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Are you tired of pushing a corded vacuum cleaner around? Get a cordless vacuum cleaner. They are lightweight and offer powerful suction.
But you do not want to spend money on the first cordless vacuum you come across only for it to break down after a few uses. We have compiled this cordless vacuum guide to help you understand what to look for in a cordless vacuum. Here are seven cordless vacuum features to consider.
Type of Cordless Vacuum
A cordless vacuum comes in either handheld, upright, or stick vacuum style. Each style has its pros and cons.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are small, compact, portable units perfect for gentle cleaning chores and spot cleaning. They are lightweight (less than 5 pounds) to carry around your home or take outside to clean your car or garage. Plus, they are easy to use and maintain. However, handheld vacuums offer less suction power than corded vacuum cleaners.
Meanwhile, stick vacuums are slender, lightweight versions of upright vacuums. They are easy to maneuver and work well on rugs, carpets, floors, stairs, curtains, and ceilings. Moreover, they take little storage space and produce low noise levels. However, they feature small dustbins that need frequent emptying, and their motor provides light suction.
Upright vacuum cleaners have an upright design with a cleaning head, a dust bag, and a handle. They offer powerful suction power to clean carpets and hard floors, and their large vacuum head balances on its own, so you don’t have to bend when cleaning. Their upright design makes them easy to store, while their bagless dirt bags are easy to clean. But, some upright vacuums are heavy and bulky to move around.
An upright vacuum will suffice if you have a large home, as it has more powerful suction than stick and handheld vacuums.
Cordless Vacuum Suction Power
A cordless vacuum with high suction power produces better cleaning results. The two factors determining a vacuum cleaner’s power are suction pressure and airflow. Although some people think that wattage equals greater suction, wattage is simply a measurement of how much power a unit uses. For example, a 1000-watt vacuum means the unit uses 1000 watts of electricity per hour. So, a high-watt motor does not always translate to better suction.
Suction pressure is the force the vacuum cleaner applies when suctioning dirt from a surface. The higher the suction pressure, the quicker the vacuum will move a volume of air. So, look for models whose suction is between 5 and 20 kilopascals.
On the other hand, airflow is the volume of air displaced as the vacuum suctions. It is gauged in cubic feet per meter (CFM). We recommend vacuum cleaners that allow more airflow, preferably 125 CFM or higher.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaning Ability
Are you looking to clean carpets, hard floors, or both? Most cordless vacuums are designed for cleaning carpets. They feature rotating brush bars that loosen, collect and sweep embedded dirt, dust, and hair from carpets. However, these aggressive bars can scratch and damage hardwood floors.
So, if you need a vacuum cleaner that cleans hard floors and carpets, get one with extra cleaning attachments.
Size and Weight
You must consider a cordless vacuum’s size and weight as they impact your cleaning experience. If you want a vacuum for cleaning above the floor, get a stick vacuum, as it is lightweight and has a smaller footprint. Also, get a low-weight vacuum if you have to push it around your home or carry it up the stairs.
The size of a cordless vacuum also determines how much storage space it needs. If you are limited in space, opt for a model that easily breaks into individual components or has fewer attachments.
Cordless Vacuum Bin Capacity
Did you know that bin size can affect a vacuum’s suction power? Suction power decreases as the bag gets full. Therefore, check how small or big the bin capacity is compared to the size of your home. A large bin capacity is suitable for large homes or those with kids and pets.
Additionally, consider whether to get a bagged or bagless bin. Allergy and Air explains that bagged vacuums are more hygienic since you do not come in contact with dirt. They are ideal for persons with allergies as the airtight bag conceals pollutants and allergens. However, you need to buy extra replacement bags, which is a recurring expense.
On the other hand, bagless vacs collect dirt and can be emptied when full. Most vacuum cleaners have clear bin chambers, so you can tell when the vacuum needs emptying. The reusable bin reduces expenses since you empty, clean, and reassemble it rather than replace it. Unfortunately, emptying the bin exposes you to dust and allergens.
Cordless Vacuum Battery Life
Batteries power cordless vacuum cleaners, and you must check the type of batteries included. We recommend lithium-ion over nickel batteries. As Takoma Battery explains, nickel batteries have a smaller life cycle and self-discharge faster than lithium-ion batteries.
Next, check how long the battery lasts when cleaning at its lowest and highest setting. Cordless vacuums provide 15 to 45 minutes of battery life. Therefore, get a model that provides adequate running time for your home before the battery dies.
Also, consider whether you want a built-in or a removable battery. Removable ones allow you to swap batteries to extend runtime and are easier to replace. With built-in batteries, you will need to replace the vacuum cleaner when the battery becomes defective.
Additionally, check how long the battery takes to recharge fully. You want to avoid getting a model that takes 6+ hours to charge and only lasts 15 minutes of cleaning time.
Cordless Vacuum Warranty
A warranty offers you valuable protection. If the vacuum cleaner breaks down during the warranty period, you get free repairs or replacements to reduce costs. Check whether a brand offers a battery and vacuum cleaner warranty.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has shed light on how to choose a good cordless vacuum. When shopping online, check how a cordless vacuum is rated and read customer reviews to understand its efficiency better. Confirm that the vacuum can clean your floor types and that its maintenance schedule matches your lifestyle.
Sources: Allergy and Air, Takoma Battery.