Staying ahead of the dirt, grit, and lint in your house can either be the most straightforward or the most daunting chore you've ever done.

It might even get frustrating if you have a run-of-the-mill best vacuum cleaner for carpet that's slow and doesn't do the trick due to low vacuum cleaner amps.

Moreover...

With the many models, brands, features, and accessories on the market, choosing a perfect vacuum can be very confusing.

You need to research and find out what you need the hoover for and which features will work best with your situation.

After that:

When you know what you need from the sweeper, then you can head on out to buy one.

However, if you're not sure about what you need, you can always consult your local vacuum cleaner store or read through some guidelines and get the hoover that works best for you.

But where to start?

Our vacuum cleaner guides are a great place to start, so keep reading!

But first…

Here's a comprehensive guide about vacuum power and how amps affect the device's capability to get rid of the allergens in your haven.

Defining the Amps of a Vacuum Cleaner

The first thing you have to comprehend is how amps are measured, and also realise the difference between amps and watts.

Basically...

Amps and watts are the two most common things you hear when it comes to a vacuum's power consumption. There's a significant difference between the two.

Amps are the units of the current flowing, while watts are the units of power that can be measured. Amps apply to electricity, and wattage can be used for other forms of energy.

Do you get the picture now?

Okay, read on.

How Many Amps Does Your Vacuum System Use?

Most of the upright and canister vacuum cleaners have about 8- to 12-amps. 

The household outlet you plug your sweeper into holds a maximum of 15 to 20 amps depending on the circuit.

However, even with the variation in amps, 12 amps are the maximum allowed for UL approval, so you can't get a vacuum with more than 12 amps. 

Why Amps Aren't a Dependable Gauge of Suction Power

Amps measure the flow of the electrical current going from your outlet to the motor of your vacuum.

While most models feature "12 amps" as displayed by their manufacturers, it doesn't necessarily mean that having a 12-amp¹  hoover doesn't guarantee you that you own the most powerful cleaner on the market.

It's all dependent on the manufacturer's design of the motor that uses the amps effectively.

That said...

Here are several factors other than amperage that significantly influence the cleaning power of a vacuum cleaner:

• The manufacturer's design. Contrary to most people's beliefs, the manufacturer's design has a massive impact on the vacuum performance. Some of the versions come with two or even three fans²  that work together in harmony. (Vacuum cleaners with a two-motor fan typically produce better output, primarily when you use on board attachments. Idyllically, most canister vacuums are two-motor optimised, while the upright versions mostly have a one-motor system).
• The filters' condition and the way the system traps and filters the dirt also affects the vacuum's cleaning power. To get the most out of washable filters,³ you need to ensure that you regularly clean them based on the manufacturer's recommendations for optimum airflow. 
• The floor nozzle design and hose also have a significant impact on the hoover's performance.
• Another feature is the height adjustment settings on the carpet or surface.
• If you own lightweight bagless vacuum cleaners, you need to make sure that you keep emptying the canister or bag when it's full to boost the suction power. Suction is drastically reduced when the bag, dust cup or canister is full.
• The airflow specification also has a massive impact on the cleaning ability of the vacuum system. It's measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the more airflow the vacuum has, the better its cleaning ability. 

Simply put:

Buying the best budget robot vacuum isn't rocket science. You only have to look into some factors carefully before you head out to shop for one.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

If you want a sweeper with high power, be sure to read the above guidelines and check the vacuum cleaner amps, and you'll get the vacuum that'll help you eliminate dust and allergy problems efficiently.

To learn more, give our vacuum reviews a read!