. You can even dress the vacuum up in clothes specifically designed for upright vacuums and make it a conversation piece!
As you search for the right vacuum you will find it as there are many models available to meet your specifications. With several types of vacuums available on the market today, the consumer needs to compare the functions and performance of each type to decide which vacuum will best fit their needs and budget. All vacuum cleaners perform well on bare floors, but there is a vast difference in performance and price between the different models when it comes to cleaning carpets, drapes and upholstery.
UPRIGHT VACUUMS
Price Range $75 – $300 for most models.
Economical and easily stored, lightweight and portable. Attachments are easily stored on the body of the unit.
Tend to be excessively noisy, and cumbersome to operate on stairs. The entire machine is moved constantly to perform cleaning tasks.
CANISTER VACUUMS
Price Range $150 – $400
Cleans drapes, under furniture, and other hard to reach areas well.
Only the power head is moved during cleaning operations. More expensive than upright cleaners, and the canister unit is bulky and hard to store.
CORDLESS ROOM VACUUMS
Price Range $250 – $300
Perform light-duty jobs well. The Westinghouse Unplugged cordless upright and robotic Roomba work well on bare floors. They operate automatically, just turn them on and let them do their job. Both models perform poorly on carpets. The robotic Roomba k does not clean corners and it is difficult for it to transition from bare floors to carpets. (Details are available in our February 2004 report on the Roomba robotic floor cleaner available to subscribers.)
BROOM VACUUMS AND HAND VACUUMS
Price Range$20 – $75
Economical, and perform best for cleaning small areas. Easy to store and highly portable. Small cleaning area makes them unsuitable for large cleaning jobs. The dustbins do not hold much dirt.
CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS
Price Range$500 – $1,250 with tools,$300 – $700 to install.
Performs well like a canister vacuum without having to lug a canister body around. The suction unit is stored away from the living area, making them relatively quiet. Large soil capacity canister needs to be emptied infrequently. Central vacuums are expensive. Professional installation is often required. The 30-foot hose is difficult to store and cumbersome to handle. And there’s no place to carry tools while you work.