Vacuums
How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
Standard vacuums usually filter the outgoing air via the vacuum bag. In commercial environments where HEPA vacuums are required, such as construction or restoration sites, using standard vacuums with HEPA filters or bags may constitute a violation of EPA rules and may result in a substantial fine.
When you use a vacuum cleaner without a HEPA filter, these particles are stirred up and put back out into the air through your vacuum`s exhaust. Regular filters can`t remove these harmful particulates and this puts the people in your home at risk.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums differ from conventional vacuums in that they contain filters that are capable of trapping extremely small, micron-sized particles. A true HEPA filter can trap 99.97 percent of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns.
Non-HEPA vacuum filters typically retain more like 96% of the dirt, which makes a big difference if you have breathing issues. HEPA filters also trap droppings from dust mites, along with pollen, mould, pet dander and tobacco particles.
If your filter is not changed in time, it will be clogged with micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, and mold particles. It won`t be able to clean new ones and only capture them on the filter`s surface.
If you are using a vacuum with a HEPA filter in a strictly residential setting, the filter should last you around two to three years before you need to replace it. It depends on how much you use it, but regular use based on an average cleaning schedule should keep it doing the job for between 24 to 36 months.
“You don`t need a HEPA filter to stop dust mite, and pollen particles, as they are relatively huge. Any good vacuum cleaner should stop cat hair and dander.” Animal hair will be picked up by conventional vacuums, even without a HEPA filter.
Using the machine with only one of those filters would dramatically reduce the efficiency of your air purifier and may result in abnormal air circulation noises, as the space left by the missing filter would allow part of your indoor air to circulate freely without being filtered.
In short, HEPA filters are capable of removing dust and other allergens, such as mold, while carbon filters are capable of filtering out smoke, fumes and other chemicals. Both, however, are necessary for improved air quality across many different industries.
ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.
Are all Vacuums with HEPA filtration the same? Whereas most HEPA-rated filters in commercial vacuum cleaners are effective at trapping minute particles, not all vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters will give you the same performance.
Put It Near the Problem
“Place a portable HEPA air purifier in the room with the most potential contaminants,” says Negron. Don`t place it in a corner or tuck it behind furniture. To optimize air flow, “target entry points, like a doorway, a busy hallway, or a window …
HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air filters filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns and keep them from being released back into air by your vacuum cleaner`s exhaust. It`s good practice to change your vacuum cleaner`s HEPA filter every 6 months.
You can both pull through the filter or push air through the filter. If you are going to push air through the filter it is recommended to take off the outer pre-filter and place the pre-filter prior to the air entering the carbon bed.
Household vacuums and standard wet/dry vacs aren`t effective because they don`t have the right kind of filters to properly trap the mold. Using one of these vacuums can actually spread the mold throughout your home.
HEPA filters drastically restrict airflow and should only be matched to a compatible system.
HEPA filters are not designed to be washed and reused. Doing so will cause damage to the fibers which makes the filter ineffective and it will become void of its job. Once a filter has reached the maximum capacity of harmful particles, it will need to be replaced with a fresh, new one.
HEPA filters will not remove most viruses, because they are simply too small. HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.
HEPA filters are not designed to be washed and reused. Doing so will cause damage to the fibers which makes the filter ineffective and it will become void of its job. Once a filter has reached the maximum capacity of harmful particles, it will need to be replaced with a fresh, new one.
HEPA filters will not remove most viruses, because they are simply too small. HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have an older fantom model# F11052 00 & I need a hepa filter..where’s a good place to get one?
ANSWER : Try walmart first, if they don’t have it look up the brand name on a computer and you can get parts so easy . thank you and good luck
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Hello,
I am looking for a wiring diagram to install a touch/dimmer switch by “Comfort” mdl # RH-934B – Darjung Ind Ltd.
It has a standard lampcord (two wires) coming from it as well as one white, one black and one yellow wire.
The original touch/dimmer switch (no identification on it) had one white, one black, one red and one yellow – no lampcord.
Thank you very much for your help!
ANSWER : The black and the white will go to the lamp ,eg,output.The yellow is the sensor wire which should be firmly attached to the metal base of the lamp
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I just received my Hepa filter in the mail today. Product #XSH621 – Hepa filter for EP619 & EP621 :005-04 When bought my vacumn, I was told that the filters were free and all I do is pay Postage. Today I received one filter and it lookes like I got charged the postage for two filters. The packages slips: One stated order #11152282 The other order # 1151940 If I get charged for two I expect to receive two. Can you help me with this matter or where can I go to get resolution. Catherine Fantini e-
ANSWER : This isn’t really a problem that can be fixed here on Fixya rather than advise you as a buyer. You’d have to contact the people/company you have purchased the filters from and take it up with them regarding the postage. Hope you get a decent reply.
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My older Dyson DC14 (the purple one) early model with a clutch on the beater bar belt needs a clutch replacement. The bar has been cleaned and there are no worn or damaged parts so I conclude that the clutch at the motor end of the belt needs to be replaced. I can find the part online but no instructions on how to disassemble the vacuum to get to and replace it. Dysons only advice is to give me the address and phone of the nearest service center. Can you help me?
ANSWER : Have a look at www.dysonmedic.com which has some very useful info on dismantling and repairing Dysons.
