Resource Centre

Welcome to our Resource Centre.

Are you having problems with your vacuum cleaner?  Is your vacuum cleaner not performing like it did when it was new?

We will answer some questions that will help you troubleshoot your vacuum cleaner that might eliminate the need to bring it in for service.  If it still doesn't work then bring it to Speedy Vacuum, we do free estimates.

If your problem isn't listed below send us an email at info@speedyvacuum.ca

 

Why doesn't the brush roll on my vacuum cleaner turn?

If you have a flat belt then it might need to be replaced.  If it's a cogged belt, then it doesn't need to be replaced unless it's broken.

Speedy Tip #1:  Clean the hair and strings from the brush roll, this will let it turn freely.  Also, regular cleaning will prevent the hair from getting into the bearings which will result in a costly and unnecessary repair.  A good rule of thumb is to flip over the powerhead and clean it after every vacuuming.

 

How come there is no suction when I plug in my central vacuum hose?

Speedy Tip #2: If you have no suction, do a test at home before bringing it in for service.  All you need to do is drop a marble in one end of the hose and see if it comes out the other end.  If it's blocked then you can try to remove the blockage at home if you have another vacuum; try to suck out whatever is in it.  NEVER put water in the hose or try to suck up water, this will cause expensive damage to the motor or other electrical parts.

 

Why did my vacuum cleaner motor burn out/fail?

Speedy Tip#3: Change the bag on your vacuum cleaner regularly to ensure peak performance.  Some people wait until it is completely full but the fuller it is, the more it restricts air movement and this causes your motor to work harder.  A good rule of thumb is to replace the bag every 1-3 months depending on your situation.  I.E.., Do you have pets? Single?  Large family?  Carpeting? Hard surface floors?

Most vacuums also have a filter and this should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis as well.  Check your owners manual to determine if can be washed or if it needs to be replaced.  Although the filter does not have to be changed or cleaned as often as the bag, we recommend that it be done every 6-12 months.  

 

What is the benefit of purchasing a vacuum cleaner from Speedy Vacuum?

Speedy Tip #4:  In today's world of online marketing and big box stores, sometimes it's nice to talk face to face with a knowledgeable and trained professional.  With over 30 years experience we can suggest models that will suit your needs.  

After sales service is also important in the event something happens to your vacuum cleaner.  When you purchase the unit from us we can authorize the repair and complete the necessary work quickly so you aren't without your vacuum cleaner for an extended period of time.  

If you purchase the vacuum cleaner from another retailer there is a chance you will be without the vacuum cleaner for an extended period of time.  Even though we are the authorized repair centre for most major vacuum cleaner brands, we still have to submit the claim to the manufacturer.  They in turn have to confirm the purchase date with the other retailer.  Once all this is done and the manufacturer approves the repair, the next step is to send the necessary repair parts to Speedy Vacuum.  Unfortunately this "red tape" takes time and it might mean that you are without a vacuum for weeks or sometimes months.  

Your time is valuable; don't waste it calling 1-800 numbers or standing in line waiting for the customer service you deserve.

 

Why did the cord on my vacuum break?

Speedy Tip #5: Most vacuum cleaners have long cords which means that you can plug your cord in one outlet and clean the entire room.  When you have a room that is larger then you will have to plug it into another outlet. Are you guilty of pulling the cord from across the room?  It might save you time but this is an easy way to break the prongs on the cord which leads to a repair bill and the inconvenience of being without your vacuum cleaner.

 

While shopping for our vacuum cleaner we found a price difference between big box retailers and local independent retailers.  Why is that?

Speedy Tip #6:  There are a number of reasons why there might be a discrepancy so here are a few tips on what to check. 

1. Check the model number, are they the exact same vacuum cleaner that you are comparing.  Unlike car shopping where the difference in a full size car and a compact is obvious, this is not the case for central vacuum cleaners.  Most central vacuum canisters look the same from the outside.  The difference lies in “what’s under the hood”.   The picture below illustrates two central vacuum motors that are rated around 550 Air Watts by the manufacturers.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess which one is in the cheaper model.  Is this where you want to save money?  Granted with today’s technology some things like cell phones and computer’s can be more powerful even though they are smaller.  With central vacuum motors smaller is not better. 

