One of the crucial factors to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner is its noise level. Surely, you never want your vacuum cleaner to produce annoying noise for your family and neighbors, right?
1. What is the Optimal Noise Level for Vacuum Cleaners?
One of the crucial factors to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaner manufacturers all specify the noise level (measured in dB) of the machine in the user manual. However, not every consumer understands the significance of this number, such as how much noise is too loud or what is acceptable.
To help users choose a vacuum cleaner based on noise level preferences, the non-governmental environmental organization and consumer group Japan Offspring Fund (JOF) used standard noise measurement tools to test popular vacuum cleaners on the market and determine at what dB level they are considered quietest or loudest.
Introducing the Electrolux ZAR3500 Dust Vacuum Cleaner
According to JOF, dust vacuums typically operate in two modes: low and high. In the 'low' mode, noise levels commonly range between 80 dB and below 85 dB in the 'high' mode. However, there are vacuums that produce noise exceeding 90dB in the 'high' mode, which is categorized as annoying noise.
The noise level depends on the design of the vacuum's motor. Generally, inside a vacuum cleaner, there is a fan that rotates at a very high speed, creating centrifugal force to draw air into the machine, forming a vacuum inside it.
The air pressure inside the vacuum cleaner is much lower than the air pressure outside. According to the principle of pressure difference, various types of dirt outside are sucked into the intake port by the airflow, then transferred to the dirt chamber at the rear. After being cleaned, the air flows back into the room through the motor.
In cyclone vacuum cleaners, dirt is separated by centrifugal force, resulting in vigorous airflow. The chaotic airflow naturally generates loud and sometimes uncomfortable noise. In cases where the vacuum does not produce significantly louder noise at high speeds, it could be due to the internal motor not changing speed when switching to the 'high' mode. The cause may be supplementary air ducts opening inside, drawing in and emitting air.
It's important to note that noise doesn't necessarily correlate with efficiency. A quieter vacuum may have better suction power due to superior design.
JOF reveals their top-performing vacuum cleaner: the Electrolux Oxygen Z5954. In both 'low' and 'high' modes, the Oxygen vacuum has never exceeded 75 dB. According to the manufacturer, the Oxygen's noise level is only 59 dB.
Noise pollution is an environmental concern. European studies suggest 77 dB as the noise limit. Your vacuum cleaner's sound should not disturb neighbors or others. Therefore, besides thoroughly checking noise levels, you should try out different modes of the vacuum cleaner before purchasing it.