Let’s answer the question, how long do vacuums last.
Buying a vacuum can be a stressful process, you will see ads raving about how powerful the suction of their cordless vacuum is but with everyone saying the same thing it can be hard to find the perfect vacuum for you.
Most of us will concentrate on the brand, suction or style of the vacuum. But one factor a lot of people fail to consider is longevity.
It’s pointless having a vacuum with all the fancy suction and cord free movement if the thing is going to stop working after just a few months.
How Long Do Vacuums Last?
Average Lifespan
Consumer Reports, a group who independently test products have said that the average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is eight years.
This eight year figure will obviously depend on how often you use it and what you are picking up.
If you are living in a one bed apartment on your own then you will not have to use it as much as a family living in a home with a pet that will shed fur and kids who will drop and spill food.
So if that vacuum that you have been using for eight years is starting to struggle and you are noticing a clear drop in performance then it should be time to replace.
How You Know It Is Time To Replace
Noticing that your vacuum is not picking up dirt like it used to, it could be easy to reach the conclusion that it is time to replace your vacuum.
However, even if your vacuum is years old and it has been through a lot of use, it does not mean that it’s time to get a new one.
Before you commit to spending hundreds of dollars on a newer model, you can take a minute and think about if there is any method that can fix the issue with your current vacuum.
There is a good chance that if you are noticing the suction is not as powerful as before then the machine may be clogged or needing a replacement part which will not be anywhere near as expensive as splashing on a new vacuum.
It is always better to be safe than sorry so if you investigate the issue and find that you do need a new machine, then at least you did not lose anything doing so.
Imagine how frustrated you would be if you lost a perfectly fine vacuum that just needed something you could fix for free or at worst a fraction of the cost you just spent on a new vacuum.
So if you want to do some checks before committing to spending on a new one here are some easy checks you can make.
Make sure to check the hoses are not clogged, if you do find a clog then removing it can be as simple as grabbing a wire hanger and pulling it out. The next check is the simplest you can either clean or replace the filter.
Having a clogged filter will cause your vacuum to have air flow restricted, this means that may not be enough suction to pick up dust, dirt and hair. All you may need to do is replace the filter to get it as good as a new vacuum.
You should make sure you clean your vacuum fairly often; this will keep it in as good of a condition as possible and prolong the vacuum’s life.
The final check you can make is looking at the drive belt. Drive belts will stretch out, dry rot or even just come off of its track.
Replacing a drive belt is an easy and cheap fix that most likely will make your vacuum run like a new one.
If after performing all these checks your vacuum still has issues and will not clean as well then it is time to get a replacement.
If you have had the vacuum for many years this may not be the end of the world as the tech involved with vacuums has jumped massively in the last few years.
Types Of Vacuum
The first type we will cover is the classic Upright Vacuum. This type of vacuum is considered the original design, the upright part of the vacuum is big and bulky.
But this is not a negative, they are more difficult to operate and store than the new hand free or autonomous models but unlike the newer generation the classic model is meant to last, with more sturdy suction and solid construction meaning you can easily reach the before mentioned eight year mark and even make it beyond.
A canister vacuum was the next generation after the upright this vacuum also has solid suction and power.
They are also corded meaning once you plug in you do not need to worry about the vacuum running out of power.
The last two models are a more modern take on the vacuum. The Stick Vacuum is designed to be light and versatile.
They are very easy to use but will not be the most durable vacuum taking a hit on durability for ease of use is a compromise many have taken.
Finally the newest vacuum on the scene, the Robot Vacuum. Coming straight from science fiction autonomous vacuums may well be the future.
These vacuums operate on their own roaming the house and cleaning as they go, alleviating a chore that can take hours.
The obvious down sides are as a new technology they are not as robust as upright vacuums and also run on batteries which means they can be more annoying to maintain as the classic wired model.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this article has taught you how long you can expect your vacuum to last, how to make it last that little bit longer and what type of vacuum you want to replace your current model.
With all the manufacturers telling you that their vacuum is the best, sometimes it’s best to choose the one that suits you.