 

2. Some manufacturers will out source the assembly of some models of their vacuum cleaners to a country where there are lower labour costs.  They result is a cheaper model with their brand name.  If you want a product “Made in Canada” or “Made in Germany” be sure to check the label. 
3. To offer a lower price some manufacturers will reduce the length of the warranty period.  Instead of 10 years they might only offer 7 years and there may be limitations on what is covered under the warranty.
4. Another way to save money is to offer different attachments for your vacuum cleaner.  Some manufacturers will offer an air driven brush for the carpets instead of a powerhead.  On the surface they may look the same but they are not.  The air driven brush uses the suction of the vacuum cleaner to turn the brush roll and the performance can be reduced by the quality of motor used or the type of carpet in your home.  On the other hand, a “powerhead” has a belt driven motor independent of the suction of the vacuum.  The motor can consistently turn the brush roll at a high speed to ensure effective cleaning.   
5. How important is personalized service to you?  If something does go wrong with the vacuum cleaner; the big box retailer will refer you to a service depot or back to the manufacturer.  The service depot files the warranty claim then has to wait for the manufacturer to send the parts.  And that’s if they still make the parts!!  Manufacturers like to offer “limited editions” or “special buys” at reduced prices and as the name suggests, the parts from the suppliers for these machines are limited.  Even though there is a warranty on the machine your replacement part may not be same as the original component.  This red tape can delay when your vacuum cleaner gets repaired; it’s not unusual for the whole process to take a couple of months.  Can you be without a vacuum cleaner for this length of time?  When you buy your vacuum cleaner from a local, independent retailer they will have your purchase history on record and can expedite the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 

With a vacuum cleaner you are making an investment, one that will protect the investment you made in your carpets and furniture.  If you have a medical condition like allergies then a quality vacuum cleaner will also provide relief in providing a healthy environment.  These are important factors to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner so it is worth the investment of your time to do the research.  What is the warranty coverage?  Will the features of the vacuum cleaner meet my needs?  Do I have the right attachments to clean my carpet and furniture?  Will the filtration system improve the air quality in my home?  What is the reputation of the retailer to stand behind the sale?  Or will they refer me to someone else to deal with my problem? 

After you do the research we are confident that you will make the extra investment in quality, dependability and service.   

 

I am a handyman around the house and can fix a lot of things, should I repair my vacuum cleaner? 

 

Speedy Tip #7 – If you are a do-it-yourselfer then by all means you can repair your vacuum cleaner; there are a number of tips and tricks on our website which might help you troubleshoot the problem.  Before you attempt the repair we offer a few words of caution: 

One thing you don’t want to do is void the warranty so if it is still covered by the manufacturer then we recommend bringing your vacuum cleaner in for service; we are the authorized repair depot for most major lines of vacuum cleaners.    

Another word of advice is to be careful when removing parts; if you are having trouble do not force the part open.  There are many clips or screws  and  sometimes they are hidden so our trained professionals know the secrets of disassembly.  If you attempt to force the part open you may end up costing yourself more in the long run because you have to replace something that was not originally broken.   

If you are not sure what the problem is with your vacuum don't hesitate to call us.  Speedy Vacuum has been repairing vacuums for over 30 years so we are trained to identify the problem.  We would be more than willing to give advice in case you want to repair it yourself, just remember we carry an excellent selection of parts for most makes and models of vacuum cleaners.   

In the last month alone we had two different customers come in after attempting home repairs and in both cases we could have saved them a lot of money.  

The first customer needed a replacement powerhead for their central vacuum because they tried to fix their old powerhead because it wasn't sucking up the dirt.  They decided it was beyond repair and threw the powerhead in the garbage.  What they didn’t realize when they disposed of it was that the powerhead and wands are sold separately so they ended up spending an extra $50 on new wands.  We don’t mind the business but after discussing the symptoms of the faulty powerhead we speculate that the cause of the problem was a broken belt.  So instead of a $3 belt, it ended up costing them $200. By the way, we also recycle the parts from your vacuum cleaners and dispose of them properly.  

We had another customer come in wanting to recycle their old vacuum cleaner because it wasn’t working.  Because they tried to fix it and weren’t successful they bought a new vacuum cleaner.  We tested the vacuum, decided that it needed a new filter, belt and a good cleaning.  Altogether the maintenance cost would have been about $75 but that was a lot cheaper than spending hundreds on a new vacuum cleaner. 

