Anybody have any ideas about what actually should constitute the basics of a good "green" vacuum cleaner?

I was checking out the Eureka Envirovac's ad claims and specs -- plus some not so favorable customer reviews today. They got me thinking.

Eureka claims that it's Envirovac's 800-watt motor uses less power than the 1200-watt vacuums now quite common on the market. We've had a long run of vacuum cleaners that have served us well using well under 800 watts for many years. So what's the difference?

Is it possible that an efficient 1200-watt vacuum may help get my work finished faster and even out the power consumption question by way of shorter use time? Also keep in mind that the whole issue of a vacuum cleaner's power consumption is highly debatable. Over a year, power used for vacuuming no where near matches the amount of draw by refrigerators, electric ranges and high heat producing appliances within the same span of time.

Better bagged and bagless vacuums do use final filtering medium that may prove a noticeable hit on the wallet if not our ecology. Dumping a dirt bin or water-pan in some ways may lend to saving on what you'd pay for bags although the variable there may hang upon size and price. We use far more paper and plastic by way of other household disposables like diapers and personal paper goods.

The few matters mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg when considering the total question. Maybe an ecologically beneficial vacuum cleaner, or any other appliance for that matter, can be more "green" by way of potential longevity and easy repairability. Biodegradable, recyclable, whatever -- brands and models we've seen endure and provide useful service over long periods of time may be the greenest cleaning machines we'll know by reason of less need for replacement. How do we keep that in the mix while moving ahead?

Venson

It appears very energy efficient to use a 4 amp upright for floors and carpets only.  Then use an 8 amp canister for all above the floor and tool cleaning.  Rather than a 12 amp vacuum for both modes.  Why?  The two vacuums used individually will more than likely be used less than the one vacuum in concert for both.  In turn, the two will last their owners longer and use less energy in the process.  Seems 2 each for specific purposes are better than one for both? 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
In general the machines built today are nothing close in quality as those built 30 years ago.  We are routinely discarding  rechargeable and electric sticks after 4 or 5 years of use...same goes for hand vacs.  After spending upwards of $1000 on a CV, most customers aren't looking for high quality sticks or second vacuums...they want cheap and easy to use, which generally means disposable. I would also point out that using yourself as an example doesn't really count for much (no offense meant) as you know how to repair and service your vac...the average consumer does not and is quite willing to throw product away rather than repair knowing they can buy new for 30 or 40 dollars

Dusty

Venson wrote:

i see the CV systems as  the greenest way to go....but prefer an upright w/good filtration .  The upright allows me to take and keep my power

 with me wherever i go.....and at the moment i dont mind carrying it up or down stairs....when i do' ill keep one up one down. Never been a

fan of the CVsystems......no matter how eff /green or clean they are...sometimes green isnt always better... As long as the vacuum you use filters good

and has the power on hand for the task...then its efficient./green enough ....and w/ proper care it will last many years to come.

Iknow my views may change as i get older/wiser....or have allergy issues. i just dont feel all we have/use needs to be green....not with the little use

 it gets compared to all day/everyday running appliances.... the ones that really hammer us every month.

turtle1

Hello Dusty:

To my knowledge, the red Dirt Devil hand cleaner I bought and used for the last 30 years is the same sold in stores today.  I would also add that I believe the quality and performance of vacuums today as being comparable to those sold 30 years ago, if not even better.

And WRT to me as a point of reference, belts, brushes and bags as repairable parts on the Dirt Devil hand cleaner are not beyond the average vacuum customer with the desire to try.  Which make the Dirt Devil hand vacuum, in my opinion, due to the ease and inexpensive repairs and longevity, a 'green' vacuum.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

hi carmine

I agree....those ddvl hand vacs are hard to beat......take a lickin and keep on tickin...a  true durable hand vac that will last the test and stress of time....and abuse.

