Everyone uses upright vacuum cleaners, but how much do you really know about these floor cleaning machines? We are always happy to dispel myths about upright commercial vacuums so our customers are better-informed and have a deeper understanding of our equipment. Here are just some of the many myths we hear about our Bissell upright vacuums, followed by the truth:

“Amps mean performance.”

We list the amps for every piece of equipment in our inventory, but they shouldn’t be confused with a measure of vacuuming performance. Amps are measures of electrical currents — how much electrical energy an upright vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer consumes. This is an important consideration when energy-savings come into play, but the overall quality of a machine is determined by how it controls and handles airflow and incorporates filtration.

“My vacuum should be able to pick up a bowling ball.”

You’ve probably seen this trick before, but that’s exactly what it is —- a trick. Have you ever placed a suction cup on a glass surface, like a mirror, then tried to pull it away directly? It’s tough to do because the seal is difficult to break on a smooth surface. An upright commercial vacuum’s ability to create a strong seal around a bowling ball doesn’t affect how well it can remove soil from surfaces (although it is pretty cool to watch!).

“Vacuum belts are all the same.”

There is a tremendous difference between vacuum belts. Cheaper ones slip, stretch and quickly wear out, but high-quality belts can last for years. They are designed to not slip, which increases consistency for the pickup and removal of soil. Good belts deliver better performance, which means you spend less time fixing or replacing them.

“Suction is what makes a vacuum effective.”

This is related to our bowling ball example above. The entire system of a Bissell upright vacuum is what makes it work well. There are four key benchmarks to consider when judging an upright vacuum:

Airflow: This is the volume of air that moves through the vacuum, and it affects the quantity of soil and debris that can be carried through it and contained in its filtration system.

Lift: This is the ability of the vacuum to lift dirt using airflow.

Filtration: This is the vacuum system that captures soil and debris. A good filtration system stops these particles without disrupting airflow.

Design: We carefully design all the components of our upright commercial vacuums so they work effortlessly and efficiently together. For example, we take care that our tools don’t lower air velocity and that dust won’t leak from non-filter areas.

Choosing the right upright commercial vacuum for your needs can be confusing, but that’s why our team of experts is here! We are happy to talk about all these factors to help you choose the best model for your facility. Contact us today at 1-800-242-1378 for a consultation.