DC17 Won't Suck Up

A common issue on the DC17 model is the suction disappearing, and eventually the motor turning off. The issue is likely a very easy fix. A lot of people have gotten rid of their Dyson altogether when they could have solved the problem in less than a minute.
The likely reason your DC17 has lost its suction is because the seal at the bottome of the cyclone assembly is not as tight as it needs to be, so over time, if the bottom of the bin is not closed precisely each time, it will push up on the rubber seal, and little by little over time, push it up.

When that happens, the seal is broken at the bottom and much of what is sucked up is sucked in through the cyclones and onto the filter instead of staying in the bin.

Naturally, that blocks the airflow which decreases the suction, which stops air from coming in the motor to cool it off, which causes it to overheat and turn off to cool down.
The solution is simple, just open up the bottom of the bin and pull the seal back into place all the way around (yes, you will have to wash your hands when you are done).

It should like the picture below when you are done. If you want, to keep it from being an issue any longer, you could put some super glue on the inside of the seal at the top where it locks in to the cyclone assembly.

Vacuum Shop is Bashing Dyson Part 2

I compiled a list of reasons why the majority of shops don't like Dysons.
1. They don't make enough money selling them
Dyson is a high demand product in the market, so Dyson as a company has the power to set and keep the margin on their products to where they want them. The dealers don't make nearly as much on Dyson as some other brands, they are naturally in the business to make money (don't hold that against them, that's why you work too!), so they are more likely to sell you something that will be most profitable for the business. Not to mention, so many of the big box stores (Best Buy, Target, etc.) who sell thousands of Dyson units each month will often run different sales throughout the year, and customers walk into a vacuum shop where they would like to sell a couple Dyson units a month, and they want the same or better discount that that the big store is offering; which of course means that they will have to take a cut out of the smaller profit they would normally have.
2. There is not as much potential to have customers come back to spend more
What business doesn't want customers to come back? The one that doesn't want to stay in business! One of the selling features of Dyson is that there is no additional cost. the belts are designed not to break, there are no bags to replace, the filter is a lifetime filter, and it has a five year warranty. So that leaves the vacuum shop with nothing to bring the customer back in to spend more money like just about any other vacuum would.
3. Not fun to work on
Dyson has led the way in vacuum technology for years, everyone else is just copying them as close as they can without breaking the law. So with that, they have created some very innovative ideas, that complicate repair side of things if something goes wrong. As soon as these guys have it down, Dyson comes out with something new
4. So many to work on
This ties in a little with the previous one. Since there is so many Dysons that have been purchased, it naturally means more will come through a repair shop, which means the more they are going to have to work on something that can be more complicated than the other vacuums that need repair.
FYI, some shops will use this as a tool against Dyson. They will point to all the Dysons lined up for repair and say, "Look how many have issues!" As I said already, the more that have sold, the more are going to come through a repair shop. If five million units have sold, and only 250,000 of another vacuum have sold, which one is more likely to more in repair shops?
There are a couple more reasons that I could throw out, but these would probably be at the top of the list.

Vacuum Shop is Bashing Dyson part 1

This is not surprising at all. I have worked for years with different vacuum shops, their owners and employees; some are great, some are not so great, and some I frown at if I happen to drive by.
As a customer walking into a shop like that, you assume that these guys are as close to expertise as you are going to find, and for the most part, you would be correct. They know the ins and outs of almost every vacuum that has come across the market for decades, which is pretty impressive. They see the trends of broken components, garbage models, good models, technology, and so on. They know their stuff.
Yet if you went to five different vacuum shops across your closest big city and asked them which vacuum they would recommend as the best, you would likely get three or four different answers; and you would be lucky if you found one that said Dyson. They would throw out the name of whatever they have the largest collection of and go on to show you all the benefits and half an hour later, your walking out with a bagged vacuum with some extra bags. They will likely never sell you a Dyson if they don't have to. If you ask them about Dyson, much of what you will hear will be negative. Probably the only decent thing they might say is along the lines of, "It's the best bagless vacuum, but..." To not make this post too long, I'll split it up, so to go to the next post:

Dyson Repair?

