Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8773393&type=product&id=1204331806923

Carmine D.

Hello Mole:

Ironically, this BEST BUY store which looks like an Electrolux Appliances store now doesn't even carry any of the Electrolux [Eureka] vacuum line except on-line.  Not even the Infinity.  It just doesn't sell enough to justify the in store stock, I'm told. 

As you said, mostly the boxed China imports, like the Kruz I bought and dyson.  I see dyson is giving away the Car Care Kit with each sale, too.

This particular store, only about a year old, is not very busy [I'm told].  It did have some open vacuum items like the halo and a few dyson DC18's on discount.  The prices will be lowered weekly until sold.  I just don't like the tipsiness of the DC18.  I might spring for the halo if it goes to $200 or less.  Ironically, still DC07's new in the box for sale.  I believe these are the overflow that BEST BUY got stuck with when Wal*Mart and dyson parted ways some years ago. 

Carmine D.

Interesting isn't it.  I noticed that too.  Mole and I had a discussion about variable speed uprights.  I'm wondering if these are them.  Initial start up takes more, then operation speed requires less, then finally even less for shut down and off.  Perhaps increases for attachment use.  Not really sure.  I had hoped to see and ask BEST BUY about this feature.  But alas the Anniversary models had not made their way into the store yet.  To my knowledge no other vacuums on the market today except the HOOVER WT has this designation.

Carmine D.

Hi Severus,

To my mind, the little bit that there is I mean, energy savings as far as vacuum cleaners are concerned is just a selling ploy for the silly.  You use far more energy when making use of heat producing appliances -- irons, electrric grills, electric ranges, clothes dryers, etc. However, thoughit was never part of my religion, there are those who feel that a high power draw vacuum cleaner will allow you to vacuum more effectively, pass for pass, and therefore manage the task in shorter time.  As for me -- don't know what I'm doing wrong but -- I somehow don't seem to vacuum in any less time with a 12 amp vac than I did with a 6 amp machine. 

Vacuuming over the years has not become less work intensive in recent years than it was 60 years ago.  We've got dishwashers with soft food disposers that require only dumping what's on a plate into the trash before its placement into the machine.  We even have washer'dryer combos to cut steps but vacuumiong is still basically vacuuming save for the Roomba and other devices.  However, those devices are not yet effective at thorough cleaning.  Anyway . . .

If energy savings were really an issue to vacuum manufacturers they'd use motors using less amperage but make better designed attachments and machines. 

Here's your cue to yawn . . .

But no, I'm not going to preach.   I merely would suggest that those concerned about energy use look at an old Lux Model XXX or Hoover uprights from back in the day and old Filter Queens.  None of these were big power eaters but all were great at helping achieve a job well done.

But speaking of modern times, more is always considered better.  Suggestions of sizable power set most consumers drooling and, Lordy me, adding the term "green" can lead to such wonderful illusions of "having it all."

Best,

Venson

Carmine D.

Electrolux seems to have pre-empted the legislation, by producing the 'Enviro-vac' machine, with a 700W motor. Supposedly able to clean as efficiently as a machine with twice that power.

Hoover UK has machines that employ 1800, 1900 & 2000W motors, but use a flimsy brushroll.

Would it not be more sensible to downgrade the motor power and fit a decent agitator, like they used to have? This would also reduce the irritating, screaming noise that emanates from modern machines.

That's what I meant.  Ability to clean well is a more a design issue than one regarding motor power.  A 500 watt vacuum that can channel air flow well can serve as well as one employing a thousand watts any day.  I know that because I have a Lux 1205 that just amazes me with its ability to do real work. 

Nonetheless, I still maintain that vacuuming whether with a high or lesser-powered machine doesn't make that much of a dent in an electric bill.  They are not usually used for all that long a time and, God knows, not usually used that often in many homes.

On the other hand our wonderful frost-free refrigerators burn up a lot of juice.  It is claimed that their power consumption has been lessened but at one point in time my local power supplier, Con Edison, claimed they cost about a dollar a day to run.  Now we're talking money -- $356.00 a year.  It's doubtful that you'll come near that at year end because of your vacuum.  The biggest drop in power consumption in my home has been due to switching to compact flourescent bulbs.

People are being played with. I am not saying that real conservation issues do not exist but this is much the same as all scare tactics used to send us scrambling about to hoping to buy a sense of safety.  Safety, in the bigger sense of the word, cannot be bought but simply being practical can move us closer to it.

Venson

Carmine D.