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Vacuum Cleaner Suction vs Wattage: Specifications Explained

Published by: Katherine Frame

Vacuum Cleaner Suction vs Wattage

The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is an essential term related to the level of performance of a specific vacuum cleaner. 

Motor technology on vacuums has enhanced significantly in these recent times. If you want to buy a specific vacuum cleaner, then it is good to know about suction power, its wattage, and how essential it is. 

So let’s find out vacuum cleaner suction vs wattage in detail…

Vacuum Suction vs Wattage: Understanding the Specifications of a Good Vacuum Cleaner

In general, it’s the vacuum suction power that takes electric power from its power source. Then, it is being converted onto mechanical power through the suction form with airflow. What’s more important is that vacuum suction power is the major strength that affects the overall performance of your vacuum. 

Many people think that the higher the wattage is, the greater the suction power of the vacuum. But it is typically not! Wattage is just a measurement of the power volume which the vacuum cleaner could consume. 

For instance, a 1000-watt vacuum could utilize 1000 watts or 1 kilowatt of electricity consumption with an hour. In this example, it’s a mere fact that it is a measurement for consumption and not a measurement for power output. Moreover, it doesn’t say about the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.  

It does not matter how many amps a vacuum cleaner utilizes either since the performance may depend on some other factors besides the power drawn.

Just because vacuum cleaners can have more power than others, it does not mean that it provides more suction. In other words, it does not necessarily mean that it is a better vacuum cleaner, but it only draws higher power.

It would be best to utilize a vacuum with quite higher wattage as you utilize more electricity. For example, manufacturers may confuse you in making their offered products appear better and superior to others. 

Furthermore, rating a motor that can produce suction using an airflow is another misrepresented aspect of vacuum technology. So, do not be confused about these terms anymore. 

Sealed Suction

This is another way of validating the suction power of a vacuum cleaner. To be more specific, it links to a particular tube containing water and existing entirely through the sealed form. However, everyday vacuums do not need to utilize this measurement. 

Amps

Like the watts, it’s way better to understand that the higher its amps, the better the vacuum cleaner’s suction power.

However, if you wish to know exactly a comparison between the 2 units — one measured in Amps and the other one is measured in Watts, then you must determine how much the adjacent systems would eat.

A simple formula is given for you: watts/volts (120) = Amps to make these things easier and more understandable.

Watts

A vacuum cleaner would take it as input power. Moreover, you may convert watts from amps using the formula: amps multiplied to 120 (volts) = watts. It does not typically define the motor’s efficiency, but if you’re planning to compare the motor’s power, then the wattage of a motor is a valid method to evaluate. 

In reality, most manufacturers utilize the best approach to make it more confusing and harder to understand by the consumers not comparing the products to the competitors’ products. 

So, if you want to know exactly the suction power of your vacuum cleaner, then knowledge about these things is a must.  

Important Factors about Suction Power of a Vacuum Cleaner

Other things could affect the vacuum’s suction power. Here are some facts about it:

  • Airflow specifications influence the ability to clean the device. Its measurements happen in CFM (cubic ft. per min.) In general, if the unit’s airflow is higher, the vacuum cleaning ability is also better. 
  • Filter types and the methods on how the system screens the dirt affect the cleaning power of the device. So, once you’re about to clean such washable filters, it is important to follow the recommendations and tips of the manufacturers.
  • The nozzle design, hoses, and overall quality affect the performance level of the product.
  • The motor design matters concerning the vacuum’s performance level. To be more specific, a vacuum with 2 or 3 fans that work together can improve the vacuum’s suction power. 

The users should completely understand these things to understand how the suction power of a vacuum cleaner works. If you also understand these things, you may pick the best vacuum cleaners for you based on the features and specifications that you wanted. 

Conclusion

Understanding the vacuum’s specifications would somehow help you choose a product with enough suction power for cleaning around your home. If you choose a vacuum cleaner, make sure not to be confused about vacuum cleaner wattage and suction power. 

Always remember that it does not even mean that even if you have a device with higher wattage, its suction power is also good enough for cleaning. 

FAQ

Does Higher Wattage Mean Better Suction?

Generally, it does not necessarily mean that a higher wattage means better suction. The wattage is just a measurement of the power volume that the vacuum cleaner could consume. Moreover, it does not even influence the suction capability of the device.

What is a Good Suction Power for Vacuum Cleaner?

Suction power is measured through cubic ft. per min (CFM). So far, the highest measured vacuum’s suction power is around 200 CFM. So, you may say that a good suction power for a vacuum cleaner must have 2 times or even 3 times the suction power of a commercial vacuum cleaner. But it was obtained with the head of the vacuum cleaner.

How many Watts Does a Vacuum Cleaner Use?

In general, a basic vacuum cleaner may take around 1000-1200 watts, depending on the actual activities of your vacuum cleaning equipment. It will be 1200-watt hours if the use of it extends for more than 1 hour. However, the amps could be transformed into watts using this formula: watts = amps x 120 volts.

How is Vacuum Suction Power Calculated?

The airflow and the power suction are calculated with airflow restricted by 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) opening. The Air Watt’s formula is air watts = (vacuum x airflow) / 8.5. The vacuum should be in inches of the water lift, while the airflow should be in CFM or cubic ft. per min.

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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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