Vacuuming your home can be a daunting task, and frustration is usually due to a lackluster machine that just isn't doing the trick quickly and efficiently. But with so many models out there and several new technologies, how do you choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home? Luckily, our buying guide will help you determine the features and styles that are right for you, and our roundup includes models on the market at every price point. How often do you vacuum? There's no need to be embarrassed. Some of us just don't have the time to get to this task everyday. But you should consider the frequency when choosing a unit. If you do vacuum daily, Michele Lupton, Communications Director for Rowenta USA, says a light-weight stick model is perfectly fine for maintaining your home. Although, if you tend to wait for a week or more to vacuum, a larger upright or canister model with a more powerful motor will help you get the job done. Lupton also noted that even if you are a constant cleaner, if you have a large home with wall-to-wall carpeting, a small stick vac may just be too small.

How much power do you need? Lupton says suction is the single most important factor while choosing the most effective model in addition to cyclonic action, which is what draws the dust and particles into the machine. Rob Green, Design Engineer for Dyson, also explains that air flow and agitation, or the ability of the vacuum cleaner to penetrate and remove dirt from the carpet fibers as well as the filtration level, which measures how much of the debris is expelled back out, all have to do with suction. Although many manufacturers boast about the amount of AMPS their product uses, Green says air watts are the more accurate measurement for a machine's cleaning power. Bottom line: Green says a vacuum with over 200 air watts is a good indication that it will be a powerful cleaner. Which style is best? Bagless models are great because you don't have to worry about stocking up on bags, and in most cases, you don't even have to touch the canister to release the mess -- just press the button and hold it over the garbage can.

But on the other hand, with a bag, all of the grime is contained, and you have less exposure to the particles when throwing it away. Although, sometimes less powerful, upright models have better maneuverability than canister type cleaners. Bottom line: Newer bagless models trump vacuums with bags because these will lose suction and airflow as the bag gets full. Any special features to look out for? Lupton also suggests that the shape of the vacuum's head is important to check out, as you'll want one with channels to whisk away the dirt and dust. Also, a spinning brush is great, especially for carpeting, because it will comb through fibers and extract more debris. Although strings and hair can wrap around the brush and must be cleared away with a scissor. While shopping, flip the appliance over and take a look for these features. Cordless models are beneficial if you are cleaning large spaces but make sure that the model has a long enough run time. Bottom line: Dyson has a new model with a tangle free turbine tool that cuts through caught hairs (great for pet owners), and Lupton suggests if you are going for a cordless vac, look for at least forty minutes of power, because some models only provide ten or twenty.

Click through our slideshow of the best vacuums on the market now.best way to clean mold off wood furniture Have something to say? best buy cylinder vacuum cleanerCheck out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.car leather cleaner singapore Appliance Buying Guide Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Models Best Vacuum Cleaner What is the Best Vacuum for Allergies?A vacuum cleaner is a pet owner’s best friend. It is a must-have appliance that makes cleaning up after your four-legged friend see like a breeze or a major chore. It all comes down to the quality of your vacuum cleaner and how well it performs. But what is the best vacuum for pet hair?

We’ve scoured the internet for reviews on the best vacuum for pet hair from trusted names like Forbes, Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping and we’ve come up with our top 10 vacuum picks for 2015.An oldie, but a goodie. The author has a soft spot for this lightweight vacuum cleaner, which is why it is on our list. We have enjoyed the Dyson DC24 for almost 8 years and are still amazed by how much cat hair it picks up! Its small size is great for apartments, if you have limited storage space or if you have a bad back. It is not lacking for the typical Dyson cyclone suction power. However, if you are going to spend this kind of money, spend it on our #1 pick- but refurbished Dyson DC24s are an excellent value at around $199. 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.This Bissell is a good option for cleaning a multi-floor home without breaking your back and the price won’t break the bank! This ‘economy’ vacuum cleaner provides excellent pet hair pick-up and a sleek bag-less cyclone design.

It sports a long cord but some report that its motor can get too hot too quickly, affecting performance. It is a #1 best seller in the Upright Vacuum Cleaners category on Amazon with 4.4 out of 5 stars.The Kenmore hails as one of the more quiet models on this list, but dropped in ratings due to its weight (23 pounds), cumbersome canister design and price. However, it rates very well when it comes to cleaning both carpeted surfaces and pet hair. If you have a lot of carpet, its head allows for manual pile-height adjustment for optimum cleaning. The retractable cord is a handy addition when the job is done. 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.Weighing in at 18 pounds, this bagless Hoover is a great value – complete with HEPA filter and 27-foot retractable cord. Reviewers love its powerful pet hair pick-up on carpeting but don’t recommend if you have a lot of tile or hardwood floors. 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.This Eureka has a wide 15-inch cleaning path and deep cleaning power for carpets.

Reviewers enjoy the how this vacuum leaves the carpet after use – ‘plush.’ Mixed results on hardwood and tile floors but a satisfactory multi-tasker, picking up pet hair and debris with ease. 3.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon.The Eureka AirSpeed Pet sports a unique HEPA filter that is made with charcoal. This is an extra bonus for pet owners, as it helps to lock in odors associated with pet dander and hair. 7 settings are available for different floor surfaces and it sports a very long 32-foot cord.Reviewers are happy with the suction and motor power but warn that plastic parts may be easily damaged. Great features and performance overall for the price. 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.This middle-of-the-road Hoover ranks slightly higher than the Eureka AirSpeed Pet due to its brush-roll foot-operated shut-off control – which makes going from one surface to another a breeze. It also has some pretty cool features, such as a fold-down handle, which allows for easier storage. Its suction and pet hair cleaning ability is similar to that of the Eureka AirSpeed Pet vacuum.

High-tech system indicator alerts let you know when it’s time to clean or check the multiple HEPA, carbon and rinsable filters. 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.This may be a brand that you’ve never heard of, but the reviews are generally stellar. The Shark was introduced a few years ago and its price has come down significantly – it used to retail for over $250! It is extremely light weight, about 12.5 pounds. The canister is easy to dump and clean. It has a HEPA filter, locking allergens like dust and pet danger away. Be sure to order a spare filter to use while your other washable filter is drying. 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.When it comes to overall performance, #1 and #2 ranked consistently the highest in quality and performance in independent lab and home tests. The Miele is set apart from the Dyson in that it sports a 40-foot long power cord! It utilizes a bag instead of a canister. It looks boxy but reviewers rave about how easy it is to maneuver. It also has a dial speed control and upholstery, crevice and dusting attachments.