Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

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

Thanks Carmine. I think careful guidelines need to be drawn as I see Electrolux AB's big appliance sales problem is that they cost too much. Neither it, Miele or Bosch to name a few more deserve brownie points. Let them bring their prices down a bit.

I just got my first look at a Lowe's out in Jersey City. I was knocking around before an interview and got to thinking about dishwasher prices. (What is life without dreams?)

It would seem that Electrolux could stand offering more dishwasher models competitively priced nearer the old American standard brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, GE and Frigidaire. There were several decent "American" models bearing those brand names that ranged from $300 to $600. Yeah, I'd say give the folks a break by making the purchase of a decent appliance easier to achieve. But -- if more extravagance is required by the individual consumer, let the cost of $1,000 or more price tags fall upon his or her own purse. No government intervention is needed in a case like. I in no way feel, as an instance, dishwashers like Fisher & Paykel and Kitchen-Aid's drawer models, supposedly specialty items running from $1.000 to $1,500 easily, deserve to be included as rebate candidates.

Regarding money or damage saving features, it also baffles me that useful anti-leak design for dishwashers -- a system that shuts off the machine's water supply when a leak is detected -- should have to be a feature that requires an arm and a leg to buy.

As for vacuums, there should also be price ceilings. To get relief on vacuums priced up to $650 as not a bad deal. This would be a boon to big-boxers and indies providing reasonably priced goods. However, I see the purchase of vacuum models in the $1,000 range and above as not deserving. Let their manufacturers also consider dropping their prices.

Hopefully, there will be a ceiling, per type and average price, on all appliance rebates comparable to what was claimed to be in place for automobiles. There should also be a clearly expressed plan and line of responsibility for the disposal and recycling of appliances being replaced by benefit of a rebate plan.

Venson

The advisor to President Obama charged with promotion of "green products" resigned yesterday in controversy.  If you interested here's the story and link:

The White House said Van Jones, one of President Barack Obama's advisers, is resigning amid controversy over past inflammatory statements.

Mr. Jones, who has promoted "green jobs," was linked to efforts suggesting a governmental role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and to derogatory comments about Republicans.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125221129315388817.html?mod=djemalertNEWS

Carmine D.