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Understand your Vacuum Cleaner Specifications Properly

Published by: Katherine Frame

How do you know if a Vacuum Has Good Suction

A vacuum cleaner or simply known as “hoover” or “vacuum,” is a type of device which causes suction to get rid of dust and debris from upholstery, floors, and any other surfaces at home. 

A vacuum containing a higher level of suction power can suck up more dust than a vacuum that has lesser suction power. So a vacuum with good suction can provide you a good performance level and help you clean your home. 

But how will you know that a vacuum has good suction? This post will help you understand everything about this…

How Do You Measure the Suction Power of a Vacuum?

Most people don’t understand the difference between high and low suction, even though they have a vacuum cleaner at home. To vividly understand these two types, it is an excellent idea to measure its air intake, which can be done differently. 

Some ways on how you can measure the suction power of a vacuum cleaner are listed below:

1. Utilize Air Watts

This measuring technique is typically about the volume of watts that a machine utilizes in carrying an air unit through the vacuum cleaner’s nozzle. This would be the best way of measuring the suction power of the cleaning tool. 

This typically works well on the users who know the water lift and CFM of the cleaner.

The standard formula of calculating Airwatt is:

P = 0.117354 x F x S

Where:

  • P is the power in Airwatts
  • F is the rate per minute (cu ft/min or CFM)
  • S is the suction capacity in units of inches of water

Note that the formula can differ between vacuum cleaner manufacturers.

2. Utilize CFM (cubic ft. per min.) or Airflow

CFM measures the airflow of a vacuum cleaner from surfaces to bags or bins in a minute. This kind of measurement helps you determine the power from the resisting system and motor of exhaustion, which typically includes bags, filters, and fans. 

A higher CFM on a given vacuum cleaner implies a greater suction power. While you utilize CFM, you need to disconnect first the wands and suction hose to obtain its actual measurement. 

3. Utilize Amperage and Watts

Amperage shows the power of an engine. It includes electrical energy on other parts of the unit, which makes it less reliable. Watts are the usual indicator of a motor power consumption and not a vacuum cleaner’s performance level. 

4. Utilize Water Lift

This method is also known as “seal suction.” In this process, the unit needs to be sealed. After that, it needs to be connected to a tube that contains water. If the water level becomes high, the powerful suction is also high.

However, it’s not always suitable for all types of vacuum cleaners because some of these units have different mechanisms in reducing the possibility of overheating. 

Water-lift-of-vacuum-cleaner

With these procedures, you now have the means to measure the vacuum’s suction power. You can choose any procedures above which would be easier and more convenient for you. 

How Do You Know if a Vacuum Has Good Suction?

Of course, a vacuum has good suction if it is of good quality. The performance level of the vacuum cleaner at your home depends on filters, motor, suction, and airflow. This cleaning tool will surely operate up to its maximum extent if you always do extra care. You can do this by changing bags, cleaning filters, cleaning the whole unit, including revolving brushes.

But how would you determine if your vacuum at home has good suction? Well, in this case, it is necessary to utilize air watts. 

Using air watts allows you to determine the volume of watts that a unit utilizes in carrying an air unit through the vacuum’s nozzle. In fact, air watts are the best measurement of suction power. You can easily understand how it works if you have an idea about water lift, including cubic ft. per min. (CFM) of this cleaning tool. 

What is the Highest Suction Power of a Vacuum Cleaner?

The suction power of a vacuum varies depending on internal and external factors. While you’re testing it, try to run the vacuum without a HEPA filter or a bag, then you will surely obtain a high suction power level. 

No one has tested the suction power of vacuum cleaners yet. The standard measurement must be AW; however, you need to wait until it reaches its point. Watts, amperage, and IMO measurements are not always reliable.

In record, 200 CFM is the highest measured power level of vacuum suction. But it was obtained without its vacuum head. Besides, the suction power significantly drops as you start to attach things to the unit. At some point, 45 CFM is the lowest suction power level of a standard vacuum cleaner.

How Much Suction Power is Enough?

The required suction power level in your vacuum depends on your needs. The consumption power of the unit is typically between the range of 1500 and 3000 watts. 

For the standard cleaning in a mini apartment, 250-320 watts suction power of vacuum cleaner is enough. A standard type of canister with a moderate suction power level is also suitable for this mini space. 

But if you wish to use it for heavy cleanings like in a large shop or industrial area, you will need a powerful type of vacuum.

Do Canisters Have a Higher Suction Power Compared to Uprights?

Between canister and upright vacuums, canister vacuums provide a more powerful impact compared to upright models. It is because canisters need to pay off their longer distance resulted from linking the telescopic wand and its hose. 

The upright vacuums contain brush roll and cleaning heads, which are much closer to their bag. It also comes with a beater bar or rotating brush roll, which does not even aid the suction. 

Moreover, upright-type vacuums have bigger plastic bins or bags. With this, upright vacuums don’t require the same volume of suction as the smaller versions. 

Conclusion

So, if you’re planning to use a vacuum cleaner to clean at home, it is advisable to pick the right product that can properly suck up dirt and dust. Either you opt to use canisters or upright, learning what areas to be cleaned at home is the best way to know if the unit is good for you or not. 

FAQ

What are the Downsides of Having a High Suction Power Vacuum Cleaner?

Vacuum Cleaner also has its drawback. Since it employs a powerful type of motor, continuous utilization may result in high electric power consumption. Aside from that, this may provide loud noise during its operation. Moreover, it contains a high-temperature difference, which makes it wear faster.

What is the Best Suction Power for a Vacuum Cleaner?

The best suction power for your vacuum cleaner will always depend on the area of what you will clean at home. If you only clean a mini office or apartment, then a lower suction power may enough. But if you’re about to clean an industrial area or any big space shop, then it’s better to use a powerful type of vacuum.

How do You Know if a Vacuum is Powerful?

You will know if your vacuum is powerful by measuring its suction power. You can do this by using air watts, water lift, cubic ft. per min., or amperage and watts.

How Much Suction Power Should a Vacuum Have?

For upright vacuums, 180-200 AW is perfect for you, but 80-100 AW suction power is ideal for a cordless type of vacuum. As per canisters, you may choose a vacuum with 300plus AW. This suction power of a vacuum would significantly provide great cleaning at home.

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Article by:

Katherine Frame

Katherine Frame is a professional writer and reviewer who worked in higher education for eight years before working on The Hardware Hub. She has written for multiple home magazines and blogs.

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