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Vacuum Faqs
Browse our frequently asked questions below. If you do not find the answer you are seeking, please reach out via phone or visit one of our 2 convenient Cape Cod locations. We have staff with over 30 years of vacuum experience waiting to assist you.
Do I need a HEPA Filter?
For those dealing with allergies, asthma, COPD, or any respiratory condition, the choice of a vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference. Opting for a Miele Canister HEPA Vacuum, equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, can prove to be a game-changer. Using an HEPA-filtered vacuum not only improves the air quality in your home but also brings relief from allergy symptoms.
Shifting the perspective on cleaning is crucial. Instead of merely aiming to remove visible dirt, hair, or dust, a quality HEPA vacuum with a sealed system allows you to clean for your health. It efficiently eliminates ultra-fine particles, such as dander, dust, dust mite allergens, and pollen, which often trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions. The presence of certified HEPA filters guarantees the removal of at least 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger. EU certified HEPA filters, on the other hand, trap 99.95% of particles measuring 0.1 microns or larger. This level of filtration effectively removes common allergens, ensuring a healthier living environment. Make the switch to a HEPA-filtered vacuum and experience the positive impact it can have on your respiratory well-being.
What is a sealed system?
Vacuum cleaners like the Miele UniQ, SEBO D4 AirBelt, and Dyson All Floors are at the top of the line, boasting certified HEPA filters and sealed system engineering. This unique engineering ensures that no dust leaks from the machine as air passes through, resulting in more effective filtration.
Some more affordable brands, like Electrolux, also incorporate sealed systems and HEPA filters. However, they often lack the premium features found in luxury brands.
Miele vacuum cleaners, with their sealed system engineering, 9-ply AirClean Filterbags, AirClean HEPA filter, and complete 12 Stage Filtration, stand out by eliminating up to 99.99% of household allergens. While some other brands might offer similar filtration, none can match the independent certification and superior filtration efficiency that Miele provides. Choosing Miele ensures a cleaner and healthier home environment.
Do I need a canister vacuum or upright vacuum?
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, canister models generally offer greater versatility, lighter weight, and easier maneuverability. They excel in smoothly transitioning between different flooring types, especially with the right floor tool, though they are often considered ideal for smooth floors primarily. On the other hand, upright vacuums are better suited for homes with carpeting throughout or thick, high-pile carpets. They have long been popular in the United States, delivering excellent cleaning performance, particularly on carpeted surfaces. Some upright vacuums come with dual motors or the ability to disengage the brushroll, making them suitable for some smooth floor cleaning as well.
Aside from considering the predominant flooring in your home, the choice between canister and upright vacuums mainly boils down to personal preference. Each type has its strengths, so selecting the one that aligns with your cleaning needs and preferences is key.
Are vacuum cleaners with dust bags better for allergy sufferers?
Absolutely! Vacuum cleaners equipped with dust bags are generally a healthier option for allergy sufferers because the bag effectively traps dust, preventing it from escaping into the air. However, not all dust bags are created equal. Some bags have larger pores that can allow allergens to escape, with older-style paper bags being among the worst offenders in this regard.
High-quality dust bags from reputable brands like Miele, Electrolux, and SEBO offer superior filtration, ensuring minimal allergen escape. Additionally, these bags allow for hygienic disposal by either automatically sealing as you remove them or, in the case of SEBO, featuring a small cap to manually seal the bag upon removal.
On the other hand, bagless vacuum cleaners, such as those from Dyson and some Electrolux models, can also be a viable option for allergy sufferers, as long as proper care is taken when emptying the dust bin. Bagless vacuums tend to have better than average filtration and lower upkeep costs. To maximize safety when using a bagless vacuum, we recommend emptying the dust bin outdoors, having someone else handle the task for you, or wearing a well-fitted allergy mask during the process. These precautions help reduce the risk of allergens getting back into the air while emptying the bin.
How often do I change the vacuum bag?
The frequency of changing vacuum bags can vary significantly based on several factors, such as usage patterns, types of floors being cleaned, the presence of pets, and the bag’s capacity. For Miele vacuums, most users typically change the filter bag every couple of months, and a box of bags can last about a year. Soniclean vacuums may require slightly more frequent bag changes, while with Electrolux and SEBO, it’s generally every two to three months.
Carpeted floors and pet-friendly homes tend to fill up vacuum bags faster due to loose carpet fibers and pet hair, respectively. Fortunately, many vacuum cleaners are equipped with bag change indicators that monitor airflow through the bag. As the bag accumulates debris and soil, it can impede airflow, and these indicators display such changes, notifying you when it’s time for a bag replacement. This feature helps ensure optimal cleaning performance and maintains the vacuum’s efficiency.
How often should I vacuum my home?
For allergy sufferers, we advise vacuuming at least twice a week to maintain a healthier living environment. However, if you notice dust build-up in high-traffic areas, experience severe asthma or allergies, or have pets in your home, you may want to consider vacuuming even more frequently. Regular vacuuming in these circumstances can help reduce allergens and keep your indoor air quality at its best.
What is your best-selling vacuum cleaner?
It depends! Each customer has their own cleaning needs. Do you have hardwood floors? Carpets? What length carpet? Will you be taking the vacuum up and down stairs? How large is the areas that you’ll be vacuuming? There’s so much more than just the best-selling vacuum, it’s what is the best-selling vacuum for you! And our expert associates can help find exactly the right vacuum for all your cleaning needs.
I WANT TO SUPPORT LOCAL, BUT AMAZON IS SO MUCH CHEAPER... HOW DOES CAPE COD VACUUM HELP?
At Cape Cod Vacuum, we are proud to offer an Amazon Prime Price Match guarantee. That way, not only can you support a local business, try the products before you commit to buying, and have an expert team to ask any questions to, you are also guaranteed the best price!
Cape Cod Vacuum is proud to draw from 3 generations of experience in the business to offer specialized knowledge and resources to our customers.