First off, let us say that Bob is grumpy. He's not one to mince words or beat around the bush about something. He says that all vacuums today pick up dirt, have some sort of filtration and in most cases much better filtration than 20 years ago. What differentiates vacuum cleaners today is reliability. In many cases a vacuum cleaner manufactured in the late 70's and early 80's is still in use today. They are spewing fine dust all over your house but they're still running. Bob feels as if most people are buying the $150 vacuum cleaner, using it until it doesn't work anymore, (sometimes this takes less than a year) and then they chuck it into the garbage and turn around and buy another crappy quality vacuum cleaner. Many times people will spend more money the third time around in hopes that this will appease the vacuum Gods and make the vacuum last longer. But in most cases it doesn't. You have to perform an actual sacrifice for that! ha ha. This strategy of buying, chucking and rebuying works for most people in the short-term. However, it's very frustrating to most people. It is environmentally irresponsible. It definitely won't work for the long-term. But most people, understandably, don't know what to do differently. Here's what Bob thinks:
1. Buy or have installed a central vacuum system. This is more costly in the short-term but pays off in the long-term in several ways. Firstly, it provides the best filtration possible in a vacuum cleaning system by design. Think about it. The dirt that is picked up is taken out of the living space of the house. There is zero chance of reintroducing this dirt back into your breathing air. How wonderful is that? Secondly, it should increase the value of your home. Remember when microwaves didn't come as a standard feature in a new house? Remember when the outhouse was outside? But we digress... Installing a central vacuum system in a new house that is between 2K and 6.5K square feet, is under-construction and before the drywall is up should cost approximately 2000-2500 dollars. Total. For everything, including the accessory set. Yes, seriously. In an existing home it should cost about 3000-3500 dollars. Most suction canisters come with a 7-10 year warranty and the accessory set usually comes with a 3 year warranty. Well worth it, Bob says.
2. Buy a Miele canister vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This is the next-best thing to owning a central vacuum system. What's that you say? You hate using a canister? It feels like a ball and chain? Do you like having a really clean house? Then listen to Bob. A Miele canister will cost you 600-1200 dollars. They last a loooooooooooooong time and are very reliable. They last even longer when you buy them from us! (Just kidding) The standard warranty from Miele is 1 year from date of purchase, plus a 7 year motor warranty.
3. Buy a Miele Universal Upright Vacuum. It's got the power of a full-size vacuum plus HEPA filtration. You can even add a power head with a spinning roller brush if you purchase Model S168. Sweet.
4. See 1, 2 or 3 above.