.
.Although this site doesnt actually cover the DC14 yet, the DC14 is very similar to the DC07 so as regards dissassembling the machine, and replacing the clutch, my experience is that the DC07 info will enable you to do the job.
.
.Although this site doesnt actually cover the DC14 yet, the DC14 is very similar to the DC07 so as regards dissassembling the machine, and replacing the clutch, my experience is that the DC07 info will enable you to do the job.
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I need to change out the short hose on the underside of my older Dyson DC 07 Animal (Light Purple). It is the one less than a foot long on the underside which is attached on one end to the main body of the vacuum(I was able to remove this one) and the top of the upper soleplate. The latter one seems to be glued or otherwise permanently attached.Any assistance you could give me on this would be greatly appreciated….Thanks
ANSWER : Hello Cynthia,
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.It’s not glued, but it can be a little difficult to remove. You need to twist and pull at the same time and it should pull off. If it’s being stubborn, squirt a little bit of WD40 / penetrating fluid where the hose meets the tube on the sole plate, leave it for a couple of minutes and try again. This will also help you to attach the new one more easily. Wipe up any excess fluid after fitting the new hose.
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.There isn’t really much more I can tell you. There are numerous videos on YouTube covering Dyson maintenance. The following is actually for a clutch change but it’s one of the easiest to follow and covers removal of the short hose:
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.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycicf5Ut59g
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.If you fast-forward the video to 1 minute 30 seconds, you will jump straight to the part showing the removal of the hose.
.
.Hope this helps, please let me know if you need further assistance, by clicking on ‘Add a Comment‘ below your question.
.
.Regards,
.BElectric
.
.It’s not glued, but it can be a little difficult to remove. You need to twist and pull at the same time and it should pull off. If it’s being stubborn, squirt a little bit of WD40 / penetrating fluid where the hose meets the tube on the sole plate, leave it for a couple of minutes and try again. This will also help you to attach the new one more easily. Wipe up any excess fluid after fitting the new hose.
.
.There isn’t really much more I can tell you. There are numerous videos on YouTube covering Dyson maintenance. The following is actually for a clutch change but it’s one of the easiest to follow and covers removal of the short hose:
.
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycicf5Ut59g
.
.If you fast-forward the video to 1 minute 30 seconds, you will jump straight to the part showing the removal of the hose.
.
.Hope this helps, please let me know if you need further assistance, by clicking on ‘Add a Comment‘ below your question.
.
.Regards,
.BElectric
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I can’t get the vacuum to **** and can’t get to the point of the clog. The pieces don’t come off. Also need to know how to get the filter piece off the machine.
ANSWER : This link is for the manual
http://www.dysonmedic.com/PDF%20docs/dyson_dc18_owners_manual.pdf
http://www.dysonmedic.com/PDF%20docs/dyson_dc18_owners_manual.pdf
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Owner/user manual Before my sister died she gave me the little grren machine model 1425 turbo brush with heat. That is all I know about it as she did not find the manual and now no one knows where it is and I really want to get it working and learn about it, as I know she loved it. so I really need a manual. thank any one that can tell me if it is on line or something.
ANSWER : Http://www.bissell.com/images/UserGuides/1400_206.pdf
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I need to change the motor in a vax 6131 but i don’t know how to get into it to get the change it?
I also need to get into the motor assembly housing to change a part but can’t see how it comes apart!!
I also need to get into the motor assembly housing to change a part but can’t see how it comes apart!!
ANSWER : On the handle there is one small pozidrive screw, remove and orange panel comes away revealing powercable securing bar. Remove 2 screws and this reveals a 10mm headed bolt. Under label on top of handle there is another small pozzi screw, undo this and the handle cover can be removed revealing the other 10mm bolt which needs to be removed. The upper orange cowl can now be eased upwards and if you note where the 2 switches are located, they can be eased from the handle area by depressing the switch locating clips. This allows the upper cover to be put to one side with the power cable still threaded through. DO NOT REMOVE any of the connectors from the connections otherwise you might need a competent electrician to help you. At this point there are 3 similar 10mm bolts which, when removed, allow the bottom black plastic ‘ring’ to be removed from the orange plastic with the motor attached. You then should be able to replace the required..—————————————–.—————————–.To disassemble a vax you first remove 2 screws holding the handle cover. One is just above where the power flex enters the handle, the other is at the mid-point of the top, hidden under the label. Both are small crosshead screws. Before doing attempting this, you need to be competent with working on mains electric wiring, as some of this has to be removed to do all this.
Once the handle covers are removed, the next bit is to gently lever off the speed control knob – it’s a tight friction fit, then undo the nut holding it to the handle cover panel. After this undo the mains power connections from the multi-block joiner they go into then remove the 2 screws securing the mains wire. Then undo 2 bolts at each end of the handle going downwards into the main body. At this point the handle can be removed as well as the top body plate. You have to fiddle the electrics and switches through the hole in the top body plate to remove it. Now 3 bolts and a small crosshead screw is all that holds the upper motor section to the lower. Remove these and you can separate the 2 halves which gives you acess to the water pump. This is held in by screws founf underneath the plastic ring at the base of the motor body (around where the small reound blue sponge filter goes). This ring is held in by plastic springy clips. Gently lever round it to get it come off.
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