In summary, if you are a handyman by all means you can repair your vacuum cleaner and if you need our advice we are only a phone call away.  If you needs parts; we carry a wide selection to help you complete the repair.  If you have parts left over or if your repair doesn’t work then bring it in and we can test it and determine what the problem is. 

Remember we give FREE estimates so you have nothing to lose.   

 

Are you finding that your vacuum cleaner is not cleaning like you want it to?  Do you have the right attachment for the floor surface in your house?  

Speedy Tip # 8 - If you recently moved you may have found that your vacuum cleaner is not cleaning like it did in your old home.  This might be caused by the different floor covering in your new home and the floor tool you have might not be designed for it.  One thing some people forget to research when they buy a new vacuum cleaner is the floor attachment.  To ensure your new vacuum cleaner is performing like you want it to, make sure you have the right floor attachment.  More importantly, you can make vacuuming a lot easier on yourself by using the right tool for the job you are doing. 

Here’s a quick rundown on the different floor tools and their (proper) uses:

Hard Floor Brush

This is a flat suction-only brush with small wheels and bristles around the base.  Bristles may be made of nylon, but the best quality brushes use horse hair or boar’s hair, which actually dust and polish the floor while you’re vacuuming.  Hard floor brushes do a much better job cleaning wood and tile than any upright or power nozzle can.

Use this tool if you have: Wood, tile, or laminate flooring.

Advantages:  Small and lightweight.  Dusts and polishes flooring while cleaning.

Rug & Floor Tool

It’s a flat floor brush with a mechanism that retracts the bristles so the tool can be used on hard floors as well as area rugs and flat carpeting.  Usually, there are a set of velveteen thread-lifting strips that whisk away hair and lint using just suction. There is no rotating brush, and while that makes it great for delicate carpets, it’s not suitable for thicker style carpets.

Use this tool if you have:  Wood floors, area rugs, delicate specialty carpets (frieze, wool berber, sisal).

Advantages:  Simple, lightweight and gentle.

Turbo Brush

This tool is a rotating brush for carpets that is spun by an air turbine driven by the suction of the vacuum.  A turbo brush adds some agitation action to help loosen dirt from carpet fibers, and can be easier to push on large areas of carpet than a power brush.  But it has a distinct disadvantage when compared to a motorized brush:  as the turbo brush contacts the carpet surface, it can slow down or even stop if the carpet is too dense.  This makes it useful only for very flat or looped carpet.

Use this tool if you have: Very flat looped carpet or lots of area rugs

Advantages:  Less expensive than a motorized brush, more carpet agitation and easier to push than a rug and floor tool.

Motorized (Power) Brush

A motorized power brush is a rotating brush that is driven by a small motor in the brush nozzle.  Different kinds of brush rolls are available, varying from super soft bristles for expensive wool carpets, to very aggressive stiff nylon bristles for thick plush pile synthetic carpets.   Regardless of the type, they provide very good agitation to loosen dirt from carpet fibers and help restore the pile as they clean.

Use this tool if you have:  Standard or thick-pile carpet.  Pet hair.

Advantages:  Deep cleaning and carpet pile restoration.

Be careful when choosing an electric brush!  Choosing a brush that is too harsh or aggressive for your carpet can lead to premature wear or even severe carpet damage.

 

A customer wanted to know why her upright vacuum cleaner wasn't picking up dirt but instead it was shooting the dirt behind the vacuum.  

 

Speedy Tip # 9 - Before you bring your vacuum cleaner in for service you can do a quick troubleshoot at home.  With upright vacuum cleaners there is usually a hose that runs from the powerhead to the dirt canister (fig. 1).   Disconnect the hose from the powerhead.  Once you have done this, see if there are any obstructions (fig. 2)   If there are, take a long pliers, clothes hanger or any tool that will reach in to remove the blockage. This diy service worked and saved the customer a service call.

 

 

I am a handyman; should I fix the motor or circuit board on the vacuum cleaner?

Speedy Tip # 10 - If you are comfortable with fixing things yourself, we can't stop you.  There are some things to remember though.

1) Lots of vacuum components are made of plastic and if you don't have the right tools you could break it which means additional unnecessary parts.  

2) When dismantling the parts identify where the connections go; use a marker or string (don't forget to remove the string after reconnecting) so you get the connections right when reassembling. Connecting the wrong wires could end result in further electrical damage and again unnecessary repairs. 

