The right vacuum cleaner can make a world of difference in your home. It's one of those appliances that you might not pay much attention to until you start using it regularly.

When looking for a vacuum, think about how much use it will get. If you have a busy household with lots of traffic, you'll want to ensure that the vacuum you choose can handle the daily wear and tear.

The cost is another factor to keep in mind. A cheaper model might be fine if it's just for yourself or your immediate family. But if you have pets or children in the house, you might want to invest in one with an additional filtration system and other durable parts.

As with any appliance purchase, it's important to do your research ahead of time so that you don't end up with something that doesn't meet your needs. You can check out consumer reports and customer reviews online before making a final decision about which brand and model is right for your home.

When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, consider its function and the type of material it's made of. If you have lots of carpeting, then a vacuum with allergen-trapping HEPA filtration will greatly help reduce the amount of dust and other allergens in the air. A bagged vacuum cleaner might be best if you have allergies or asthma since it will capture the dust until you dispose of the bag.

You can also consider which features work best for the surface you're cleaning. For example, a vacuum with a rotating brush will do more damage than good if you have tile or hardwood floors. If you have a lot of rugs, then a vacuum with carpet-friendly wheels and a swivel brush head will be very helpful in getting around them.

If you have pets or kids in the house, a vacuum cleaner with an automatic shut-off feature is definitely worth looking into. This will prevent it from being left on and running when no one is around to hear it.

You should also consider how portable the vacuum cleaner is. If you have many stairs or move frequently, a lightweight model might be best for your needs. A portable vacuum cleaner is ideal for this situation because it can be stored under the bed or in an out-of-the-way corner of the room while still cleaning furniture and other areas where dust collects.

In addition to the type of appliance you purchase, consider how much time you spend vacuuming. If it takes lots of time out of your day to clean up after yourself, then it's probably not worth it.

If your home is small and has only one or two rooms that need regular cleaning, consider buying an upright or canister vacuum cleaner rather than a handheld model. You will save money in the long run by not buying bags for the handheld model and having less storage space for its attachments compared to an upright vacuum cleaner.