Hoover U5140-900 Tempo Widepath Bagged Upright Vacuum

I read Consumer Reports and the MANY reviews on other sites before I made my purchase, and I just have to say: I love this vacuum! I have long hair and 2 pets, so I know what its like to need a good vacuum. This one sucks up everything on my hardwood and tile floors and on the carpet. The attachments' suction is also incredibly strong- love it for couches and carpeted stairs. And you can't beat the price, but mind you, I was so in need of a good vacuum, I was willing to pay $500-600 for a Dyson till I started researching vacuums. And: its NOT too loud. :)

Got this a couple of months ago as per the CR recommendation. It works good on carpet, not so good on hard floors. For hard floors, the brush does not turn off and shoots the bigger junk around. But it works good on carpet, is pretty light, LOTS of power, a bag change indicator, and the attachments work well. Going to get another now! Make sure to get extra bags soon, they go fast.

Jan 09 update
Still going strong. I use it in twice a week on average for 15 min, no problems so far. Sucks like a...well, its strong.

Easy to put together. Very powerful suction. Bags easy to find at discount stores. Great second vacuum or vacuum for a smaller home/apt. I am concerned for it's longevity but at this price, I'll just buy a new one. THe hose for the attachement is too short, although it has plenty of attachments. Overall for the price this is an excellent vacuum. I would not hesitate to purchase.

I bought this vacuum based on reviews...and it has not disappointed! It truly feels like a self-propelled unit based on the power of the motor and the suction that gets created. My carpets look brand new after I use this...and that is saying a lot for 14 yr. old carpets! Buy this unit! It's the best money you'll ever spend!

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There's nothing like an old, wheezing vacuum cleaner to make you appreciate how important a properly performing appliance is to your cleaning regimen.

The good news is today's models not only remove dust and dirt, they also tackle more challenging household irritants, such as pet hair and allergens.

Here are several issues to consider before deciding what kind of vacuum to purchase.Click Here For The Latest Prices On Hoover Vacuums

Floor type

For homes with more carpets and rugs than hard floors, upright vacuum cleaners with roller brushes that reach deep to loosen dust and dirt are best.

If you'll be vacuuming several kinds of carpet, look for a model that switches between low- and high-pile settings.

If you'll be vacuuming carpeting and hard floors, choose a model that lets you turn off the roller brush (this will ensure that you don't scratch wood, tile or other surfaces).

For woolen and delicate carpets and rugs, use a vacuum cleaner that has only suction (such as a stick vacuum or one that lets you turn off the roller brush).

Canisters are best if you will be primarily vacuuming hard floors. They're also better than uprights for vacuuming stairs and getting under furniture and into other hard-to-reach areas. And they're easier to carry, making them ideal for multilevel homes.

Depending on the surfaces you plan to clean with a canister, you may have to use multiple attachments: a floor brush with bristles (but no moving parts) for hard surfaces; a turbo or power nozzle with a roller brush for pile carpeting; and a carpet and hard-floor nozzle with a smooth bottom for hard surfaces and Berber or natural- fiber carpets (sisal and sea grass, for example), which might be damaged by bristles or a roller brush.

Note that attachments may need to be purchased separately.
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Amount of space

If you live in a small house or an apartment, you can still reap the 12-amp power of a full-size vacuum in a compact or lightweight design. Compact vacuums typically include a telescoping hose, which makes them easier to store. They generally weigh less than 12 pounds, and they're easier to navigate under beds and around furniture.

If you live in a large house, you will want the benefits of a full-size vacuum cleaner. Not only will it make a larger swath with each pass, but the greater dust capacity means you won't have to change bags or empty dustbins as often. Look for a model with the automatic-cord-rewind option.

Airflow and suction

Rugs and carpets that are subjected to heavy foot traffic require a vacuum with superior airflow and suction.

Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute. Most vacuums have an airflow of 60 CFM to 80 CFM; that number can be much higher in machines of superior quality.

Suction is measured by a vacuum's "water lift" -- how many inches of water could be lifted through a tube if it were attached to the vacuum hose. A water lift of 80 inches to 100 inches is considered good.

Many manufacturers don't advertise these numbers, though; you may have to do some research on the Internet or consult a salesperson.Click Here For The Latest Prices On Hoover Vacuums

Air quality

In recent years, the vacuum cleaner's role in controlling indoor air quality has become increasingly important.

Most manufacturers now offer models with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which are guaranteed to capture 99.97 percent of dust and allergen particles, measuring 0.3 microns and larger, including pet dander. (For comparison, a typical human hair measures about 100 microns, or .1 millimeter.) Filters should be replaced every year.

Filters installed in a sealed environment, sometimes referred to as "true HEPA," ensure that dust and allergens won't escape through gaps in the vacuum cleaner's frame.

Allergy sufferers should avoid bagless vacuums, because dust and allergen particles can become airborne during the process of emptying the dustbin.

Pets

A mini or handheld turbo brush -- included with some models, but also available separately -- is essential for removing hair and dander from your pet's favorite upholstery (the sooner this is done, the better).

You may also consider cyclonic suction, which spins debris away from the filter and prevents hair from building up and impeding the vacuum's suction.

Yet another filter option, "active HEPA," uses charcoal to remove odors from the vacuum's exhaust -- a definite advantage for those with pets.
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Dusting

Most vacuums come with basic accessories, including a crevice tool, a round dust brush and an upholstery attachment.

Optional extras include a handheld turbo brush (for cleaning carpeted stairs and napped upholstery fabrics), telescoping duster (for crown molding and ceiling-fan blades) and edge cleaners (whiskers on the sides of the vacuum that clean carpet close to baseboards).