Almost every home has a vacuum cleaner in it. They’re often one of the most important cleaning appliances for any household, but one we do little to service or maintain. 

But vacuums are like any machine. They can break or malfunction leaving you without an easy way to clean your floors. When that happens, you can either visit a vacuum supplier for a new one, or you can get it repaired. 

Another option people take is to hire cleaning services to save them time and hassle. 

Common issues with vacuum cleaners

Before you buy a new vacuum cleaner, it can be more cost-effective to have your old one repaired. Not all problems can be easily fixed and sometimes the malfunction can be misleading. 

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional. Not only will they have the tools and experience to fix your machine but they can also perform maintenance to prevent anything else from breaking. 

Some common issues that people find with their vacuums include:

Low suction

Low suction is one of the most common issues that people have with their vacuums. If you’re finding that you have to run the vacuum over the same spot over and over again, there’s a good chance that this is the issue. 

Before you call someone in, it can be a good idea to check the settings on your vacuum as many of the more modern ones can come with settings that may have been changed. 

If everything is set right and you’re still experiencing the issue then several things could be causing it including:

• A blocked filter 
• Full vacuum bag
• Clogged brush 

Too loud

Most vacuum cleaners will be somewhat loud but if you’ve found that your vacuum cleaner has started making excessive noise then chances are that the motor is working overtime. 

More often than not, the motor will be trying to compensate for some issues by working harder. This is usually where the noise comes from and can be caused by:

• Blockages in the head, neck or hose of the vacuum 
• Problems in the motor itself 
• Air leaks in the vacuum 

Overheating

It’s relatively common for a vacuum cleaner that has been used constantly for extended periods of time to become hot. If your vacuum is overheating whenever you use it, even for short periods, then there’s a big problem. 

In extreme cases, overheating can lead to smoke coming from your vacuum. If this happens, contact a professional immediately. Usually, overheating is caused by problems with the electrical systems. These need to be looked at by a professional and could require a new motor. 

Burning smell

Generally, a burning smell coming from your vacuum cleaner can be due to a worn-out motor belt. As it loses elasticity, it doesn’t spin as easily and the motor can start to burn it. 

Fixing a motor belt can be an involved process and requires the motor to be cleaned of burnt rubber and installing a new belt. If you are unsure how to do any of this, it’s a good idea to call a professional. 

Vacuum won’t turn on

If your vacuum won’t turn on then it’s a pretty obvious sign that there's something wrong with your machine. Before you get on the phone though, do a quick check to see if you’ve got it plugged in and if there are no obvious loose connections. 

Generally, a vacuum that won’t turn on will be experiencing issues with its power supply. Anything from the cable, its connection to the motor or something inside the motor could be the problem. 

With problems that occur in the electrical systems of your machine, it’s always best to get a professional. Working with these systems is dangerous and could result in injury or worse if not done by someone with experience. 

Types of vacuum cleaners

If you’re looking to replace your vacuum cleaner, there are a range of options for every home. Some will work better for large homes or small apartments while others will be better for hardwoods than carpets. 

You’ll usually be able to find the perfect vacuum for your needs with minimal research but here are some of the common types of vacuum cleaners you may find:

Ducted vacuum cleaner: Ducted vacuum cleaners will pick up more dirt than standard vacuum counterparts and they’re great for people with allergies. They’re also extremely durable and very quiet, allowing you to vacuum in the same room while your pet takes a snooze!

Cylinder vacuum cleaner: Cylinder vacuum cleaners are great for vacuuming large areas. They usually come with a range of attachments that are housed inside for convenience and versatility.

Upright vacuum cleaner: Upright vacuum cleaners excel at cleaning those hard-to-reach places. The suction power of this machine is one of the primary advantages and it’s ideal for cleaning carpets. Be careful though, they can be heavier and harder to manoeuvre than other vacuums.

Canister vacuum cleaner: Canister vacuum cleaners are ideal for use on vertical surfaces, curtains, hardwood floors and stairs. The machine is available in smaller and more portable sizes compared to its upright counterparts.

Broom/stick vacuum cleaner: stick vacuum cleaners have been gaining popularity due to their convenience. They can be used on hardwood floors, furniture, curtains and also hard-to-reach locations. The price for their convenience is that they don’t generate huge suction power. 

Bagless vacuum cleaner: The bagless vacuum cleaner is one of the most modern available in the market. Suction power is constantly maintained and normally features a HEPA filter, which removes dust more effectively than those that use bags. Bagless vacuum cleaners are more expensive but they can be a good choice for people who suffer from allergies.

Handheld vacuum cleaner: This is a convenient machine for easy handling and quick vacuuming. The cleaner has a wand to reach difficult spots and has an agitator attachment for carpets. Handheld vacuum cleaners normally come with wall mounting and charging units.