5 Signs You Need A New Vacuum, According To A Professional Cleaner

There are countless benefits to owning a well-functioning vacuum cleaner—picking up debris and sucking up allergens are just the beginning. “You can improve indoor air quality by vacuuming regularly because it gets rid of tiny particles normally circulating in the air,” Janice Stewart, owner of Castle Keepers House Cleaning in Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina, explains. “It also prolongs the life of carpets and upholstery, even leather, by taking care of the debris that would scratch and wear these surfaces down.”

If that’s not enough, the fact that it prevents the infestation of pests like cockroaches by cleaning up the stuff they love to feed on should provide plenty of incentive. Vacuuming even gets rid of illness-causing viruses and bacteria, as well as allergens like dust mites and pet dander, to help keep you healthy. You don’t want to ignore any of the red flags that you need an upgrade.

Signs Your Vacuum Cleaner Needs to be Replaced

If you’re not sure if it’s time to say goodbye to your current vacuum or not, look out for these signals.

1. The vacuum doesn't work as well as it used to.

A vacuum that can’t do its job effectively is just taking up space. Persistent dust or allergens in the house, Stewart says, may be a sign that it’s on its last legs. The waning suction power will also be obvious when you’re vacuuming and it’s not picking up as once as it once was.

2. The vacuum gets clogged easily.

According to Stewart, the more frequently your vacuum clogs, the more the motor strains, and vice versa. This is certainly frustrating, but it can actually become a fire hazard.

3. The vacuum is excessively loud.

Every vacuum makes noise, and some are inherently louder than others. However, if you notice that your vacuum is suddenly louder or making unusual noises, Stewart says this automatically indicates mechanical problems or a clog. Check for a clog first, which is likely if there’s also been a drop in performance. Once you rule that out, you should start looking for a replacement vacuum before your current one breaks.

4. You want to upgrade to a more advanced model.

Not all vacuums are created equally, and technology changes all the time. State-of-the-art features such as UV sterilization and variable power settings can make vacuuming easier, more effective, and more efficient overall.

5. Your cleaning needs have changed.

Different vacuums are effective in different circumstances. For example, a stick vacuum is lightweight but also best for small spaces without carpet, while upright vacuums are best for large carpeted areas. If you’re dealing with a long-term back injury, it may be time to switch your backpack canister vacuum with a robotic vacuum.

How Often to Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner

According to Stewart, the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner depends on which one you have. “Upright and canister vacuums, with proper maintenance, can last eight to 10 years,” she says. “If you take care of stick vacuums, you can get five to eight years.” Robot vacuums, she continues, are so mechanically complex that you can expect to get four to six years out of them.

As you may have gathered, the key to extending the life of your vacuum is prioritizing the upkeep. It takes only minutes but could end up saving you hundreds—potentially even thousands over time.

How to Choose a New Vacuum Cleaner

There are so many vacuum cleaners on the market, it’s hard to know which one is the right one. Thinking about these factors will help you narrow them down.

Floor Type

According to Stewart, this is going to be your biggest consideration. Carpeted floors require strong suction and a motorized brush that can agitate the carpet fibers, which you can get with most upright or canister vacuums. “Besides carpet, there’s hardwood, tile, and laminate. For those, I prefer a canister vacuum with adjustable suction and a soft brush head—motorized ones tend to scratch the floors,” she explains. “If you have mixed flooring, you just want something with a height setting. You need to get closer to hard surface floors to effectively pick up dirt, but you also need the option for it to be higher up so you don’t damage carpet fibers.”

Filtration System

The gold standard is the HEPA filter, which is short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. It can remove 99.995% of particles in the air, from 0.3 microns, and requires annual replacement. “If allergies aren’t a concern, a regular vacuum with a simple filter is fine,” Stewart says. A paper bag filter can only handle big particles and needs frequent replacing, a cloth filter can take care of smaller particles and needs to be washed regularly, and a micron filter removes fine particles and should be replaced annually. 

Attachments

It’s tempting to want to get a vacuum with as many attachments as possible, but Stewart says that “when you have a lot of them, you have to commit to storing them so they’re easy to access.” That said, her favorites are crevice tools for furniture, upholstery brushes for delicate surfaces, and extension wands for high-up areas.

Budget: Of course you should only purchase what you can afford, but a quality vacuum is a worthy investment. When considering what features to splurge on, Stewart recommends you prioritize weight, maneuverability, and noise level. “You don’t want a noise level above 60 decibels,” she says. “You have to decide what weight is right for you based on your personal strength and whether or not you have stairs.”

Popular Types of Vacuums

Upright

This is the most traditional kind of vacuum. “They’re best for large carpeted areas, especially where you have wide cleaning paths,” explains Stewart. They use a motorized brush to loosen the dirt in carpet fibers, making them less ideal for hardwood unless said otherwise by the manufacturer. Also keep in mind that they’re heavier than other vacuums and a pain to try to maneuver in tight spaces.

Canister

Canisters, Stewart says, are the most versatile vacuums, and ideal if you’re doing a lot of floors. “They’re easy to move around furniture and stairs, and they’re good for mixed surfaces,” she continues. Some can be worn as a backpack so you don’t have to worry about rolling or holding it as you clean.

Stick

Stick vacuums are becoming more and more common in homes, but Stewart only recommends them for small areas. “I use mine to quickly vacuum in the kitchen and they’d also be good for apartments. They don’t do well on carpets, so if you have a pet, you’re not going to be happy with a stick vacuum,” she explains.

Robotic

The most hands-off type of vacuum, robovacs (as they’re also called) use sensors and programmable controls to clean the floors so you don’t have to. There’s a model for every budget—some empty themselves into a larger canister when they go back to their charging base and others can even mop.

Maintenance Tips

You can extend the life of your vacuum cleaner by following Stewart’s advice and taking care of it.

• Empty dustbins: “Every time I vacuum, I empty the bag if it’s more than half full,” Stewart says. “If it’s a bagless vacuum, I dump it every time I use it.” It’s a small habit that makes a big difference, helping prevent motor strain, clogs, and reduced suction.
• Clean and replace filters: Stewart makes a point to do this frequently since a dirty filter can compromise a vacuum’s effectiveness. Just like emptying the dustbin, it’s essential for longevity and performance.
• Check for clogs: It’s important to do this periodically because “even a half-clogged tube can strain the motor.” Stewart looks inside the nozzles and inlets, cleaning them in and out.
• Pick up the big stuff: Before you take to the floor with your vacuum, do a quick scan and pick up the big stuff you can see with your eyes first. This reduces the strain on the vacuum, helping the brush roller, preventing clogs, and more.
• Clean the brush roller: “If it’s clogged with hair and dirt, it’ll spit dirt back onto the floor,” says Stewart. To remedy this, cut hair and threads away with scissors and clear out any other debris you find.
• Store it in a dry place: Moisture and humidity create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow. While you may not think to be concerned about this with a vacuum cleaner, Stewart’s seen it happen. “Don’t store it in the bathroom closet or the garage, if possible,” she advises.

Can I Repair My Vacuum Instead?

Repairing your vacuum is almost always an option—the real question is whether or not it makes sense. Though it’s certainly the most sustainable way to go, if the repair will be costly relative to the original price of the vacuum or the vacuum is older and needed other repairs in the past, you might be better off buying a new one. The last consideration is how well your vacuum is serving you overall. If you’ve been hoping to upgrade to newer models with extra features or better performance, now’s the time.