How Long Do Vacuums Last?

How long do vacuum cleaners last? How long is a piece of string? Are these two questions as vague as each other? Every vacuum cleaner is created differently, whether a modern robot vacuum or classic bagless vacuum. So, it’s hard to determine exactly how long a vacuum should last. However, there are ways you can get a rough idea of how long your trusty appliance should last. 

At Briscoes, we stock vacuum cleaners of the best quality, attachments, and vacuum bags. We know a thing or two about getting the most from this household staple and ensuring it lasts the distance. This guide will cover key information so you can figure out how long your vacuum cleaner should last. Here are the main talking points: 

What affects the life of a vacuum?

Can you repair vacuum cleaners?

How to prolong the life of your vacuum

How to know if your vacuum needs replacing

What to look for in a long-lasting vacuum

The range of long-lasting vacuums at Briscoes

Let’s get started. 

What affects the life of a vacuum?

It’s fair to say that vacuum cleaners in New Zealand have changed over the years. It’s also worth noting that how we use this appliance has changed over time. So, it can be hard to come up with a definitive lifespan. However, when you look at key contributing factors like storage and maintenance, you can start to paint a picture.  

How often you use your vacuum

Just like your car, the more mileage your vacuum cleaner has, the less time it will last. Yes, proper storage and maintenance can help. However, as the appliance is used over time, it creates wear and tear to the electronics. You can’t even see many of these wires inside the equipment. 

Maintenance

Using your vehicle as an analogy again, regular maintenance can also affect the life of your favourite vacuum cleaner. Not only will your vacuum last longer with regular TLC, but it will also perform as the manufacturer intended. Maintenance considerations may include: 

• Changing filters
• Changing bags
• Regular deep cleaning

As with most vacuum cleaners in NZ, the appliance will come with instructions for use and maintenance tips. It’s well worth following these instructions to get the best out of your equipment.

What you’re vacuuming up

Your lifestyle and family can also impact how long your vacuum cleaner lasts. For example, if you have a furry golden retriever that sheds hair all over the place, it will require more work from your vacuum. Another example is if your family wears shoes in the house. This can sometimes walk in small pebbles and other external objects that are hard to suck up. Over time, this kind of work adds up. 

Top tip: If you want to up your cleaning game, read our guide that explores our top cleaning hot tips. 

Make and model

Whether a stick vacuum cleaner that’s cordless or a classic vacuum cleaner that’s bagless, no two vacuums are the same. As well as different types, there are also many different brands and models on the market. As with many other appliances, you get what you pay for when it comes to vacuums. Generally, a more expensive model will last longer than a cheaper alternative as it’s built stronger. 

Can you repair vacuum cleaners?

A commonly asked question is whether you can fix a vacuum cleaner if it’s ever broken or starts underperforming. There’s no clear-cut answer to this. It depends on what is wrong with your vacuum cleaner. For example, if it’s simply blocked or a large part is broken, you may be able to fix this yourself or liaise with the manufacturer. In many places, specialist vaccum repair shops can be a port of call to diagnose vacuum issues and if they can be repaired. 

Some common vacuums are easier to repair than less popular and specialist models. This is because there are fewer parts available. Repairing your trusty vaccum is better for the environment, but if the issue is recurring and likely to cost more than buying new, it may be time to upgrade or replace. 

How to prolong the life of your vacuum

Thankfully, there are many ways you can ensure your vacuum cleaner lasts the distance. Many of these techniques don’t require a large investment of time. So, incorporating these tips into your weekly cleaning schedule is a good idea. 

Keep filters clean

Especially if you’re working with a cordless vacuum cleaner, your filters have a vital role in how long your appliance lasts and performs. You will most likely need to clean your filters and even replace them regularly. Dirty and old vacuum filters restrict airflow and can damage the appliance over time. 

Top tip: Cleaning your filter is often easy and can be done with water and a quick dry out in the fresh air.   

