Dust collector capacity
The nominal volume of the dust collector installed in the vacuum cleaner.
This indicator largely depends on the type of unit (see above). For example, in most handheld household models, the capacity
does not exceed 0.5 L. The volume of the container in upright vacuum cleaners and robots can be somewhat larger — among the first variety there are quite a few models for
1 – 2 liters or even more, and among the second — by
0.6 – 1 liter and a little more. For conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimum figure is actually about 0.8 – 1 L; dust collectors for 1 – 2 L and
2 – 4 L are very popular in such devices; the maximum capacity is actually
4 – 6 liters — units of a similar layout, but with a larger capacity, are usually referred to as household ones. In turn, relatively small containers are occasionally found among workshop models. However, in vacuum cleaners of this type, the capacity is generally quite large — it can reach
26 – 50 liters or even
more ; the same applies to industrial (construction) units.
In general, a larger dust container allows you to work longer without interruptions. On the other hand, a capacious container itself takes up more space and, accordingly, affects the size, weight and price. So when choosing th
...is parameter, it is worth considering the actual features of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Here we can give such an example: for a full-scale cleaning of an average city apartment, a capacity of about 1 – 1.5 litres is required. Thus, say, a 4-litre bag allows you to carry out two such cleanings with sufficient efficiency without unloading the vacuum cleaner. There are more detailed recommendations regarding the optimal volume of the dust collector, including specific cleaning options. These recommendations can be found in special sources.Power adjustment
The type of power regulator provided in the design of the vacuum cleaner.
By itself
, power adjustment allows you to adjust the operating mode to the current situation. For example, to clean a thick carpet, it is better to use a vacuum cleaner on full power, and on a delicate sofa or chair, it may be better to reduce the power. Types of power regulators are distinguished by location; options can be as follows:
— On body. The most popular option among modern vacuum cleaners. The main advantage of models with this design is that they do not require special hoses (unlike the units described below with adjustments on the handle). However, installation on the body is not very convenient for conventional vacuum cleaners (see "Type") — to change the power, you have to lean towards the body every time. However, for most users, it is not critical.
— On handle.
The power regulator on the handle of the vacuum hose is convenient because the control is right at your fingertips, and you can change the power with just one movement of your finger, without bending over to the body. However, this convenience has a downside. So, some of these vacuum cleaners can only be fully used with special hoses; when installing a classic hose (without a regulator), the device, at best, will only work at full power, without adjustment, at worst, it will not turn on at all. A special hose is usually included
...in the kit, but finding a replacement for it can be a quite troublesome (and costly) business. In other models, a wireless remote control is used, and its presence significantly affects the price of the unit.
— On body and handle. Vacuum cleaners combine both of the options described above. Usually, a hose with a regulator on the handle is supplied with such a unit. However, if necessary, you can install a regular hose and change the power with a switch on the body. Such control is the most versatile. Nevertheless, it is more expensive than each of the options described above.Fine filter
The presence of a
HEPA fine filter in the vacuum cleaner; also in this paragraph, the specific class of this filter is often specified.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) filters are designed to purify the air from the smallest mechanical contaminants — up to tenths of a micron in size. It allows you to trap not only fine dust but even bacteria. For comparison: the size of most bacteria starts at 0.5 microns, and the effectiveness of HEPA filters is evaluated by the ability to retain particles with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns. The most advanced such filters (
class 13 and above) are able to remove more than 99.9% of these particles from the air. Here is a more detailed description of the different classes:
— HEPA 10 – traps at least 85% of particles with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns;
— HEPA 11 – at least 95% of such particles;
— HEPA 12 – not less than 99.5%;
— HEPA 13 – not less than 99.95%;
— HEPA 14 – not less than 99.995%;
Note that pollution with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns is the worst-kept by HEPA filters, so with particles of other sizes (both larger and smaller), the efficiency of such elements will be even higher.
Regarding the choice for this parameter, it is worth noting that, in fact, it does not always make sense to pursue a high filtration class. For example, during wet cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner (see abov
...e), the HEPA filter, in fact, is not needed at all (in many models, it is recommended to remove it altogether for such cases). So if you plan to use such a vacuum cleaner mainly for washing, you can ignore this parameter. Another specific case is industrial units (see "Type"): they are often used for rough cleaning of large debris, where thorough air filtration is not required.
