FAQs

BAGGED OR BAGLESS?

Our opinion and that of more and more vacuum testing sites is that disposable bags are more sanitary, cleaner and an easier way to dispose of the dirt collected by your vacuum. Disposable vacuum bags have improved greatly in the last several years. Many manufacturers make bags that are 3 ply and greater with a cotton fabric type liner inside that filters better than standard paper alone. Some manufacturers are using materials that are not paper at all. The name of these bags varies with the brands. These bags are made to a higher standard of filtering microscopic dust particles from the air circulating through the vacuum cleaner. There are also closures for the opening of the bag to keep dust from leaking into the air when you dispose of the bag.  An average cost of disposable bags for a year is approximately $20.00 to $30.00. Of course how often you change the bag will vary this.

Bagless vacuums have hard plastic containers that the dirt is contained in instead of bags. The container is removed and dumped in trash. This should be done outside since a HUGE cloud of dust and allergens are released into the air and into your lungs. Bagless vacuums usually have two filters or more. All these filters need to be cleaned regularly and many replaced.  The biggest misconception for bagless vacuums is that you will have no maintenance costs. This is not true. All vacuums have costs associated with them and these filters can cost more than bags in a years’ time. There is also no such thing as lifetime filters. They do deteriorate. The containers rely on rubber gaskets and such to keep the dirt in the vacuum and out of the air. There is a great amount of leakage associated with this method of sealing. The gaskets shift, compress, have dust build up, deterioration and improper fit. This is easily seen by looking at the seams and the amount of fine dust around these seams.

WHY IS FILTRATION IMPORTANT?

A vacuum with a hard shell compartment for the area containing the bag is better than a cloth bag. Cloth bags will always eventually fill up with dust from the exhaust. This is the last filter of your vacuum before the exhaust reaches the room. After that your lungs are the last filter! This is why filtration is important today. Especially since so many young children and adults have asthma and environmental allergies today.  Just because a company makes a claim of high filtration doesn’t mean it does the job correctly. All factors must be considered, such as how the vacuum is sealed, where the filters are placed and the quality of the filters. Standards are vague when companies use filtration terms and many times you don’t exactly get what you think you are. This subject can be complicated and the best thing you could do would be to come in where you can see and feel the differences between the filters. Why bother to vacuum if you are just blowing the dust around the room?

WHAT IS THE FUSS ABOUT THE HEPA FILTER?

High Efficiency Particle Arrestation. It has been used in the best air cleaners for years. They are one of the highest filterers of air borne dust, pollen, animal dander, etc.  Many companies advertise HEPA type filters. There is a BIG difference between those and a true HEPA. We can show you what the differences are between the filters on the market and the best filtration for your family health.

WHAT DOES MAKE A POWERFUL VACUUM?

Airflow within a vacuum is more important to cleaner ability than the amount of electricity needed to perform the task. There are other considerations which we can show you.

THEN WHY DO MANUFACTURERS PUSH THE “MORE AMPS THE BETTER”?

Because it is something the consumer seems to use and what most customers base their decision to purchase on. Bigger is not always better. Quality motors work more and do more than lesser quality motors.

HOW DOES A CONSUMER MAKE A WISE PURCHASE OF A NEW VACUUM CLEANER?

We can talk to you about quality differences and pricing differences on models that start at slightly below a hundred dollars and up. Quality does not always mean expensive.

IS IT WORTHWHILE TO REPAIR A BROKEN VACUUM CLEANER?

Estimates are always free of charge so it is always worthwhile to have us check your machine to see if it is repairable at a reasonable cost.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT BRAND OF MACHINE I HAVE?

No, it doesn’t. We repair all brands and carry stock of bags, belts, and all vacuum related supplies. If we don’t have it, we’ll special order it if it’s available.

WHAT ARE YOUR STORE HOURS?

Monday thru Friday 10 am to 6 pm.  Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Sunday’s we are closed. We accept Master card, Visa, Discover and American Express.

17549 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 • Phone: 301-582-0575
1219 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21702 • Phone: 301-695-8222
Hours Mon.-Fri. 10a.m.-6p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sun. closed
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