I
have allergies. Is there a specific brand of vacuum I
should look for?
Yes, machines such as Miele and Simplicity are excellent
choices. These machines offer a dust free sealed system
and HEPA filter and therefore, provide superior filtration.
They also help to eliminate other problems that stem from
pollen, dust and carpet mites.
I have a lot of pet hair in
my home. Is there a special vacuum I should look for?
Yes. Depending on the surface you are trying to clean,
there are numerous choices that will address pet hair
issues. A few that we suggest for you to investigate
are Royal, Miele, Simplicity and Sanitaire. All of these
brands have established proven effectiveness in suction
power, filtration and durability.
What kind of vacuum do you recommend
easiest to use if I am going from hard woods to carpet
to tile? Is there one that would work on all three surfaces?
There are a few vacuums that have been specifically
designed to go between carpet and hard floor surfaces.
Some vacuums now come with specially designed hardwood
floor surface tools while others have a simple switch
of a button to let the vacuum know it should turn off
the carpet brush and get ready for a smooth floor finish.
We recommend you look at Miele, Lindhaus and Simplicity
for some starter choices.
How often should I change my
belt?
Much like the timing belts in your car, a vacuum belt
needs to be changed as well. However, a vacuum belt
should really be changed about every 3-4 months. When
belts stretch, they stretch they no longer turn the
brush roll at the proper speed for maximum cleaning.
One way to tell if you’ve waited too long, is
if you hear a squeaking sound when you start up your
vacuum. If you really wait a long time, you’ll
even start to smell something burning. Quick, change
that belt!
How
often should I change my bag?
You shouldn't wait until your bag is full to change
it. Depending on what you’re vacuuming up on a
regular basis, how much you’re cleaning and what
you’re cleaning with your vacuum, you should change
your bag 1-2 times every six months. That being said,
a bag SHOULD be changed BEFORE it’s full. A fresh
bag and filter can help prolong the life of your vacuum.
You will notice your vacuum not picking up as well as
it once did and that will help give you an indication
along with a slight squeeze of the bag.
How
often should I have my vacuum tuned up?
A vacuum is like acar. You can’t run a car long
without ever changing the oil or getting a tune-up.
A vacuum should come in for a full tune up once every
two years to keep it operating at peak performance.
A FREE estimate is always provided to allow you to make
an informed decision about your machine. If you’re
ready to just trade in the old one and see the latest
in vacuum technology, our trained sales associates can
assist you in selecting the right product for your needs.
Why
is vacuuming important?
- Carpet is one of the single largest investments in
your home. A good vacuum prolongs the life of your carpet.
- Vacuuming helps control the carpet & dust mite
population. These extremely small bugs thrive on carpet
fibers, dust particles and skin particles.
- Vacuuming is important to help control repetictive
pet dander and asthmatic reactions.
- Periodic vacuuming can also improve your indoor air
quality.
What
is HEPA filtration and why is it important?
- HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate
Air. It is a filtering efficiency specification
for filters developed by the Atomic Energy Commission
during World War II to effectively remove radioactive
dust from plant exhausts without redistribution.
- High filtration efficiencies are very important to
all of us especially if you suffer from dust related
sensitivities.
What’s the difference between a HEPA filter
and HEPA type filtration?
- A HEPA filter must be capable of capturing 99.97%
of all particles, in order to be certified as a HEPA
filter.
- A true HEPA filter is tested and marked with a certification
number which gives the user assurance that the HEPA
specification efficiency is actually being achieved
by filter.
- A HEPA type filter or paper bag uses similar construction
or fibers to that used in a true HEPA filter. While
being a significant improvement, it may not have a completely
sealed filtration system so there is no guarantee that
the stringent HEPA specification will be met.
- A HEPA filter is only fully effective when used on
a 'sealed system' vacuum. Simplicity and Miele offer
sealed system HEPA filter vacuums.
Do
higher amp machines clean better?
Not necessarily. Amps are a measurement of the amount
of electricity consumed by the appliance. The cleaning
ability is based on how much air flow the machine produces.
A larger more efficient fan can produce more airflow
using less amps.
Can
I buy replacement parts, bags, belts and other accessories
without coming into the store?
You sure can! We ship all machine and accessory purchases
via UPS if needed.
Should
I buy a canister or upright vacuum?
A canister vacuum is most efficient on hard floor surfaces.
An upright excels at cleaning carpeting. However, there
are power head attachments available for canister vacuums
that give you the versatility of an upright and a canister
all in one. Several uprights are available with attachments
to take care of your other cleaning needs.
If
you have other questions, please feel free to contact
any Stark's location for answers.
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