Performance - How They Work
The powerhead motor or turbine rotates the brushes which 'beats' or lifts the carpet fibers, loosening the dirt, dust, gravel, or lint from deep inside the carpet, allowing these particles to be more easily suctioned up into the vacuum dust bag or dirt receptacle.
Without a powerhead's brush action, most of these particles would remain in your carpet. Therefore carpet cleaning is greatly enhanced with this vacuuming tool.
Powerhead Features
Some of these features may be standard on certain models or may be considered enhanced options:
- A thin narrow side allows better access to cramped areas.
- A built-in light is a great feature.
- A lower profile for ease of access under furniture.
- Variable power making it easier to vacuum scatter rugs or heavy draperies.
- Variable level adjustment for different carpet heights and textures.
- Mini Power Bars have reduced power and smaller brushes, but are extremely useful for vacuuming vehicles, upholstery, cushioned steps and small areas.
Powerheads should be checked monthly for build-up of debris, which should be carefully removed from the brushes. String, lint, hair or threads can become trapped especially at the bearing ends of the brushes and these should be removed as they can cause bearings to seize or become worn.
Care should be taken when vacuuming with a power bar to avoid pulling loose shoe laces, blind or drapery cords, rug or carpet fringes or other small articles into the brush action. If this occurs, immediately shut off the vacuum, remove the item and reset the power bar if necessary.
Occasionally, drive belts may require replacing and parts numbers can usually be obtained from your operation manual, or the unit can be taken for servicing. Powerhead brush bristles also wear out over time and should be replaced. Check your manual for specific manufacturer recommendations.
You should ensure your vacuum is always turned off when attaching the power bar, as arcing can occur, burning out the electrical contacts. Power bars are generally used with the vacuum wand, but can also be attached right to the hose handle for ease of reach in certain areas.
The powerheads pictured in this article are attachments for the Aerus Lux Vacuum Cleaner and they perform very well. You can read the Aerus Lux Vacuum Review for more details on this particular model.
Vacuuming often with power heads will not wear out your floor coverings. It will actually extend the carpet's lifespan by lifting the fibers and removing dirt from deep within.
Bare Floor Power Bars
Originally, powerheads were designed mostly for cleaning carpets, and this article focuses more on this type. However, with the growing popularity of hard floor surfaces, many manufacturers now offer a hard floor power bar, which has a smaller but similar design and function, but is gentler and better suited for use on bare floors. Check your operating manual or ask the dealer if you are unsure which type of floor covering your power bar is designed for.
Read More About Floor Care:
Vacuum 101
How to Buy a Used Vacuum
All About Robotic Vacuums
Vacuum Reviews
Benefits of Changing Filters
Vacuums & Floor Care
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