Store it properly

Similarly to your lawn mower or any other piece of valuable equipment at home, it’s important to store your vacuum cleaner correctly. Ironically, this is mainly to keep dust off your appliance and out of critical components. When you do store your vacuum after use, be sure also to remove attachments and hoses. This way, you can prevent damage and curling.  If storing in a cleaning cupboard, ensure it’s away from water and harsh chemicals in case of spills. For general storage ideas around the home, read our guide that explores spring storage ideas. 

Don’t overfill vacuum bags

Contrary to what you may think, you don’t want to fill your vacuum bag too much. You’re usually best only to fill about half to two-thirds full vacuum bags. If a bag is overloaded, dust that doesn’t fit in the bag can get into other parts of the appliance. In the long term, this can cause the motor to overheat or other damage. 

Using your vacuum cleaner properly

It may seem like a no-brainer, but vacuum cleaners are best used as the manufacturer intended. This is not only so that your vacuum has a long life but also for your safety. As with any electrical equipment or appliance, safety should always be the top priority. As well as that, misusing your vacuum can put the appliance under too much stress. You may then encounter issues such as: 

• Overheating
• Blockages
• Plastic components snapping

How to know if your vacuum needs replacing

Apart from the obvious, there are many signs to look out for that may indicate it’s time for a trip to Briscoes. Knowing when to replace your vacuum early can prevent an accident or unnecessarily hard work. 

Your vacuum is not performing well

If you’re noticing that your vacuum isn’t quite cutting the mustard, chances are it’s on the way out. If the appliance leaves behind dust and muck that it’d typically suck up, something may not be right with the vacuum. In the first instance, however, you’ll want to check that there aren’t any blockages that can easily be unblocked. 

Your vaccum cleaner is too loud

Some more modern appliances are fairly quiet to use. However, if you notice that your vacuum becomes noticeably louder, there could be an issue. If there are no blockages, it may indicate that the motor has problems and the vacuum ultimately needs to be replaced.

Your vaccum cleaner is hard to manoeuveur

The last thing you want when cleaning your house is your vacuum to slow you down. If the wheels or hose on your vacuum cleaner are broken, it’s going to make cleaning a drag. Broken wheels can also scratch your wooden floor or ruin your carpet. In some cases, you may be able to repair wheels and hoses. However, most of the time, it’s easier just to buy new.

What to look for in a long-lasting vacuum

So, some of the indicators in this blog sound familiar, and it’s time to replace your vacuum. What should you look for during your visit to Briscoes? If you’re unsure, the helpful Briscoes team are always available to help point you in the right direction. In saying that, here are some signs to look out for in a long-lasting vacuum.

Quality that’s worth paying for

As we’ve already mentioned, you get what you pay for when it comes to appliances. Thankfully, when you choose to shop at Briscoes, you can rest assured that all of our vacuums and vacuum accessories are of the highest quality. As well as that, we stand by our products and have a robust returns policy.

A vaccum from a reputable brand

Some vacuum brands are known for being long-lasting and of good quality. At Briscoes, we only stock vacuum cleaners from the best brands, including:

• Zip
• Black & Decker
• Electrolux
• Panasonic
• Brabantia
• Samsung
• iRobot
• Shark

You can view and shop our range of vacuum cleaners in store. Otherwise, feel free to browse our range online. You can get any vacuum cleaner in NZ delivered right to your door with quick and easy delivery. 

A vaccum that has great reviews

It’s one thing for us to talk about how good certain vacuum cleaners are, but another to hear it from customers. Another great way to ensure you’re not buying a lemon is to read reviews online before making a purchase. Honest reviews are a great way to gauge how good a product is. Many products on our website have reviews under the product description. Otherwise, a quick google search will often lead you to some good intel.

Think your vacuum needs replacing?

If looked after, your vacuum cleaner can last a long time. However, if you don’t use or store it properly, it may not be as reliable as it should be. If your vacuum cleaner is on its last legs, view our wide range of vacuums at Briscoes. For more vacuum advice, read our guide on what to look for in a cordless vacuum.