Vacuuming your home can be a daunting task, and frustration is usually due to a lackluster machine that just isn't doing the trick quickly and efficiently. But with so many models out there and several new technologies, how do you choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home? Luckily, our buying guide will help you determine the features and styles that are right for you, and our roundup includes models on the market at every price point. How often do you vacuum? There's no need to be embarrassed. Some of us just don't have the time to get to this task everyday. But you should consider the frequency when choosing a unit. If you do vacuum daily, Michele Lupton, Communications Director for Rowenta USA, says a light-weight stick model is perfectly fine for maintaining your home. Although, if you tend to wait for a week or more to vacuum, a larger upright or canister model with a more powerful motor will help you get the job done. Lupton also noted that even if you are a constant cleaner, if you have a large home with wall-to-wall carpeting, a small stick vac may just be too small.

How much power do you need? Lupton says suction is the single most important factor while choosing the most effective model in addition to cyclonic action, which is what draws the dust and particles into the machine. Rob Green, Design Engineer for Dyson, also explains that air flow and agitation, or the ability of the vacuum cleaner to penetrate and remove dirt from the carpet fibers as well as the filtration level, which measures how much of the debris is expelled back out, all have to do with suction. pool cleaning service pomona caAlthough many manufacturers boast about the amount of AMPS their product uses, Green says air watts are the more accurate measurement for a machine's cleaning power. steam cleaning carpet stainsBottom line: Green says a vacuum with over 200 air watts is a good indication that it will be a powerful cleaner.dry carpet cleaning philadelphia

Which style is best? Bagless models are great because you don't have to worry about stocking up on bags, and in most cases, you don't even have to touch the canister to release the mess -- just press the button and hold it over the garbage can. carpet steam cleaning south melbourneBut on the other hand, with a bag, all of the grime is contained, and you have less exposure to the particles when throwing it away. carpet cleaning chemical rackAlthough, sometimes less powerful, upright models have better maneuverability than canister type cleaners. what is the best vacuum cleaner for asthmaBottom line: Newer bagless models trump vacuums with bags because these will lose suction and airflow as the bag gets full.carpet cleaning louisville colorado

Any special features to look out for? Lupton also suggests that the shape of the vacuum's head is important to check out, as you'll want one with channels to whisk away the dirt and dust. Also, a spinning brush is great, especially for carpeting, because it will comb through fibers and extract more debris. Although strings and hair can wrap around the brush and must be cleared away with a scissor. While shopping, flip the appliance over and take a look for these features. Cordless models are beneficial if you are cleaning large spaces but make sure that the model has a long enough run time. Bottom line: Dyson has a new model with a tangle free turbine tool that cuts through caught hairs (great for pet owners), and Lupton suggests if you are going for a cordless vac, look for at least forty minutes of power, because some models only provide ten or twenty. Click through our slideshow of the best vacuums on the market now. Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.

Appliance Buying Guide Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Models Best Vacuum Cleaner Start by determining the best vacuum for the type of cleaning you do. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, or just lots of rugs, uprights, especially with a bag, do best overall. But if you have lots of stairs—or hardwood, laminate, or tile floors—canisters can be easier to maneuver. Stick and hand-held vacuums are great for lighter tasks that need quick attention; a robotic device is an option for the set-it-and-go crowd. And central vacuums could be an option if you're ready for that installation commitment. (But we don't test that type.) For the best vacuums in all categories at a price that's right for you, go to our Vacuum Cleaner Ratings. Pros: Uprights tend to cost less than canister vacuums and offer a wider cleaning swath. They are generally better at deep-cleaning carpets—particularly the bagged models. Most are easy to store. Cons: Pushing and pulling the weight of the machine.

Some top performers weigh 20 pounds or more, although lighter models can still do the job. Uprights tend to be noisier than canisters. Upright Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Canisters are better than uprights for cleaning bare floors, stairs, drapes, and upholstery, and under furniture – and some are as good as uprights at cleaning carpets. Most are quieter, and the separate power head makes them seem lighter as well. Cons: Overall, these vacuums are bulkier than their upright brethren. The hose and wand make a canister harder to squeeze into a closet. Canister Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Like uprights, they have tall bodies and handles, and a powerhead. They're lightweight and convenient when you need to quickly clean up a mess. They also eliminate having to bend over to clean a dirty floor. Cons: Most don't perform as well on carpet as full-size vacuums. They are mainly suited for picking up surface litter and aren't a replacement for a conventional vacuum.

The capacity of their dirt bin is typically small. Most are fairly noisy. Stick Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: These miniature electric models come corded or cordless. They're handy for light, quick surface cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors; some can handle pet hair on upholstery. They're also useful for cleaning up your car's interior. Cons: They lack the power and capacity of full-sized upright or canister models. Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Robotic vacuums do the grunge work while you relax. In uncluttered rooms, a robotic can touch up between regular, manual vacuuming sessions. The better models can find their way out of tight spots and around extension cords. A few of the newest models can even be controlled by an app on your smartphone. Cons: No robotic vacuum can match the deep cleaning you'll get from the best uprights and canisters. Not the ideal choice if you have shag carpeting or area rugs. Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Ratings

Pros: They're easier to use than a canister. With no vacuum body to pull along, you carry only the hose and powerhead. Central vacuums tend to be relatively quiet, and their dirt chambers need to be emptied infrequently. Cons: Central vacuums are pricey and can require professional installation. Their 30-foot hoses can be cumbersome and take up storage space. And there's no in-unit place to store cleaning tools while you work. We don't currently test central vacuum cleaners. Interactive Video Buying Guide Watch our interactive video below. You can skip to different chapters on types, features, robotic vacuums, and stick vacuums. What to Consider While Shopping Modern vacuums come in a range of designs, sleek shapes, and cool colors. But what matters most is how well they clean. Remember that one type of vacuum might have features that appeal to you, but it should also fit your cleaning needs. Pet owners, take note: Upright and canister vacuum cleaners that excel at regular jobs tested best in show for picking up pet hair.

A vacuum cleaner with a motorized brush cleans carpets better than one powered only by suction. A switch that can deactivate the brush will help protect the finish of bare floors and avoid scattering debris. Consider models with a manual carpet pile-height adjustment control, along with suction control for cleaning draperies and other delicate fabrics. Bagless vacuum cleaners save on the cost of purchasing bags but they also require more filters that need periodic cleaning or—for HEPA filters—replacing. The dust and mess of emptying their bins can be a concern if you have asthma or allergies. Even if you order online, go to a store first. Push, pull, turn, and lift the vacuum cleaners you're considering. Check out the controls and features. If an online price is low, see if the store will match it. Keep an Ear Out for Noise No vacuum cleaner reached the level at which we recommend hearing protection, but any vacuum will seem louder in a room with a lot of echo, such as a tiled bathroom.