First, some quick history about vacuum cleaners!

The first vacuum cleaner was invented and patented in the United States by Robert Taber in 1869. Mr. Taber invented this wood and canvas hand pump controlled vacuum cleaner in his Chicago home. He called it The Whirlwind. The first electric motor-operated vacuum cleaner with a cloth dust filter bag with cleaning attachments was put on the market in 1908 by who else, The Hoover Company in New Berlin, Ohio. In the 1940s, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters were invented to filter out radioactive dust particulate contaminants in bomb shelters during the atomic bomb tests. These filters were designed to capture particles down to 0.3 microns in size at efficiency ratings of 99.97%. This standard is still used to this day for HEPA vacuum cleaners and HEPA air cleaners for asbestos and lead abatement. HEPA vacuum cleaners now are used every day in homes and businesses to clean and remove household dust and allergens to improve the indoor air quality.


Central Vacuum versus Portable HEPA Vacuum cleaners

Central Vacuum system are preferred over portable units, however are not always an affordable or practical option. Central vacuum systems have a few but significant advantages. They are often up to five times more powerful than portables and the collection bag and air pump are normally located in a garage, closet, basement or other area that keeps any allergens or dust that may escape out of the living areas.

Portable HEPA Vacuum cleaners come in two basic styles, upright and canister. The upright HEPA vacuum stands by itself and is a single unit, some with an attachment hose to clean hard to reach areas with specialized vacuum tools. HEPA canister vacuum cleaners have a smaller and generally more powerful, compact case that will roll along and follow behind you as you vacuum the floor, carpet, furniture or upholstery. A long hose is attached to canister vacuum cleaners to reach hard to get areas with the many vacuum tools that are available for them. Rug beaters are detachable from the canister type vacuum cleaner units. They often are much more powerful then the ones found on uprights because they are powered by their own separate motor. If an electric motor powered rug beater breaks down on a canister vacuum cleaner, the vacuum still can be used while the rug beater is being repaired or replaced.

Important Design Information:
 
Both central vacuum systems and portable HEPAs have one common issue – the bag must be cleaned often. When the dust bags get to about one third full, fine dust particles plug the pores of the paper dust collector bags, restricting a tremendous amount of air flow to the motor and causing the vacuum cleaner to lose suction. This in turn puts a strain on the motor and can reduce its life. The restriction of air flow to the motor can cut the cleaning ability of the vacuum cleaner up to 80 percent! It is VERY important to clean your HEPA vacuum often, usually when the bag is no more than 1/3 full. When making a decision about purchasing a HEPA vacuum, factor in the cost of filters over time. When cleaning or replacing bags, wear a mask, wash your clothes immediately and vacuum the area where you worked on the bag.

Portable HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

Please note that the Indoor Air Alliance does not recommend or endorse any brand or model of vacuum cleaner. The following information is provided as a convenience to the public: http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-vac.html