Are you moving into a new home? Has your ancient vacuum finally broken down? No matter the reason, if you're going to be shopping for a new upright vacuum cleaner, you may not be aware of all of the bells and whistles the new vacuums on the markets come with. Before you rush out and buy the first machine that you see, do a bit of research to decide which features will best meet your needs. Here are five things to look for:

1.Filter

Health experts recommend looking for a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Any filter will do, but if you have someone in your family with allergies or asthma, a HEPA filter will provide the most protection from dust particles in the air. Look for a vacuum that is rated as having low emissions. This will also help anyone in your family with respiratory issues.

2.Bagging System

You can find vacuums with two types of bagging systems: bagged and canister. The benefit to canister vacuums is the elimination of the necessity to buy bags. You should stop to consider, however, that emptying canisters can be messy, releasing a cloud of dust into your air. If you choose to buy a canister vacuum, be sure to empty the canister outside into a bag or your outdoor garbage can. This will prevent the dirt and debris that you've vacuumed from being re-released into your home's atmosphere.

3.Brushroll Shut-Off

Many people aren't sure how to use a vacuum's brushroll mechanism properly. Brushrolls are designed to pull hair, debris and dust out of carpets. The same mechanisms can cause dirt and debris on hard surfaces to scatter. If you have different types of flooring in your home, look for a vacuum that has a brushroll shut off. While many of the more expensive, well-known models have this feature, the more economical versions may not. If you want to clean your floors properly, this feature is an important one to have.

4.Cords

The most expensive vacuum will be useless if it has a too-short cord. It's also going to be nothing but an annoyance if the hose isn't long enough. You should look for a vacuum that has a hose longer than six feet and a cord that is longer than 25 feet. A longer cord will prevent you from having to plug and unplug your machine in every room that you want to clean. Having a longer hose will allow you to easily clean draperies, stairways and under furniture.

5.Weight and Size

Be sure to keep the weight of the machines that you are considering in mind, particularly if you have a multi-level home. If you do have several floors in your house, you may want to consider a canister vacuum instead of an upright. Canister vacuums are relatively small and lightweight, allowing you to drag a hose behind you rather than having to lug an entire machine up and down the steps.
Quality vacuum cleaners aren't inexpensive. You don't want to spend good money for a machine that doesn't meet your needs. By knowing what to look for, and by conducting a fair amount of research into the various vacuum models available, you'll be sure to purchase a machine that meets your needs for many years to come.
Trisha Tate is an avid blogger for home blogs. If you're interested in finding the best tools for cleaning house, check out more information on the Nilfisk and Miele vacuum cleaners.