Get The Dirt On Vacuum Cleaner Designs & Basic Maintenance

Fan Forced vs. Bypass Designs

Fan Forced type vacuums are usually uprights. These designs force the dirt and debris through the fan and motor system. The brush roll (or agitator) sweeps this debris up, sends it to the motor system which in turn uses its fan to force the substance into the dust bag or container. You have to be careful what you pick up because if you get something (nails, screws, coins, plastic pieces, wood pieces, etc.) caught in the motor which jams the fan and keeps it from spinning or break the fan blades you have a problem. Air flow is almost always low.

We carry only a few commercial type fan-forced machines.

Bypass vacuums are based on the standard everyday canister types of the past. With this design the motor system sits behind the bag or container (instead of in front like the Fan Forced systems) and draws the dirt into the dust bag or container directly. This method is the best design thus far. More manufacturers are designing their upright type vacuums like this today because it is a much more efficient method. In most cases this means more suction power and control debris from getting caught in the motor system.

Basic Maintenance

1) Change your dust bag frequently

Try not to wait until the dust bag is full. Most vacuums decrease suction power as their dust bag fills (this is even more important if you own a Fan Forced type design). Also, the dust bag acts as one of the stages of filtration .The bag's pores allow the bag to breathe and create air flow so you don't want them to get blocked. This is another reason not to reuse a dust bag, which will also stress your motor system.

2) Check and change filter(s) at their scheduled time

This is important! Same as dust bag. Overused and blocked filters will also decrease suction power and impair your machine, preventing it from functioning to its full potential.  It can also be a contributor to motor failure.

3) Change the belt approximately every 3 months or as often as needed

This Does Not Apply To Geared (teeth) Belt Systems

The belt keeps the brush roller (agitator) spinning to help pick up dirt and debris. Most people think that you only need to change the belt (or band as some people call it) when it breaks and the machine stops picking up. Far from the truth. Most vacuum belts will stretch and/or wear so when the machine touches the carpet surface, it will either slow down considerably or completely stop spinning.

A good way to check that your belt is operating in your vacuum correctly is to put the upright (or power nozzle from a canister type) on the carpet as if you are getting ready to vacuum and with the power on, use your foot and apply a little pressure on top of the front part of the base. If you hear it slow down considerably or stop completely, you need a belt change. This is assuming everything else is working properly (machine has power, brush roller spins, etc.).

Note: My Sweeper accepts no responsibility for you or your machine during this test.

4) Get your vacuum serviced regularly

It is a good idea to spend the approximately $20.00 to $50.00 (Based on type of machine and service charges across the nation - parts, if used, are extra) to get your machine serviced by a qualified service technician at a vacuum specialty store. Service about once a year (or more often if you vacuum more than one hour a week or have pets) helps extend the life of your machine. What these technicians do is a complete overhaul. This includes, but is not limited to: taking the machine apart, checking and replacing parts as needed and cleaning in areas that are out of reach. Again, most people think the only time to bring their vacuum in for service is when something goes wrong. Do you wait for something to happen to your automobile before you get an oil change? Most service centers offer a free estimate. So check when calling or bringing your machine in for service.