Over the years, the vacuum cleaner has become a big part of our daily lives. It comes in many sizes, types, and designs with several applications. Though the vacuum cleaner is not an energy vampire, it sucks enough power to compound your electric bills.
But how many watts is a vacuum cleaner? According to our research, vacuum cleaners have an average watt of 1400W.
Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many factors can affect the wattage of a vacuum cleaner. Different types, models, and sizes of vacuum cleaners consume different energy.
So, knowing how many watts a vacuum cleaner is is crucial before buying one. Read this article, as we’ve covered everything you need to know about the vacuum cleaner’s wattage, suction power, cost, and FAQs.
First, let’s debunk this misconception – vacuum cleaners DO not consume a lot of electricity!
Do Vacuum Cleaners Use So Much Energy?
Compared to other home appliances like air conditioners and heaters, vacuum cleaners do not use much energy. The energy an appliance uses depends on the amount of power it consumes and the duration of its use.
Meanwhile, most home appliances use above 1000W and run throughout the day. On average, vacuum cleaners consume 1400 watts. However, we use them only for a short time.
As a result, the use of electricity and the cost of power consumption for vacuum cleaners remain low.
How Many Watts is a Good Vacuum Cleaner?
An average vacuum cleaner’s wattage is 1400W. Most vacuum cleaner models draw power from an electric outlet, with a range of power from 450W to 3000W. The most common model uses about 1400W of energy per hour.
The average utility rate for a two-hour vacuuming session is 11.2 kWh or $1.45 per month. Now, let’s look at some types of vacuum cleaners and how many watts a good vacuum cleaner is.
1. Home Vacuum Cleaners
A regular-sized home vacuum cleaner has an average wattage of 700W for every 30 minutes of use. That is 1400W for an hour of cleaning per day.
There are powerful, high-quality vacuum cleaners that consume more energy than the average. Conversely, a few low-power vacuum cleaners use only 500 watts per session, averaging around 1200 watts per day.
2. Car Vacuum Cleaners
Car vacuum cleaners are small and compact; your car’s battery powers them. As a result, they are designed to be low-power devices, hence the wattage is only 100 watts of 8-10 amps of electric current.
Some car vacuum cleaners have higher wattages, but those models use internal batteries rather than external batteries.
3. Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Industrial vacuum cleaners are similar to home vacuum cleaners but have more powerful suction. As a result, these vacuums require at least 1400 watts of 12-amp electric current to operate.
Some newer models may use less energy, but you will never find an industrial vacuum cleaner that consumes less than 1000 watts.
4. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless vacuum cleaners use as much energy as their rechargeable batteries can produce. So, most of these models have a low-power design.
However, their rechargers tell them apart. Some rechargers can use as much energy as a standard vacuum cleaner, with larger batteries needing more power than smaller ones.
Does Wattage Affect the Suction Power of a Vacuum Cleaner?
While it may surprise you, the wattage of a vacuum cleaner does not affect its suction power. Here is why more wattage doesn’t equal more suction.
The wattage of a vacuum cleaner simply states the amount of power (or electricity) used. For example, a 1000W vacuum cleaner will use one kilowatt (1000 Watts) of electricity in one hour. This means it measures consumption and not power output. So, it tells you nothing about suction.
Meanwhile, only opt for a higher wattage vacuum cleaner if you want to consume more electricity. To get the best value from a vacuum cleaner, you should consider airflow and suction rather than wattage.
How to Determine the Performance of a Vacuum Cleaner
There are two important parameters to look at when you want to rate the performance of a vacuum cleaner – Airflow and Suction.
Now, let’s consider each briefly.
1. Vacuum Airflow
Airflow measures the volume of air displaced in a vacuum system per given time. The units of vacuum airflow are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or litres per second (L/s). Airflow is what moves the dirt that has been drawn in by suction (like the wind and dust).
So, the interaction of suction and airflow is what gives us vacuum cleaner performance. One cannot exist in the absence of the other.
Some of the factors that can affect airflow are hose resistance, vacuum cleaner filter, floor tools, and accessories.
2. Vacuum Suction
Suction (or air pull) is also known as water lift or vacuum. The vacuum cleaner’s suction determines the speed or velocity of a given volume of air. Therefore, the greater the suction, the faster a specified air volume is moved.
Besides, you can measure suction on a Suckometer Gauge. It measures the amount of suction with respect to inches of water lift.
Also, it shows far a column of water can be lifted by the suction (in inches). This is a good metric to use when evaluating a vacuum cleaner’s performance.
Is the Wattage of a Vacuum Cleaner Important?
Although the wattage of a vacuum cleaner is not the most crucial factor, having more watts will result in better suction. Many manufacturers continue to use large wattages to highlight the vacuum cleaner’s high suction power.
The wattage does not accurately reflect the cleaning and suction power. It primarily serves as a measure of electricity consumption. The design of the vacuum cleaner determines how well it cleans.
Dust, lint, or hair will be sucked up and removed even at lower wattages if the vacuum cleaner nozzles are well-fitted to the machine and have an aerodynamic shape.
Let’s look at some examples to get a hang of the vacuum cleaner’s wattage and its capabilities:
- 350W: The suction power is enough to dry clean tiles, parquet, linoleum, and other smooth surfaces. An affordable, low-power vacuum cleaner is adequate if you don’t have carpets or want to clean your upholsteries.