But lets not forget the great orecks.......durability and efficientcy at its finest.

retardturtle1 wrote:

Hi 'turtle1'

ORECK was 'green,' and still is, long before the environmentalists and politicians, coined the word and term.  4 amps, one of the largest paper bags in the industry [reduces need to replace bag often lowering the number of bags needed] and 30 components to it.  Simple. 

Carmine D.

Here's an article related to 'green' appliances.  Enjoy.

Carmine D.

Program to Offer Appliance Rebates

Thanks for the article Carmine. I'm glad to learn of something beneficial that the broader public can benefit from. Not meaning to play favorites but Whirlpool, for one, has always been a favorite of mine by way of its production of not necessarily the fanciest but quite solid, efficient and better-priced home appliances. (If you think I have problems about 1500-buck vacuums you ought to see me when it comes to dishwashers.)

I'll be curious to see how much new ground is broken in regard to energy efficient appliances in the near future.

Venson

Hi Venson:

HOOVER/TTA has already started to display the energy star for its products on its Web Site.

Carmine D.

Platinum Cordless System with LiNX Technology

LiNX cordless products from the Hoover Platinum Collection are the first cordless cleaning tools that utilize 18 volt, interchangeable Lithium-Ion batteries. The Platinum Collection Stick Vacuum uses Hoover's Patented WindTunnel™ Technology combined with bagless, cyclonic filtration to provide the performance of an upright on hard floors with cordless convenience.* The Platinum Collection Hand Vacuum enjoys a 2X longer runtime.** Lithium Ion technology provides fade-free power and a battery fuel gauge shows remaining battery life. With a quick, three hour charge time and an environmentally-friendly Energy Star rating, the LiNX Cordless System is truly the future of cordless cleaning!

* on hard floors Per ASTM F2607

* * as tested per ELTP-002 against a leading competitive lithium-ion cordless hand vac

  What is Energy Star?

The Europeans are way beyond us in recycling old appliances.   Although this refers to Dyson, it apparently applies to all European manufacturers:  http://www.dyson.co.uk/support/weee.asp

What is WEEE?

The WEEE Directive is a European law, which came into force in the UK on 1st July 2007. It's designed to reduce the amount of WEEE going into landfill. This means that all manufacturers like Dyson will be responsible for the disposal of old electrical goods in an environment friendly way.

Dyson and WEEE

To emphasise our commitment to recycling and the WEEE initiative, Dyson are offering you the chance to recycle your old vacuum cleaner when you buy a new Dyson upright or cylinder from our web shop at www.dyson.co.uk. When placing an order for your new Dyson vacuum cleaner, all you need to do is let us know that you would like us to collect your old vacuum cleaner no matter what the make. Dyson can collect (from UK mainland only) your old cleaner free of charge and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way. It really is that simple.

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WEEE Directive FAQ

What does the WEEE directive mean?

The WEEE directive is a European law to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic goods on the environment by requiring the re-use and recycling of waste, so that the amount of WEEE going into landfill is reduced dramatically.

How will the WEEE directive work?

All producers, like Dyson, will be responsible for the disposal of end of life electrical goods in an environmentally friendly way.

When does it come into effect?

It comes into effect on 1st July 2007. It has been phased into other European countries over the last 2 years or so.

Why is this happening?

Over our lifetime each one of us throws away on average 3.3 tonnes of electrical goods. To preserve our environment we need to look at ways of becoming more sustainable.

What is Dyson doing towards this?

We are part of the largest alliance scheme called REPIC (Recycling Electrical Producers Industry Consortium). REPIC is helping us and most other major electrical manufacturers to achieve the WEEE objectives, and if you purchase a Dyson directly from us we can collect your old one and recycle this for you.

What do I have to do?

Nothing at the moment. It just means that when the time comes to renew your vacuum cleaner you can take your old one to a designated collection facility in your area for recycling, or if you purchase a Dyson directly from us we will collect your old one and recycle it for you.

What do I do with my old Dyson?

You can take it to your nearest designated collection facility, or if you purchase a new machine directly from Dyson we can make arrangements to collect your old one when we deliver your new machine.