Energy efficiency is one of the biggest concerns for modern homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. With steadily climbing utility costs and more and more states offering subsidies for energy efficiency, it’s important to make every item in your house as efficient as possible. You may have considered low-flow showerheads and energy efficient washing machines already, but if you haven’t thought about an energy efficient vacuum, you’re missing some serious savings.

You probably only use your vacuum cleaner for a few minutes each day (or even each week), but the wattage for an average vacuum is comparable to that for an average room air conditioner, which is a significant amount of power.

With that being said, it is obviously important to choose a vacuum that you can use to lower energy consumption in your home. We’ve put together some tips to help you find one. Have a look, and shop accordingly:

Consider the Type of Energy Efficient Vacuum You Want

To some, a vacuum cleaner is just a vacuum cleaner. However, you should know that vacuum cleaners come in a variety of different styles that use different amounts of power on average, which means that some are more energy-efficient than others.

Vacuum cleaners come in two forms: upright or cylindrical. Each of these two forms can be bagged or bagless, which makes for four main vacuum types available. The latest statistics from the Federal Energy Star Program list bagged upright cleaners as having the lowest input power range, at 1150 to 2000 W. Compare that number to 1400 to 2700 W for bagless cylinder vacuums, which are the highest users.

Choosing Specific Brands and Models

There’s a reason that the Hoover name has been synonymous with vacuum cleaners since the company first started in 1908. Hoover has always maintained a level of quality that other vacuum makers aspire to match, and their modern day offerings also boast surprising energy efficiency. The Hoover Windtunnel T-Series Rewind Plus boasts an energy efficient 1440 W motor, and traps 99.97% of dirt, dust, and pollens.

Outside of the Hoover stable, you may also consider the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum, a mid-range option with a particularly low input power motor. At only 800 W, it offers excellent cleaning capabilities without using nearly as much power as other vacuums.

Measuring Your Energy Efficiency

Wondering how much more efficient one of the above vacuums will make your home? It’s easy to find out when you use an app like Benefyd, an app which asks you questions about your habits and compiles a personalized energy report based on the answers. The information Benefyd provides can help you see exactly what areas of your home can be made more energy efficient—including your vacuuming.

Every little change you make to your home and daily habits can help you achieve energy efficiency, and an energy efficient vacuum is no exception. Use this guide to help you choose an energy efficient vacuum, and you’ll be a little further on your journey to a more efficient home!.