Household dust, pollen, mildew, pet dander and dust mites are common allergens that can trigger off allergic reactions or asthma. Some of these allergens are a fraction of a micron in size. The floors and carpets (especially carpets) at home are common repositories of household allergens.

In order to reduce internal pollution we vacuum floors, carpets, stairs and upholstery or just about any area that can collect allergens. Let us take a look at what we should know before taking a final call on the vacuum cleaner that we buy for our homes.

Depending on the dirt collection mechanism, the two types of vacuums that are used are bagged and bagless.  Bagged vacuums use a disposable bag that collects the dirt. Bagless vacuums on the other hand usually have a dirt cup that needs to be emptied periodically.

Both these types of vacuums may have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems. HEPA filtration collects microscopic allergens (some filters actually capture allergens down to a 0.3 micron in size) on dirt suction and on return air streams and ensures that carpets and floors are free of allergens.

Of course we are assuming that regardless of the type of vacuum you own or are planning to buy has HEPA filtration capabilities. Let us talk about the main issue at hand and that is the things you should know about bagless vacuums and allergies.

A number of bagless vacuums (in all fairness, not all) have faulty dirt release mechanisms that result in unnecessary exposure to dirt.  Some of them manage to do a good job of cleaning your house, only to release dust and allergens into the air when you empty the dirt cup into the trash can. If you are allergic and also happen to be the one who does most of the vacuuming, then a faulty dirt release design could expose you to dirt.

So the first thing that you should make sure is that it should be easy and safe for you to empty the dirt cup in your bagless vacuum.

The HEPA filtration technology that is used in bagged vacuums is built into the dirt capture mechanism. Bagless vacuums on the other hand use secondary HEPA filters that capture the allergens.  We usually buy bagless vacuums to save on the cost of disposable bags. However some bagless vacuums have HEPA filters that need to be replaced at intervals. The interval could depend upon how much and how often you sue your vacuum.

Some of the replaceable filters can be expensive and buying these filters for a bagless vacuum can offset any savings in terms of disposable bags. Make sure that the bagless vacuum you buy does not have very expensive HEPA filters. It would be better if you looked around for a bagless vacuum that has a washable HEPA filter.

If you or any people in you family suffer from asthma or dust induced allergies and also happen to be in doubt about which vacuum to buy, then play safe and buy a bagged vacuum that has HEPA filtration technology.