Smart home cleaning devices such as robot vacuum cleaners are rapidly growing in popularity. This isn’t much of a surprise considering how monotonous traditional cleaning can be at certain times. People would much rather have this process automated by machines rather than do it on their own.
However, there are things you should consider before you go out and buy a robot vacuum cleaner. We’re not talking about obvious factors such as battery life or cleaning power, but rather how you should examine your requirements to figure out what type of vacuum you need. This guide should provide a lot of nuance to the hidden details involved in buying a robot vacuum.
1. The Cleaning Environment
Robot vacuums excel in diverse environments, and it's essential to assess your surroundings to ensure maximum performance. For example, you’ll want to be aware of the room layout and how easy or difficult it would be for a robot vacuum to navigate the space. If there are a lot of obstacles in the area, you’ll want something with advanced mapping technology.
Similarly, there are certain robot vacuums that excel at cleaning carpets and rugs. If you have tiled floors, you might want to get a robot vacuum with a built-in mop. Different robot vacuums will be good at different things, so make sure you examine your needs accordingly. It’s also important to remember that vacuums with built-in mops will be more expensive.
2. Pet-Friendly Features
You don’t want your pet to be spooked by a tiny robot vacuuming your home in the middle of the night. A robot vacuum should be able to navigate around your pet so it doesn’t get anxious. There are various robot vacuums like ECOVACS that do a great job of removing pet hair and dander. This allows you to spend more time with your pets rather than always finding stray hairs.
Many robot vacuums also come with specialized brushes and filters for picking up pet hairs and allergens. For example, some of them will include HEPA filters that can remove dust, pollen, and other allergens. This creates a safe environment for both you and your pets.
3. Smart Home Integration
Robot vacuums are smart home devices that can connect to the internet and integrate with your pre-existing smart home environment. However, compatibility can be a bit of an issue with certain smart home devices. Make sure that the robot vacuum you plan on buying is compatible with your voice assistant of choice.
Many robot vacuums offer app control, voice control, and compatibility with smart home hubs such as Google Home or Amazon Echo devices. You can even set up smart home routines that activate once you leave the house. For example, you can tell your smart home hub to turn off the lights, start vacuuming, and lock the doors, every time you leave.
4. Noise Levels and Scheduling
If you have small children, pets, or people that are sensitive to loud noises, it’s important to consider the noise levels of whatever robot vacuum you intend on buying. Generally, robot vacuums are quieter than their traditional counterparts. However, you can still definitely hear the vacuum at work, especially when it's operating at a higher power.
Fortunately, many of these robot vacuums come with quiet operation modes that reduce noise levels and save battery life. This “silent mode” reduces the suction power so the vacuum isn’t as obtrusive. If you want your robot vacuum to clean at night, you can customize the schedule so that it uses the quiet mode whenever it’s past a certain time.
5. Maintenance and Upkeep
Thankfully, robot vacuums are easier to maintain than traditional vacuum cleaners. Many of them feature self-emptying dustbins, completely removing any need for your intervention. Some of them also have self-cleaning brushes and washable filters for convenient maintenance. Of course, there will be a few instances where you’ll have to manually intervene.
You’ll have to clean the sensors and check for tangled debris from time to time. Other than that, make sure that whatever device you plan on buying has parts that are easy to replace and repair. Also, look for longer warranties and get an extended one if it’s affordable.
6. Budget
Robot vacuums vary in price depending on features and cleaning prowess. A robot vacuum cleaner with high suction power, advanced mapping technology, and a built-in HEPA filter will cost considerably more than an entry-level option that does the bare minimum. The best advice is here to only look out for features that you need.
If you only care about the convenience and automation that comes with robot vacuums, you won’t have to spend much to get a good experience. However, it might be worth spending more if you need pet-friendly features or a built-in mop. Prioritize your needs, set a budget, and look for options that fall within that range.
