1 - Expectations
- A cleaner that is fast in function and easy to use on all surfaces
- Has a good filtration system that gets rid of all those horrible dust mites and airborne allergens
- A cleaner that works while I sit on my couch and monitor it around
- Sucks dust and not too much of power!
- Easy to clean and maintain
| While we have arrived at what is necessary and sufficient, let us now attempt to map these to the characteristics of a vacuum cleaner, to see which aspects are of importance. Before that, let us understand the working of a vacuum cleaner. |
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2 - How it Works
Vacuum cleaners work on the principle of “suction”.A Vacuum cleaner uses air to remove dust and particulate matter from surfaces. Usually, an electrically powered fan is used to produce a zone in which the air pressure is below atmospheric pressure, causing a draft of air to flow (called bypass air) through the surface, pulling the small particles with it. The draft passes through a filter bag which traps the particles, and the flow of air is then discharged back into the atmosphere. In certain machines, the electric motor and wiring are sealed so that wet surfaces can also be cleaned safely.
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3 - Types of Vacuums
Buying a vacuum cleaner can be an irksome job as there are many designs and types of vacuum cleaners available.
Here's a rundown of what's available.
3.1 - Upright
Upright vacuum cleaners have the pump mounted directly above the suction intake, with the bag mounted on the handle. The
handle rises to about waist height. Upright designs usually employ mechanical beaters and rotating brushes, to help dust
to be vacuumed up; these beaters are usually driven by a belt attached to the vacuum motor.
Advantages
- Gives better control as you can steer them around
- Especially good for carpets
- As there is no hose pipe connecting suction point and the dirt bag, the dirt does not pass through a long pipe and hence it consumes lesser power
- Easier to store than canisters
3.2 - Canister
Canister(or cylinder) designs have the motor and bag in a separate canister unit (usually mounted on wheels)
connected to the vacuum head by a flexible hose. In cylinder cleaners, the motor turns a fan that in turn sucks up dust
and dirt from the cleaning head, through the hose and into the dust bag. Cylinder cleaners rely entirely on suction to
draw the dust in, so they tend to be very powerful.
Advantages
- Works well on bare/hard floors.
- Very compact hence easier to use on upholstery
- More powerful than upright cleaners
- More stable on stairs than upright cleaners
3.3 - Handheld cordless dust busters
These models are ideal for small jobs around the house and for cars or caravans but their reduced power and cleaning
capacity don’t make them a viable alternative. Some models can pick up liquids as well as dust.
Advantages
- Light weight
- Ideal for any dry spills around the house
- Quick and easy to use
3.4 - Steam Cleaners
Steam Cleaners heat the water up to 120°C under high pressure. At this temperature and pressure the steam produced is
drier and surfaces are left damp, not wet. This means that carpets are dry to the touch after 10 to 15 minutes.
Advantages
- The high temperature kills all germs and bacteria including dust mites, so is of benefit to allergy and asthma sufferers
- These use very fine, dry, high-pressure steam which dissolves dirt and grease in the carpet
- Using tap water they offer an eco-friendly way to clean the household. They can be used on virtually any surface - upholstery, mattresses, tile grout – even cleaning ovens or for removing wallpaper
Here are some good questions to ask yourself when deciding what type of vacuum will best suit your needs:
- Q: Canister machines offer many features, but do I really need these features?
- A: Yes, if you have drapes, upholstery, hard floors and stairs. It will not be very useful for cleaning large sized carpets.
- Q: Upright machines normally make more noise; can I bear more than 70dB?
- A: Normally upright machines make 69dB noise; any point higher than 85dB is certainly not
advisable. However, if it is fulfilling all your needs, wearing ear plugs while using the machine is the only
solution.
- Q: I am allergic to dust. Do I really need to buy the unattractive steam cleaner?
- A: Nowadays many cleaners come equipped with HEPA filters, which give 99.97% protection from
dust and airborne allergens
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4 - Specifications
4.1 - Filtration System
The kind of filtration system or the level of filtration varies from none (use a bag to collect dust) to sophisticated
(filter out pollen and particles less than 100 microns). Units with filtration systems generally cost more, but can be
effective in reducing allergens at home. HEPA (High efficiency particulate air) filters claim to capture 99.97% of all
particles. HEPA filtration system is 99.97% efficient in removing particles and bio-aerosols. HEPA filters trap and hold
harmful bacteria in the cleaner. However, machines without HEPA are not reported to perform badly since the amount of dust
emitted depends as much on the design of the entire machine as on its filter. Some cleaners also have life time filters
4.2 - Voltage
On supply of low voltage, the speed of the motor will be lower, thereby reducing the suction power of the cleaner. Since
vacuum cleaners use “bypass” air to cool the motor a decrease in voltage and subsequent decrease in bypass air
may tend to overheat the motor. A higher than normal voltage will result in the motor running faster, adding to the wear
and tear of the bearings.
4.3 - Wattage
Higher the wattage, greater is the power of the cleaner. However, this is more important on cylinder/canister type of
vacuum cleaners. This is since; the accumulated dust has to be driven up the extension tube towards the filter bag of
the cleaner. Many models have variable power thereby enabling you to modify the suction force to match your cleaning
requirement.
4.4 - Weight
The Weight of a vacuum cleaner should be a deciding factor if you have to climb stairs and clean floors. Remember you
will have to carry the cleaner up and down! Though canister models are relatively heavier than upright models, you only
have to carry hose pipe and power head.
4.5 - Motor Suction
1500mm/ water column to 2350 mm/ WC 16000 Pascal to 23500 Pascal – these are the general ratings that you would
come across. These ratings are assigned to the suction power of a motor. One inch of water column is equivalent to about
249 Pascal. Motor suction refers to the maximum pressure that the pump can create. Higher the suction rating, more powerful
is the cleaner.
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4.6 - Airflow
The through-motor air flow arrangement is relatively more efficient than by-pass arrangement as greater airflow can be
obtained with same power and less noise. |
4.7 - Noise Level
Decibel level in excess of 70dB is not only unpleasant but also unnecessary.
4.8 - Radius Coverage
The radius covered by canister machines normally range from 25 to 35 feet. A longer hose pipe extends the range of your
cleaner without you having to carry the cleaner around
A dust and dirt free environment not just allows you to breathe easy, but also protects you from skin and lung diseases.
A vacuum cleaner is the ultimate solution for a dirt and dust free environment. So get yourself a vacuum cleaner of your
choice and suck out the dirt and dust from every nook and corner of your house.
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