Why Do Vacuums Lose Suction?

When vacuums lose suction, it’s not just an annoyance. It can also cause serious damage if you continue using your vacuum. To help avoid damaging your vacuum, here we look at the common causes of lost suction, with tips to troubleshoot the issue.

Vacuums Lose Suction Due to Clogged Air Filters

When debris gets caught in the air filter, it interferes with proper air circulation. This can cause lost suction as your vacuum struggles to maintain its power. Luckily, this is an easy fix: Replace the filter. We always advise replacing the filter based on the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid this issue altogether.

Vacuums Lose Suction Due to Filled Bag or Canister

Vacuums collect debris in either a bag or canister, which, of course, becomes fuller with each use. As with your filter, when debris piles up, the vacuum slowly becomes less and less effective at collecting new debris. Once you empty the debris, your vacuum should snap back into action. To avoid this problem, try to remember to empty the bag or canister after each use. Also, always turn the vacuum off as soon as it seems to be struggling to check the filter and debris container to figure out what’s wrong. Otherwise, you risk burning out the motor.

Vacuums Lose Suction Due to an Obstructed Hose

Vacuum hoses are not designed to collect large debris and random items. It’s easy to get caught up in your work and realize too late you just sucked up your dog’s favorite squeezy toy. You might not even notice you’ve collected something large until your vacuum loses its suction. If the filter and bag are clean, this is the next go-to if your vacuum has a hose.

Check for blockages and carefully dislodge it, being careful not to use anything sharp that will damage the hose. If it’s too far in or really stuck, you’ll need to call a professional to remove it for you.

Vacuums Lose Suction Due to an Obstructed Fan Blade or Blower Wheel

When something is stuck in the fan blade or blower, it stops the spinning action you need to maintain optimum suction. You’ll have to take your vacuum apart to spot this kind of obstruction, which can be a little risky if you’re not familiar with your vacuum’s mechanisms. If your quick assessment of the filter, debris container and hose comes up clean, you might want to call in the pros to assess this type of issue.

Vacuums Lose Suction Due to a Defective Blower Motor

When all other vacuum assessments fail, your last resort is the blower motor. The blower has bearings that can seize up and interfere with suction. It also has brushes that can become damaged, stopping the motor from operating properly. As a major part of your vacuum, you’ll want a professional Calgary vacuum repair service to assess the motor and all its parts to discover the problem.

By addressing the issue early, you can replace the brush or brushes instead of having to replace the entire motor. If you have two brushes, always replace them together, even if the other one isn’t damaged, to avoid another breakdown.

The Vacuum Specialists pick up and deliver residential vacuums starting at only $29.99. We also offer free estimates in our Calgary stores. In hand with 48-hour fast turn-around inspections, you can have your vacuum up and running in no time.