Tips and Tricks for Your Vacuum Search
A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) style vacuum cleaner can be one of the most important appliance purchases for many homes. For those households with members who suffer from chronic illness or respiratory issues, this is a critical purchase and the only type of vacuum they should consider. This is because these types of vacuums remove up to 99.97% of household dust, dirt and contaminants that may create or aggravate medical issues such as allergic reactions, asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. Because there are so many varying models on the market today, the savvy consumer needs to know the keys to selecting the perfect fit for them.
Photo: Daniel Gasienica
The first determination you will need to make with regards to the best HEPA vacuum cleaner is upright versus canister model. In general, the canister style is better for small areas (e.g., a condo, RV or dorm room) whereas the upright tends to be more fitting for larger spaces (e.g., a family home, hotel or industrial office spaces). Not only does this apply from an efficiency standpoint, but you need to purchase a size vacuum that you can easily store and retrieve. For instance, there is no point in purchasing a large upright model if there is no place to store it in your small vacation cabin or tiny studio apartment.
Once you have decided the style that suits your needs, you should make certain that any model that you are considering has a filter that will trap 99.97% of any microns that range between 0.35 to 10 microns. This will be found in the most efficient models and will capture a variety of viruses, bacteria, and even tobacco particles. You do need to be advised that some of the more uncommon viruses are going to be much smaller and therefore and a much more sensitive HEPA filter may be required. These vacuums are primarily designed for intensely sterile environments, such as a hospital or research lab, but are not generally required for a more residential purchase.
An additional consideration when it comes to selecting the ideal sealed HEPA vacuum cleaner is the type of flooring you have in your residence. If the house is primarily carpeted then the best option for your needs will be an upright vacuum. This has the greatest range and tends to have the most intense suction capacity. This will be required to really get into the nooks and crannies of carpeting. If your household has a combination of wood flooring and carpets, as many homes tend to have, the canister models are typically recommended. This is the preferred model in these instances because the canister styled vacuum can more fluidly and easily transition between carpeted and non-carpeted areas.
You should also consider mobility and flexibility when it comes to your new HEPA vacuum. Make certain that the parts move freely, that the wheels operate smoothly and that any attachments that the model may feature are simple to engage and then disengage. Also, if you will be cleaning more than one floor, be sure that the appliance is fairly simple to carry up and down stairs. Stainless steel or aluminum models are often the easiest to keep clean externally and also tend to be more attractive in general.
You should also make certain that the vacuum is easy to be emptied and that there will be either no residual waste or at least a modest amount. Most models also have pre-filters built into the unit, which will collect a good deal of debris and pollutants as well. This component should be easy to access and effortless to clean. Keeping this area of the appliance relatively clean will assure a long life of the actual HEPA filter, which in turn mitigates future expense. This is imperative with a purchase as important as a sealed HEPA vacuum cleaner.
Take these tips into consideration as you begin your quest for the best HEPA vacuum cleaner for all of your needs. These pointers will assure that you have made the best possible choice.
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