- 400W: The suction power enables you to effectively clean the carpet and deal with a substantial amount of dust and wool
- 450W or higher: The vacuum power is enough to clean upholsteries, carpets, and long-pile rugs. Vacuum cleaners with adjustable suction power are the most plausible option
Good Read;
Factors that Affect the Energy Usage Of a Vacuum Cleaner
We have discussed wattage as one factor determining the energy usage of a vacuum cleaner. Here are some other factors below:
1. Line Current
The line current is the amount of current going into the vacuum cleaner from the power source. For example, vacuum cleaners for the home must be safe to use. Having said that, most home circuit breakers limit the line current entering the home to 15 amps or 1800 watts.
This restriction reduces the risk of electrical spikes, surges, and fires. Some newer homes have 20-amp lines, but you’ll never see anything higher.
2. Type of Vacuum Cleaner
There are different types of vacuum cleaners. Each type has features that tell it apart from the others. For instance, a bag or container for dust collection can show various suction power with the same energy usage.
3. Motor and Fan
The main source of electricity consumption in a vacuum cleaner is the motor.
Here is how the vacuum cleaner works – the motor propels a fan. In turn, the fan forces air through the unit, creating vacuum suction through the nozzle. The speed and size of the motor and fan assembly determine the airflow that picks up dirt, debris, and other dust particles.
Moreover, vacuum cleaner motors typically spin at a high speed of 9,000 to 28,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) for proper airflow.
4. Type and Number of Filters
It is important to note that anything that limits the airflow through the vacuum can make the motor work harder, consuming more energy. Air filters are the most common type of restriction.
Meanwhile, air filters prevent dirt and dust from clogging the motor and other mechanical components. But this is what restricts airflow in the motor. So, cleaning the air filter can help you minimize energy usage.
5. The Size and Number of Rooms
When using a vacuum cleaner to clean your living space, you must consider the size and number of rooms you are cleaning. Hence, a large room requires more time and electricity to clean than a small one.
6. Working Speed
How fast you move while vacuuming also plays a role in energy usage. While some prefer to vacuum slowly, others like to get the job faster. Both techniques have downsides. Slow and steady may take longer, but a fast pace may entail a more power-consuming setting.
How to Use Less Energy with a Vacuum Cleaner
Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the cost of energy consumption with a vacuum cleaner:
Choose the Right Model
You can save money on your electric bills by replacing an old, inefficient vacuum cleaner with a new, more energy-saving model. So, it’s crucial to get the right vacuum cleaner model.
Ensure the Dust Filter Is Clean
If the dust filter is filled, air cannot circulate, and the engine must work harder to maintain the same suction power. As a result, there is high energy consumption.
Make Sure the Dust Filter Is Clean
If the motor filter isn’t maintained properly, dust could get into the motor, which would push it to run harder and use more electricity.
Replace the Vacuum Cleaner’s Bag Regularly
Similar to how the filters work, the vacuum cleaner will require more electricity to run well if the vacuum cleaner is clogged.
Can You Run a Vacuum Cleaner On 12 Amps?
Yes, you absolutely can! Home appliances can draw up to 20 amps of electricity in many cases. So, a vacuum cleaner will work fine on 12 amps.
In addition, 12 amps of electric current can provide enough power for the vacuum cleaner to remove even the most stubborn dirt.
What Is the Highest Amps and Wattage Of a Vacuum Cleaner?
The highest vacuum cleaner’s amp is 12 amps. . There are no vacuum cleaners that use more than 12 amps of electricity because they are not accepted. This protects the vacuum cleaner from any accidents caused by excess current consumption.
Meanwhile, the highest vacuum cleaner’s wattage is 3000 amps. However, such high-wattage vacuum cleaners are rare. The most powerful units use around 2400 watts of electricity.
Do Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Consume More Energy?
No, they certainly don’t! Despite their technology, cordless vacuum cleaners use no more energy than corded ones. A rechargeable battery powers the cordless vacuum cleaners.
Moreover, cordless vacuum cleaners are simpler to use because you will not be pulling a cord with the vacuum while cleaning the house.
How Many Watts and Amps Are Ideal for a Home Vacuum Cleaner?
Any vacuum cleaner that has enough power to remove any type of dust and dirt is suitable for use in the home. So, a vacuum cleaner with 1400 watts and 10 amps is ideal for the home.
Overall, a vacuum that uses 500 to 2000 watts of electricity is adequate for the home.
What Is the Highest Suction Power In a Vacuum Cleaner?
The highest suction power measured in an industrial vacuum cleaner is 200 Cubic Feet Minutes (CFM). This suction power was achieved with no vacuum head, and the lowest suction power in a typical home vacuum cleaner would be around 45 CFM.
Conclusion
As you have seen, many factors determine the wattage of a vacuum cleaner. On average, vacuum cleaners consume 1400 watts of energy and 12 amps of current.
Besides, the watt number is not a measure of the performance of a vacuum cleaner. It only states the amount of energy the vacuum cleaner consumes.
If you want to choose a vacuum cleaner, the parameters to keep an eye on are airflow and suction power. Lastly, we hope you have a great time shopping for a vacuum cleaner that suits you and its use!
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