6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Vacuum ASAP, According to Pros

Even if your vacuum cleaner has served you well for many years, all appliances have an expiration date and aren't meant to last forever. So how do you know for sure that yours is on its last leg?

We've spoken with a variety of cleaning experts and rounded up six telltale sings to look out for when it's time to replace your vacuum.

Electrical Issues

You can never be too careful when it comes to appliances that may be experiencing electrical issues.

"If you detect smoke, notice a burning smell, or find damage to the power cord, it's imperative to invest in a new vacuum cleaner and responsibly recycle the old one," Erin Zanelli, the CFO and owner of Tranquil Home Cleaning Services, says.

If your vacuum is overheating often, this is a telltale sign that something isn't functioning properly either. Jade Piper, the operations manager for BetterCleans, explains how it could be due to blocked airflow, a weak motor, or poor ventilation.

It's Too Costly to Repair

When a vacuum begins to require many quick fixes, this is a red flag.

"Constant repairs and maintenance requirements can be a drain on resources and contribute to unnecessary waste," Vanessa Terra Bossart, the owner of Green Terra Cleaning and Sparkling Clean, says.

If you take your vacuum in for repair only to be quoted a fee that's 50 percent or more than the replacement cost, it's worth shelling out for a new appliance, Kathy Vosters, founder of Fuddy Duddy Housekeeping, recommends. She notes that vacuums last between five to eight years with some German brands functioning for up to 20, so it's important to do your research.

Parting ways with a vacuum after eight to 10 years is also wise in order to take advantage of new technologies such as certified sealed HEPA filters, Marilee Nelson, Co-Founder of Branch Basics, says.

The Technology Is Lacking

On that note, a vacuum that lacks certain technological features may be ready for retirement.

"Upgrading to a more advanced vacuum with improved technology can enhance cleaning performance while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact," Bossart says.

Bossart explains that HEPA filtration and energy-efficient features are key elements to prioritize when vacuum shopping.

Unpleasant Smells

No one wants a smelly vacuum—the appliance is designed to make your home look and feel cleaner, after all.

"If you’ve experienced that dusty smell that comes out of most vacuums, even after cleaning the filters or replacing the bag, then we recommend looking for a new vacuum," Nelson says.

The source of the smell itself may stem from a number of sources. It could be mildew, trapped moisture, dirt, pet waste, or mold, just to name a few possibilities.

"There are spaces where mold can grow and, unfortunately, can’t be cleaned as it’s too hard to reach or simply, there’s no way to open that tiny part where it thrived," Piper says.

Loss of Suction

If your vacuum isn't performing its main job—sucking dirt, crumbs, and dust off of the floor—it's no longer serving you.

Rochelle Wilkinson, the owner of Dirt Detectives Cleaning, notes that a loss of suction can simply stem from years of use but also may be caused by damage to the hose—in some cases, this part of the vacuum may have experienced a rip or hole or isn't functioning properly due to items being stuck inside.

Although you can try fixing this issue, it may only last a couple more times before it stops working again.

Your Cleaning Needs Have Changed

No one vacuum is conducive to every single person's at-home needs.

"Lifestyle changes such as acquiring pets, renovating your home, or transitioning to a larger living space may require a vacuum with different features or capabilities," Bossart says.

She recommends looking for a vacuum that caters to your specific needs and challenges. Cleaning is enough of a chore on its own; you won't want to make things harder on yourself by purchasing a vacuum that doesn't fully get the job done.

Read Next: How Often to Vacuum Carpet

Read the original article on The Spruce.