HEPA Filter Vacuum
HEPA filter canister vacuum
The HEPA filter canister vacuum consists of a main tank on wheels and an attached hose which sucks up dirt. The hose will drag the canister around. This makes it easy to direct the HEPA filter canister vacuum's head over any dirt, as it's very lightweight. However, dragging the canister can be awkward. Most HEPA filter canister vacuums, such as the Hoover WindTunnel, will come with "beater bar" heads. A "beater bar" head mechanically agitates the surface in order to capture more dirt. This makes the HEPA filter canister vacuum much more effective when dealing with carpets or other softer surfaces.
Another feature to consider with HEPA filter canister vacuums is whether they are bagless or not. A bagless vacuum will store all the dirt it sucks up into a plastic bin. When the bin is filled with debris, it must be removed from the vacuum and emptied into the garbage. The bin is then placed back into the vacuum and reused. Alternatively, many vacuums use bags to store their dirt. A bagged HEPA filter canister vacuum stores its dirt in a bag. When the bag is full, it is removed from the vacuum and thrown out. A new bag in then required to replace the old one.
Each system has its drawbacks. Bagless HEPA filter canister vacuums will have a filter which requires cleaning or replacement when its canister is changed. Also, removing the dirt bin can be messy as dirt and dust will escape the chamber. While replacing a bagged HEPA filter canister vacuum is less messy, it does require having spare vacuum bags around.