3) Most parts have tiny screws and washers; use a magnetic screwdriver so they don't fall into the motor cavity.  

4) Make sure you have the right tools to test your components; nothing worse than replacing a part and finding out it wasn't the one causing the problems.  

Saving money is important these days but sometimes when you repair it yourself it ends up costing more money.  We are often asked to fix the vacuum cleaner after someone has attempted the repair; the vacuum cleaner is usually accompanied by a grocery bag of extra parts.  What we often find is that there are parts missing, clips broken and wrong parts installed. Lastly, if you attempt repairs it will void the warranty if its still covered. Bring your repairs to Speedy Vacuum because we are the authorized repair depot for most makes and models of vacuum cleaners.     

 

One of the most common issues our customers have is the effectiveness of the brush roll on the vacuum cleaner power head.  

Speedy Tip #11 - Check the brush roll on your vacuum cleaner; the frequency depends on some factors in your household.  Do you have pets?  Does someone have long hair?  Do you sew and leave threads on the floor?  

After cleaning, turn the vacuum cleaner over and inspect for hair or string wrapped around the brush roll.  If you don't clean this on a regular basis then the string or hair will make it's way to the end of the brush roll and wrap itself inside.  This will cause further damage with the bearings and it will have to be replaced.  And while you are inspecting the powerhead, be sure to check the belt; these usually need to be replaced every 6 months to a year.  

 

Christmas Clean Up

Speedy Tip #12: Christmas is over and now it’s time to put away or dispose of your Christmas tree.  Whether it’s a real or fake tree you are left with a pile of needles or glitter to clean up.

Here are a few tips to make your clean-up easier…..

1. Sweep up as many of the needles as you can with a broom.

2. Real or fake needles do not bend well and frequently flex and cause obstructions in vacuum hoses and tubes, any vacuum will get plugged if the needles get caught in the hose.

3. After sweeping up as many as you can, use a shop vacuum or your vacuum hose to continue cleaning. We do not recommend trying to use your vacuum’s floor nozzle until the end because it will clog easier than your hose.

4. Finally go over floor with your vacuum. We do not recommend bagless vacuums for pine needles because they clog super easy. If that is all you have be careful, check the dust bin and clean frequently!

5. If you notice even a little loss of suction after your holiday cleanup bring your vacuum in for service immediately! Needles will easily get lodged in your vacuum cleaner and if not cleared they will begin to back everything up creating a bigger problem. A clogged vacuum clean easily burn out your motor!

6. Have your vacuum cleaner’s yearly service done by a professional! We recommend having your vacuum cleaned and lubricated on a yearly basis. A few dollars can save a lot of money down the road. 

Let us help you decide which model is right for you!

Beam Central Vacuum Systems

Cyclo Vac

 

How long do vacuum cleaners last?

Speedy Tip #13: According to Consumer Reports, vacuum cleaners last a median of eight years. But the lifespan varies wildly by not only brand but your own personal use. If you have a small one-bedroom apartment to yourself, you won't use your vacuum nearly as much as a family of five with two pets in a 3,000-square-foot home.
So if your vacuum is past eight years old and has seen a lot of use, it may be time to upgrade. 

Before you consider spending several hundred dollars on a new vacuum cleaner, consider what it would take to fix your existing one. There's a solid chance it's just clogged or needs a replacement part — fixes that won't break the bank. 
Even if you spend some time troubleshooting the problem and it turns out the vacuum does need to be replaced, you won't have lost anything but a few hours of time, at most. 

Before tossing your old vacuum, check these things:

• Make sure the hoses aren't clogged. If you find a clog, there's an easy trick that can remove it in a pinch.
• Clean or replace the filter. A clogged filter will restrict the air flow, meaning there may not be enough suction to pick up dust and dirt. A simple filter change might be all your vacuum needs.
• Your vacuum should be cleaned every so often, as well. So when you check the filter, if it's dirty, there's a chance the rest of the vacuum needs a solid scrubbing, too. You'll be amazed at what a deep clean can do.
• Check the drive belt. Drive belts can stretch out, dry rot or come off track. Replacing the drive belt is a cheap and easy fix that could make your vacuum work like new again.

If none of these help your vacuum clean better, it may be time to upgrade. While that's bad news for your bank account, it can be a blessing in disguise. Vacuum cleaners have changed a lot in recent years.

Article courtesy https://www.cnet.com