When your vacuum cleaner starts to lose suction or stops working altogether, you may wonder if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to replace it. According to Consumer Reports’ latest surveys, the answer depends on the age of your vacuum and the cost of the repair.
When to Repair
If your vacuum is less than five years old for an upright or seven years old for a canister, it may be worth repairing, especially if the repair cost is less than half the price of a comparable new model. Some common, low-cost repairs you can do yourself include:
Raising the height adjustment on the vacuum if it’s especially hard to push across carpeting
Cleaning or replacing filters for a bagless vacuum or replacing the bag for a bagged vacuum if suction is weak with no clog in the hose
Using a broomstick to clear a clog in the hose if paper clips or other items get stuck
Letting the motor cool for a few minutes and checking for a full bag or bin or clogs if the vacuum quits while vacuuming
When to Replace
If your vacuum is older than five years for an upright or seven years for a canister, it may not be worth repairing, even if the cost is low. Consumer Reports’ surveys show that most vacuum cleaners are still in use 91% of the time, but 6% were replaced due to reliability issues.
When choosing a new vacuum, consider the type that best suits your needs. Upright and canister vacuums are still the most popular choices, but cordless stick vacuums have seen a surge in sales, making up 28% of purchases by Consumer Reports members in 2022-2023. Robotic vacuums are also becoming more capable and affordable.
No matter which type of vacuum you choose, look for models that perform well in Consumer Reports’ tests for dirt pickup, ease of use, and noise. The most reliable brands according to Consumer Reports’ surveys are Miele, Shark, and Kenmore.