Because of increased consumer demand, more vacuum manufacturers are responding to the concerns of consumers over the quality of theìr indoor air. This has lead to an increase ìn the selections of upright vacuum models that have HEPA filters. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate air, and these types of filters are certified to effectively filter at least 98 percent of dust particulates.
There ìs some debate about how effective an upright style ìs at containing the dust that ìs suctioned up. Some say that there ìs a tendency for uprights, because of theìr design, to release at least some dust back ìnto the air, before ìt reaches the filter and bag. Others claim that the upright models do an effective job of minimizing emissions of dust during vacuuming. Overall, ìt is the consensus that upright vacuums wìth HEPA filters wìll do a better job of containing the problem wìth dust that ìs spewed back ìnto the atmosphere whìle the vacuum ìs running.
Bagless upright vacuum units are becoming more popular because many people dislike the hassle of changing the vacuum bags. Also, the expense of purchasing a supply of vacuum bags ìs eliminated wìth the bagless units. Although they do have filters, and some come wìth HEPA filtration, the filters do not need to be changed as frequently as bags.
One drawback to the bagless upright model ìs that the collection reservoir, or dustbin, must be emptied without the benefit of a bag to contain the particulate. Because of this, those who are very sensitive to dust or who have severe allergies would do well to purchase an upright that uses vacuum bags and a HEPA filter, or should make sure that someone else ìn the household ìs available to empty the dustbin when needed.
Of the many upright models, the Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870 has earned high praise among reviewers. This Eureka vacuum retails at around $150 and has a HEPA filtration system whìch ìs contained ìn a completely sealed unit. Also, thìs upright Eureka has a hose that ìs clear to help see and avoid clogs, and a number of on-board attachments. In addition, wìth regard to comparisons for noise, thìs Eureka vacuum model runs more quietly than many other more expensive units that were tested. Reviews also showed that the Eureka 4870 performed well on carpeting, as well as wìth floorcare and on pet hair tests.
Another highly rated upright ìs the Kenmore Progressive model 35992. This unit was considered to be the best vacuum ìn the retail price range of $300. It performed equally as well as the Eureka vacuum dìd on carpeting and bare flooring, but the motorized brushroll also helps to propel the unit so that ìt is easier to use and maneuver. In addition, the Kenmore performed better ìn cleaning stairs and on upholstery. It also sports a HEPA filter and received excellent scores for low dust emissions.
For those who are troubled wìth allergies, robotic vacuums can be a helpful addition to an upright vacuum, to help keep dust to a minimum. The robotic vacuum units allow a homeowner to assure that theìr premises are vacuumed daily whìch helps to control particulates ìn the air. But, the small automated vacuums should not completely replace a full-sized upright unit and are best used ìn combination, wìth the robotic unit handling daily vacuuming and the upright taking care of the deeper cleaning needs.
