Whitlock's

Vacuum and Sewing Supercenter

888-224-9912
503-585-7771
Cart
Account
Whitlock's Menu   ≡ ╳
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • FAQS
    • Service
    • Shipping and Handling Policy
  • Shop
    • Products
    • Quilting
    • Pro-Stitcher Products
    • HQ Stitch
    • Handi Quilter Longarm Quilting Systems
    • Embroidery
    • Sewing / Embroidery Machines
    • Janome Sewing & Sergers
    • Vacuums
    • Used Machine
    • Floor Demo
    • eBooks
    • Software
  • Classes
    • Classes & Events
    • Current Flyer
  • Online Courses
  • Events
  • Video Tutorials
  • Get Inspired
  • Blog
  • Contact

Air Flow, Why its Important to my Vacuum System

June 23, 2013

Yelp

Air Flow through the Vacuum Cleaner System

Air flow is the movement of air from one location to another. In a vacuum cleaner, it generally refers to the movement of air through the vacuum cleaner or central vacuum system. It, combined with agitation, is the most important aspect of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. It is the force exerted by the moving air which actually picks up the dirt and moves it into the bag or dirt container.

You will sometimes see the Air Flow in Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) rated for a vacuum cleaner. While the air flow rating is not a direct rating of the power of the suction motor, it is affected by its suction.

The air flow rating is typically obtained by measuring the air flow through the vacuum cleaner with no hose nor attachments connected to it.

Keep in mind that the same air moves through the entire vacuum cleaner system so the actual air flow in use is proportional to the amount of suction produced by the motor and inversely proportional to the total resistance to air flow throughout the system.

S6290_JasperThe air is motivated to move by the reduced air pressure created by the suction motor. The easier it is for the air to flow, the better the cleaning performance will be. Also, the stronger the suction created by the suction motor is, the better the air flow will be. There are many variables which affect the actual air flow in a system which are not reflected in the air flow rating. In addition to the resistance within the actual vacuum cleaner, there is resistance caused by air turbulence in the hose and tubing, restriction where the cleaning nozzle contacts the floor, as well as increased resistance within the filtration system as the unit fills with dirt. Therefore it is important to compare the sealed suction along with the air flow when comparing canisters, power teams, and central vacuum systems.

The quality of the paper bag can have a significant impact on the air flow through the system. While the bag’s filter media must be able to stop the fine dust and allergens, it should present the least amount of resistance to air flow that is possible. The total resistance of the paper bag is inversely proportional to the total area of the filter media. In other words, doubling the area of a paper bag’s surface will cut the total resistance to air flow in half. Therefore, if two different size bags are constructed of the same quality filter media, the larger one will enhance the cleaning performance by making it easier for the air to flow.

Yelp

Categories: Vacuum

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Blog!

Blog Categories

  • Featured (2)
  • Gallery (4)
  • Machine Embroidery (31)
  • Quilting (53)
    • Handi Quilter Block of the Month Club (3)
  • Sewing (57)
  • Vacuum (8)
  • Uncategorized (3)
  • Artistic Digitizer 1.5 (9)
  • Charity Sew (1)
  • Fabric (3)
  • Janome Sewing Machines and Sergers (15)
    • Serger Projects (1)
  • Software (15)

Archives

  • November 2020 (1)
  • October 2020 (3)
  • September 2020 (3)
  • August 2020 (5)
  • July 2020 (3)
  • June 2020 (2)
  • May 2020 (3)
  • April 2020 (5)
  • March 2020 (2)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (2)
  • December 2019 (3)
  • November 2019 (1)
  • October 2019 (1)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • June 2019 (3)
  • May 2019 (3)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • February 2019 (4)
  • January 2019 (1)
  • August 2018 (1)
  • January 2018 (1)
  • June 2017 (1)
  • May 2017 (5)
  • November 2016 (5)
  • October 2016 (1)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • August 2016 (3)
  • July 2016 (4)
  • June 2016 (3)
  • April 2016 (2)
  • March 2016 (1)
  • February 2016 (4)
  • January 2016 (12)
  • December 2015 (1)
  • November 2015 (1)
  • October 2015 (6)
  • June 2013 (5)
  • January 2013 (1)
  • October 2010 (2)
  • June 2010 (1)
  • March 2010 (1)
  • January 2010 (1)

Leave us a Review

Since 1952, we have been the premier sewing center in Salem, Oregon. We are proud to serve our customers from Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, Washington and beyond.

Whitlock's Sewing Center
1555 12th Street SE, Suite 100
Salem, Oregon 97302

Toll Free: (866) 239-2481
Local: 503-585-7771
Longarm Sales: 866-335-9579

Store Hours:
Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Sewing Demonstration & Information:
maria@whitlocks.com

Handi Quilter/Pro Stitcher Questions, Classes & Clubs:
todd@whitlocks.com

Sewing Machine Service:
chas@whitlocks.com

Education:
mail@whitlocks.com

Business Office:
office@whitlocks.com

Copyright © 2025 Whitlock's Sewing Center. All rights reserved.

Website design by All Pro Webworks, LLC.

RECEIVE TIPS AND EXCLUSIVE SPECIALS