The vacuum cleaner is an essential device in the house. Its purchase must therefore be made with the consideration of several elements such as power. This generally varies depending on the model, the average power being estimated at 400 watts. Here’s how to choose the power of your vacuum cleaner.
Why care about the power of the vacuum cleaner?
The vacuum cleaner is the best ally for quick and efficient cleaning. It is the device that allows you to keep your house clean. However, to enjoy unparalleled efficiency, you need to choose a vacuum cleaner that can meet your needs and that easily adapts to different floors.
The greater the power of the vacuum cleaner, the more you will have the chance to enjoy very high performance. When the power is too low, the device will not be able to effectively clean your floors. Having the best vacuum for hardwood floors is therefore essential.
How to define the power of the vacuum cleaner?
Whether it’s a carpet vacuum, a parquet vacuum or a canister vacuum, the unit of power is the same. This quantity is expressed in Watts (W) and is part of the criteria to define the real power of a vacuum cleaner. There is also the useful power which allows to have an overview on the performance of the device and which designates the capacity of the vacuum cleaner to lift dust and evacuate it in its collecting tank.
However, you have to be vigilant, because most of the time, it is the electrical power which is displayed on the product sheets and not the useful power.
The air flow / vacuum ratio
To calculate the useful power, it is necessary to be based on the ratio between the air flow and the vacuum. Airflow refers to the ability to transport dust to the tank through the volume of air flowing through the device per second. It is expressed in cubic decimeters per second (dm3 / s).
Regarding the vacuum, it indicates the dust suction speed. It is expressed in kilos Pascal’s (kappa). The ideal ratio between these two indicators should be 40 kappas / 40 dm3 / s. It is therefore the ideal power for a vacuum cleaner.
Which vacuum cleaner power to choose?
The ideal power for your vacuum cleaner will depend on your needs that are to say on the use of the device. For example, for professional use, you will need more power than standard models.
For vacuuming hard floors, carpets and rugs, high vacuum and high air flow should be chosen. However, for vacuuming smooth floors such as parquet or tiles, you can choose a parquet vacuum cleaner with an estimated depression between 20 and 35 kappas and an air flow of at least 36 dm3 / s.
For a canister vacuum cleaner or another model that will guarantee you great performance, it is advisable to choose a power of at least 400 W. The power of stick vacuum cleaners is expressed by the voltage of the battery which is in turn expressed in volts. In this case, you can choose a voltage of at least 15 V.
Last words
It is also important to point out that since September 1, 2017; the European directive has limited the power of vacuum cleaners to 900 W for a sound output less than or equal to 80 dB and power consumption less than 43 kWh / year. Only new approved models are affected by these characteristics.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.