March 24, 2009

Four Practical Reasons to Replace Vacuum Cleaner Parts

by: Kim Lee

When was the last time you ordered vacuum cleaner parts? Probably never. But you’ve probably purchased a vacuum cleaner, used it for a few years, and then purchased another one when yours stopped performing well. Unfortunately, the cycle ends up repeating itself.

If you’ve purchased a high-end vacuum cleaner that performed well for a few years, you should talk to a certified dealer or check out an online store that will have information about the various vacuum cleaner parts for your particular make and model of cleaner. In most cases, you can simply order a relatively inexpensive vacuum cleaner part, replace it yourself, and have your vacuum once again running like new.

There are lots of reasons to replace worn or missing (in the case of attachments) vacuum cleaner parts instead of just tossing the whole thing:

1. Economics – If you’ve invested hundreds of dollars in a great vacuum cleaner, it should last for years, if not decades. If you have a fifteen year old machine that’s making a loud noise when it’s on or that has a cracked hose, spending another several hundred isn’t necessary. You can get a new belt drive or replacement hose for anywhere from $15-$75 for most models – and get another fifteen years out of your vacuum.

2. Safety – Over time, parts wear down and can develop hairline cracks. If you’ve been using the vacuum for several years, you should check your vacuum for wear and tear damage that isn’t yet causing a problem. Replacing them before they actually break can prevent potential safety hazards. You also won’t have to go a week or two without vacuuming waiting for vacuum cleaner parts to be delivered if you order ahead.

3. Cleanliness – Admit it – since you purchased your vacuum, you’ve lost or broken at least one attachment. Most of us have, and we tell ourselves that we didn’t use that one much anyway. But really, if we had all the vacuum cleaner parts, wouldn’t we be using them? Make sure you take the time to check and see what’s missing from your set of attachments and replace any that are missing. (Then take the time to actually use them – from heat exchange vents to upholstered furniture, there’s an attachment for every purpose).

4. Efficiency – Old parts mean less efficient performance. A worn brush roll won’t pull dirt out of your carpet as efficiently to be vacuumed up. Hepa filters become clogged and need to be changed regularly for proper removal of allergens.

Of course, you should always buy the proper replacement parts. If you have a Hoover vacuum cleaner, only use genuine Hoover parts. Fit and performance will both be better in the long run. So the next time your vacuum cleaner isn’t performing well, check it carefully and replace any worn or damaged vacuum cleaner parts. It will run better than it has in months (if not years), and you will have saved a lot of money over buying a new vacuum. After you put in your new vacuum parts, you’ll be amazed by how clean your house will be once again.