How Often Should You Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner?

The Short Answer is:

The lifespan of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. However, the lifespan varies depending on the brand and personal use. If your vacuum cleaner is more than four years old and has a major fault like a broken switch or burnt-out motor, you'll need to spring for repairs or a whole new vacuum cleaner. If your vacuum is past eight years old and has seen a lot of use, it may be time to upgrade.

Vacuum cleaners are an essential tool for keeping our homes clean and free of dust and debris. However, like any other appliance, they have a limited lifespan.

Knowing when to replace your vacuum cleaner can be tricky, as it depends on various factors such as the brand, usage, and maintenance.

In this article, we will explore the topic, “How Often Should You Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner?” and the signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade.

Factors Influencing the Longevity of Your Vacuum Cleaner

1. Brand: The brand of a vacuum cleaner can impact its longevity. Name-brand companies are usually better than off-brand ones. Brands like Miele, Dyson, Shark, Bissell, and Hoover offer varying lifespans and warranties.

2. Components: The components of a vacuum cleaner can also affect its lifespan. The European Commission report from 2009 states that a domestic canister vacuum has a lifetime of around 8 years. Additionally, a review by the European Commission published in 2009 says that the average lifetime should be eight years, with a full range of 6.3 to 10 years.

3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and untangling the motorized brush, can extend the life of your vacuum. Proper usage and avoiding misuse, like vacuuming up liquids or not tidying up first, can help preserve your vacuum’s functionality and lifespan.

4. Usage: How often you use your vacuum cleaner is a big factor that affects its lifespan. The more you use your vacuum cleaner, the more likely it is to have a shorter lifespan. That’s because it’ll be exposed to more gradual wear and tear.

5. Vacuum style: Vacuum lifespan varies by type: upright and canister vacuums last around eight years, stick vacuums last five to eight years, and robot vacuums last.

6. Suction: The suction of a vacuum cleaner can also affect its lifespan. If the suction is too strong, it can cause the motor to wear out more quickly.

The longevity of a vacuum cleaner depends on various factors such as brand, components, maintenance, usage, vacuum style, and suction. Proper maintenance and usage can help extend the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Replacing Your Vacuum Cleaner

1. Reduced suction power: If your vacuum cleaner is not picking up dirt like it used to, it may be a sign that the motor or other internal components are wearing out and it’s time to replace it.

2. Unpleasant odors: If your vacuum cleaner is producing unpleasant odors, it may be a sign that the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

3. Damaged or ineffective accessories: If the accessories of your vacuum cleaner are damaged or not working properly, it may be time to replace them or the entire vacuum cleaner.

4. Loud or unusual noises: If your vacuum cleaner is making loud or unusual noises, it may be a sign that the motor or other internal components are wearing out and it’s time to replace it.

5. Age: The average life expectancy of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. If your vacuum cleaner is more than four years old and has seen a lot of use, it’s probably time to consider replacing it.

Remember, before you consider spending several hundred dollars on a new vacuum cleaner, try to deep clean your old one or fix or replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses, worn-out stick vac batteries, and broken accessories yourself.

Regular Maintenance to Extend Your Vacuum’s Life

Regular maintenance is essential to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner. Performing routine maintenance will not only increase the longevity of your machine but also decrease overall costs. Here are some tips to help you maintain your vacuum cleaner:

1. Change bags regularly: It’s important to monitor how full the bag is, and make sure to dispose of it once it starts to feel half full.

2. Keep vacuum filters clean: If you have a bagless vacuum, cleaning your filters frequently is essential to the health and longevity of the machine. If they are washable, every 3 months is the average for most users on when that should be done. Some filters need to be replaced.

3. Check the belt: If your vacuum is not equipped with a “full indicator,” monitor its performance as you go. Typically a vacuum bag needs to be replaced when 70-80% full. Keep vacuum belts clean and replace them when they become worn or damaged.

4. Inspect the brush roll: Check the brush roll for any debris or tangled hair. Clean it regularly to prevent damage to the motor, brush roll filters, and even your carpeting.

5. Regular maintenance routine: The best ways to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner involve a regular maintenance routine and consistent visual inspections.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your vacuum cleaner and keep it running at peak performance.

When Repairing vs. Replacing Makes Sense

When it comes to vacuum cleaners, there are times when repairing them makes more sense than replacing them. For example, if your vacuum cleaner is relatively new and has a minor issue, such as a clogged hose or a broken belt, it may be more cost-effective to repair it rather than replace it.

However, if your vacuum cleaner is old and has multiple issues, it may be time to replace it. Additionally, if your vacuum cleaner is no longer cleaning as effectively as it used to, even after repairs, it may be time to invest in a new one.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your vacuum cleaner, consider the age of the vacuum, the cost of repairs, and the overall effectiveness of the vacuum.

Choosing a New Vacuum Cleaner: What to Look For

When it comes to choosing a new vacuum cleaner, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you should think about your cleaning needs.

Do you have pets? Do you have hardwood floors or carpets? Do you need a vacuum that can handle both? Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can start looking at the different types of vacuum cleaners available.

One important factor to consider is the type of filter the vacuum uses. HEPA filters are a popular choice because they can trap small particles like dust and allergens.

If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a HEPA filter may be a good choice. Another factor to consider is the type of bag or container the vacuum uses to collect dirt and debris.

Bagless vacuums are becoming increasingly popular because they are more convenient and cost-effective in the long run. However, bagged vacuums may be a better choice if you have severe allergies or asthma because they can trap more dust and allergens.

You should also consider the weight and maneuverability of the vacuum. If you have a multi-level home or need to carry the vacuum up and down stairs, a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum may be a better choice.

Finally, you should consider the price and warranty of the vacuum. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality vacuum can save you money in the long run. Look for a vacuum with a good warranty so you can be sure you are getting a reliable product.

Choosing a new vacuum cleaner requires careful consideration of your cleaning needs, the type of filter and bag/container, weight and maneuverability, and price and warranty.

By taking the time to research and compare different options, you can find a vacuum that meets your needs and helps keep your home clean and healthy.

Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your New Vacuum Cleaner

To prolong the life of your new vacuum cleaner, there are several tips you can follow. First, it is important to change the bag or empty the dustbin regularly.

You should monitor how full the bag is and dispose of it once it starts to feel half-full. Clogs and blockages can put unnecessary strain on the vacuum cleaner. Second, you should clean or replace the filters regularly.

This will help keep odor-causing bacteria from escaping the bag and keep the vacuum running efficiently. Third, you should check the condition of your vacuum cleaner’s bag and filter and replace them immediately if necessary.

Fourth, you should avoid vacuuming unsafe materials such as liquids or sharp objects. Finally, you should clean the vacuum cleaner’s brushes and other attachments regularly. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner and keep it running efficiently.

Conclusion on How Often Should You Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner

In conclusion, the lifespan of a vacuum cleaner varies depending on multiple factors, including the quality of the brand and personal use. According to Consumer Reports, vacuum cleaners last a median of eight years.

However, the lifespan can range from five to ten years. If your vacuum is past eight years old and has seen a lot of use, it may be time to upgrade.

It’s always important to check your vacuum’s condition and be sure that all parts are working properly. Once your vacuum is more than three years old, repairs and replacement parts can cost as much as a new vacuum, especially for cheaper models.

If you have a major fault like a broken switch or burnt-out motor, you’ll need to spring for repairs or a whole new vacuum cleaner. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new vacuum and consider the environmental impact of appliances going into landfills.