Dyson vacuums, just like anything ever made can have something go wrong with it. I have heard some people that had an issue with their Dyson blow up over it and turn their back on Dyson forever because it had an issue. Give me a break. For whatever reason, things can and do happen, but that's why there is a warranty on Dyson, and that's why there are people out there trained to take care of those things when they do happen.
Unless it's something minor, like a bouncy ball stuck inside the hose, it's probably good to NOT try to be Mr. Fix-it with your Dyson if you don't know what you are doing. There are vacuum repair shops all over the country, and nearly all of them will gladly take your Dyson in for a repair, but STOP BEFORE YOU DO!!!!!!!! First off, many of these repair shops hate Dyson for various reasons (I'll cover that in another post), and would love to tell you how much of a piece of junk your Dyson is, and the proof is that you had to bring it in for a "common" problem, and then try to sell you some expensive mediocre bagged vacuum. AUTHORIZED DYSON SERVICE CENTERS are the only place you should drop it off. They are the only ones who Dyson will pay for doing the work, and the only ones who can legitimately get authentic Dyson parts. Service centers who are not authorized by Dyson get knock off parts that look the same and can function the same, but if they cause the vacuum to malfunction, Dyson will void your warranty. If there is an issue with your Dyson, the steps to take are:
1. Call Dyson customer service (the sticker with the phone number is on your vacuum) 1-866-MY-DYSON
2. They will try to troubleshoot over the phone with you (be patient with them as they try to isolate the problem)
3. If you can't figure it out via phone, they will refer you to the Authorized Service Centers close by
4. If none are close by, they will pay for your Dyson to be shipped somewhere to be fixed

Don't expect your Dyson to be fixed the same day, or even in the next couple days. Give it at least a week, and go from there. Remember that these repair shops are hounded all day long about people who want their vacuums back immediately because the mother-in-law is coming that weekend and the house has to look good, and everyone thinks their vacuum should be priority #1. They are usually waiting on parts from the manufacturers, have thirty vacuums that came in before yours, and will get it done as quickly as they can.
Lastly, let's face it, sometimes the vacuum breaks for reasons we had nothing to do with, and other times because we were a bonehead in what we were doing (like sucking up dog puke or vacuuming out the tool box). If it breaks because of something foolish we did, no warranty covers that, so don't expect it to; and have some character and don't try to lie to the repair shop about what happened to try to get out of paying for your mistake. These guys can see right through you; especially once they open up your vacuum and easily see whay really happened.

"How Many Amps Does It Have?"

That is a question I've been asked many, many times. Most people assume amps equals the cleaning power in the vacuum. Not the case at all. All amps (or correctly said ampere) are is basically the measurement of electricity moving through the vacuum motor to run it. Most vacuums have a 12 amp motor, some a little more, some less depending on the size of the motor.
What really measures the actual cleaning power or suction in a vacuum are things like the air watts and water lift (interestingly enough I don't recall ever seeing any companies promote that). However, if you wanted to find out, you can go to the company's website, and likely find it on the product specifications.

Is Dyson Worth the Price? Part 1

Dyson cost. How much am I already spending on a vacuum?

First, you are looking at a Dyson for likely one of two reasons: your vacuum just kicked the bucket, or it's about to. You are in the market for something that hasn't lasted for you (probably not as long as you hoped it would) and now you need a new one. You can get one that is similar to what you had before and get the same results, or upgrade or even downgrade, and hope for something better; it depends on how your view of a vacuum. A vacuum is perceived by consumers two different ways:

1. To you, the vacuum is a fundamental tool to keep your home to a high standard of cleanliness and you need to get something good to get the job done right, and take care of what you have. You take the effort to empty out the bin or bag often, don't mind having to spend some money to help your vacuum work better and longer. When it comes time to purchasing one, you go the extra mile and do some internet research, price shopping, and will spend a considerable amount of time in the vacuum aisle playing with the different vacuums to see which one you like the best.

