When choosing a new vacuum cleaner, suction power is one of the most important factors to consider. But what exactly does suction power mean, which components influence it, and how much power do you need for different surfaces? In this article, you’ll discover what determines suction power, how it varies between vacuum types, and which level of power works best for each surface.
The suction power of a vacuum cleaner determines how effectively it picks up dust and dirt from surfaces. The higher the suction power, the deeper and more efficient the cleaning, especially on carpets and with stubborn dirt. The wattage (energy consumption) of a vacuum cleaner does not by itself indicate how powerful the suction is, as the actual suction power is determined by the motor, the airflow, and the filter.
Air watts (AW) express the actual suction power of a vacuum cleaner by combining airflow and water lift (the height against which air can be moved). A higher AW value means the vacuum cleaner has stronger suction and picks up dust and dirt more effectively. This differs from wattage: watts (W) only indicate how much energy the appliance consumes. A higher wattage can provide more power, but it does not automatically translate into better suction performance. Thanks to smart and efficient technology, vacuum cleaners with lower wattage can still be very powerful. For optimal cleaning with low energy consumption, it’s important to find the right balance between effective suction power (air watts) and energy use (watts).
The motor of a vacuum cleaner determines how effectively it can pick up dust and dirt. A powerful motor provides strong suction, which results in better cleaning performance. In bagged vacuum cleaners, a good motor helps fill the bag evenly without a loss of suction as the bag fills up. In bagless models, it’s important that the motor is strong enough to filter dust effectively from the air.
A well-functioning motor not only improves performance but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance and extends the overall lifespan of the vacuum cleaner.
The airflow of a vacuum cleaner indicates how much air it sucks in per second. This is usually measured in litres per second (l/sec) or cubic metres per hour (m³/h). The higher the airflow, the more dirt the vacuum cleaner removes. Strong suction pressure is also needed to pick up heavier debris. If the airflow is reduced, for example due to a blockage, the suction power decreases as well.
Choosing the right nozzle for the surface you want to clean is important to make the most of the suction power. Nozzles are designed for specific floors: a model with soft bristles loosens dirt on hard floors without scratching, while a turbo brush with a rotating roller lifts deep dirt from carpets. Using high suction power with the wrong nozzle makes your cleaning less effective and can potentially damage the floor. When you combine the right suction power with the correct nozzle, you remove dirt more efficiently and achieve a better clean.
The dust container of a vacuum cleaner is important for its suction power. If the container is too full, airflow is reduced, and the vacuum cleans less effectively. In bagless models, you'll usually notice this sooner than in bagged vacuum cleaners. Empty the container in time to maintain strong suction. A full vacuum bag also reduces suction, so replace the bag as soon as it's full. Additionally, clean the filter regularly to ensure proper airflow and keep the vacuum working at its best.
To determine the ideal suction power for your type of surface, it’s important to distinguish between Pa (Pascal), kPa (kilopascal), and AW (air watt). Manufacturers use these units to measure suction power.
| The best suction power per cleaning task | Suction power (in kPa, Pa and AW) |
|---|---|
Hard floors | 10 to 15 kPa (10,000 Pa) or 100 to 150 AW. * |
Carpets and rugs | Low-pile carpet: 20 to 28 kPa (17,000 to 20,000 Pa) or 200 AW. High-pile carpet: 28 to 35 kPa (28,000 to 35,000 Pa) or 200 to 300 AW. * |
Pet hair | 18 to 22 kPa (18,000 to 22,000 Pa) or 200 to 250 AW. * |
Deep cleaning | 20 to 25 kPa (20,000 to 25,000 Pa) or 250 to 300 AW. * |
*These numbers are averages. Various factors, such as the type of nozzle and the amount of dirt, can affect the suction power needed.
Several factors can cause suction power to decrease, making your vacuum less effective:
Once you understand how suction power is measured and what factors affect it, you can choose the vacuum that suits you best: for example, a robot vacuum or a stick vacuum. Suction power varies between vacuums and between brands/models. We’ve listed the average suction power per type of vacuum along with the pros and cons.
| Property name | Average suction power | Suited for surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional vacuums (cylinder vacuums) | 15 to 25 kPa / 250 to 450 AW | Hard floors, (high pile) carpets | Strong suction, large dust container, suitable for deep cleaning | Large, heavy, less easy to move |
| Stick vacuums | 10 to 25 kPa/100 to 250 AW | Hard floors, laminate, tiles | Lightweight, manoeuvrable, often cordless | Limited suction for high-pile carpets, small dust container |
| Robot vacuums | 5 to 10 kPa / 50 to 150 AW | Hard floors, low-pile carpets | Automatic, ideal for daily maintenance, can reach under low furniture | Poor suction on high-pile carpets, small brushes, doesn’t clean all surfaces |
| Handheld vacuums / mini vacuums | 4 to 10 kPa / 30 to 80 AW | Tables, kitchen counters, car mats, small areas | Compact, convenient for small areas, easy to use | Limited suction, small dust container, prone to scratching |
| All-purpose / workshop vacuums | 18 to 30 kPa / 300 to 600 AW | Construction sites, heavy dirt, wet/dry debris. | Very powerful, suitable for coarse dirt and dust, durable. | Large, heavy, noisy, less suitable for everyday household use |
| Wet & dry vacuums | 18 to 30 kPa / 300 to 600 AW | Hard floors, wet dirt, tiles, concrete | Very powerful, suitable for deep cleaning | Large, heavy, often noisy. |
The suction power of your vacuum cleaner is its ability to pick up dust and dirt from different surfaces. This power is measured in air watts (AW) or Pascal/kilopascal (Pa/kPa). Suction power depends not only on the motor but also on the filters, maintenance, and correct use of nozzles. For hard floors, a suction power of 10 to 15 kPa (100 to 150 AW) is sufficient. For carpets and rugs, at least 20 to 28 kPa (200 to 300 AW) is recommended. For pet hair or deep cleaning, 18 to 25 kPa (200 to 300 AW) is ideal. Maximum suction power varies by vacuum type. Always choose your vacuum based on the surface and the cleaning results you want to achieve.
