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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Guide To Selecting Vacuum Cleaners
ILC Reference NO 32:44:999
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
Vacuum cleaners are available in a number of different styles: ducted vacuum cleaning systems, upright, barrel, canister and hand held cleaners. In addition, wet dry vacuum cleaners are available in canister, hand held and upright styles.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
POINTS TO CONSIDER IN THE PURCHASE OF VACUUM CLEANERS
- Location and space available for storage. Environment in which the cleaner is to be used (domestic or commercial).
- Type of collector bags: disposable or reusable ones; reusable bags generate less waste and will be cheaper in the long run. Is the dust bag easy to replace?
- Floor adjustment: can the brush head be adjusted for different carpet piles and bare floor? Is it easy to adjust?
- What is the nature of the spillage? Does it involve fluids?
- Optional extras: Does the cleaner come with attachments or are there any available for purchase, such as crevice nozzle, dusting or upholstery brush. Is there room for storage for these attachments on the cleaner?
- Dust bag level indicator: some cleaners let you know when the bag is full.
- Blower: is there an exhaust port to blow air back through tubing? May be useful to clean tubing or to inflate some items, eg. air mattress.
- Is there a retractable cord storage?
- Size and location of on / off button: is it clearly visible and easy to operate?
- Weight of the vacuum cleaner: is there a carrying handle, is it easy to move around (for barrel type)?
- Is the wand tall enough? If not, does it come with an extra extension section?
- Power of motor (in Watts), energy consumption
- Price and warranty
For people with respiratory problems
Choose a vacuum cleaner which has scored well in dirt removal tests (refer to any reliable sources, such as, Choice Magazine). The best option is a vacuum cleaner with a powerful motor and a good filtration system (HEPA, HEPA S-Class or replaceable electrostatic), double walled vacuum bags to remove and retain the airborne allergens in the exhaust air, such ones designed for hospital use. It is recommended to change or clean your filter(s) as often as possible to optimise the cleaner's suction and / or filtration power. When vacuuming, keep windows open, wear a mask or get someone else to do it. You may even want to consider a built in ducted vacuum system which removes the suctioned dust to a separate storage bag.
Models / Styles
DUCTED VACUUM CLEANING SYSTEMS
These units are built into the home. They consist of:
- A motor and dust collection unit (usually located outside or in the garage).
- Several tubing connection outlets within the home.
- Flexible hose and attachments which connect with outlets.
Features of this type of system:
- No bags to empty, a main collection unit is emptied a few times a year.
- Powerful
- Low noise within the house
- Lightweight to manoeuvre, although the longer tubing could get tangled with furniture or itself at times.
UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANERS
These vacuum cleaners are held upright, work by sucking dust up through a fan and blowing it into a collection bag. In addition, brushes beat the dust up from the carpet.
Features of this type of vacuum cleaner:
- Reduction of bending movements, most have on / off button on handle
- Head adjustment to suit different surface heights
- More difficult than barrel style to manoeuvre (less flexible than tubing) when there is a lot furniture to be cleaned around
- Can be heavy to carry around especially upstairs
- Dust bags must be changed or emptied frequently
- Power drive self propelled models available
CANISTER OR BARREL VACUUM CLEANERS
These vacuum cleaners sit on the floor on wheels. The user vacuums with the tubing and attachments and pulls the cleaner along. They vary in size from small and lightweight for domestic use to quite large and heavy for commercial use. The cleaner's fan is usually positioned behind the collection bag making its suction power less efficient than an upright cleaner.
Features of this type of vacuum cleaner:
- Easier to manoeuvre under and around furniture
- Dust bags need to be replaced or emptied at regular intervals
- Cleaners have a tendency to tip over on uneven surfaces
- More bending movements while turning on / off cleaner or replacing bag than a barrel one
HAND HELD VACUUM CLEANER
These cleaners are available in both corded and cordless, rechargeable models. They are designed for small collections only.
Features of this type of vacuum cleaner:
- Ease of storage
- Lightweight, although entire weight must be carried whilst cleaner is used
- Suitable for small spills
- Able to get into difficult places, eg. cupboard, stairs
- Doesn't need a close power point (rechargeable)
WET - DRY VACUUM CLEANERS
These cleaners are available in canister, upright or hand held units. They are designed to shampoo and clean up liquid spills. Large cleaners are often time consuming to assemble / disassemble and have several parts to handle.
Further Sources Of Information
- talk to a sales representative
- check Choice magazine.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
IDEA ONLY,
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Additional /images
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