2. To you (and probably most people), a vacuum is perceived as a very disposable item and rarely bother taking measures to maintain it. You'd rather not change the filter (it costs too much, so you'll bang it out once or twice a year), you rarely change the bag (there is always room for more in there, and you can't find more that fit anyway), in fact the only service it gets is a new belt when it breaks because you sucked up a sock under the bed. To you, the vacuum process is as follows: plug it in - use it until it breaks - trash it - buy a new one; no biggie. You are likely looking way at the end of the line of vacuums at the store (no, not the end where the Dyson is, the other end), or the bulk stack of vacuums where they are on sale for $39; you usually grab and go, or just pick the coolest looking cheap one.

So what does that have to do with Dyson? First, consider how often you are having to buy a new vacuum. The average is about every 2-3 years you are forced to cough up the money for one; some go two months, some go two generations. But remember that JUST BECAUSE A VACUUM TURNS ON, DOESN'T MEAN IT WORKS. So if you are the first kind of consumer who values a vacuum, you are likely spending at least $150 every two and a half years, and during that time, buying bags or filters or getting it fixed, etc.; think about the cost on that... it does add up.

Now, if you are a cheapskate when it comes to floor care, and you think all vacuums are the same, you don't mind spending fifty bucks on a vacuum and using it until there is no hope left for it and don't mind dropping another fifty when the time comes, then you'd be better off buying a broom and dustpan and just sweeping your carpet. The results would be pretty much the same, except for the pretty lines your piece of junk vacuum leaves in the carpet. It would pop your bubble on how "clean" you think your place is if a Dyson came into your house and you saw what your fifty dollar vacuum is rolling right over and doing nothing about.

What About Buying A Used Dyson?

Used is often thriftier and smarter way to go. We buy used homes, used cars, used furniture, used electronics, used clothes, why not a used Dyson? Craigslist, Ebay, and local shops make that very accessible, but is it the smartest route to take?
If we could chose between new and used and disregard the cost, we would all likely chose new, but cost is always something to consider. The disadvantages/concerns of a used Dyson are:
1) Is it still in good running condition? You don't know how often it was used, what it was used for, and how it might have been abused. Some are perfectly fine, the owner just didn't know how to take care of it. My brother in law picked one up free that was almost brand new. She gave it away because it wouldn't turn on. The problem, just needed an adjustment on the on/off switch. Bummer for her, good for him.
2) Limited or no warranty. The new uprights and canisters carry a five year warranty, refurbished units only six months, and everything else is up in the air. Some people like to have that assurance that if something did go wrong, the warranty will be there to take care of it.
3) Am I still getting ripped off? Some people will charge you a lot simply because its a brand in demand, so they know you are more likely to pay. Some its fair, some its not, it depends on the true condition of the vacuum, which you don't always know.
There are a lot of used Dyson vacuums out there, and some good ones too; I have sold some. But there are some junk ones as well. Just be wise and don't be afraid to ask questions and put it to the test if you can try it out before handing over the cash, and you will have a great Dyson you got at a great deal.

Where is the Best Priced Dyson?

Often when I was in retail stores, customers would ask if there is any where else they could get a Dyson cheaper. Good question, and easy answer. Brand new, across all retail stores, Dyson products are going to have (or better said, are supposed to have) the exact same MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price). So whether Best Buy, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond, it will be the same. Dyson as a company has the authority do so being a highly valued product.
Its still not a bad idea to do a little price shopping, however. Stores usually do run advertised semi-annual sales on Dyson that are pretty darn good, or run all floorcare 10% off, etc. Even going into a store, you might find a different story. If Dyson is advertised, they have to sell it for a price Dyson gives the OK on, including a sale (20% off, or something like that). But the sticker price can be whatever they want, as long as they are not advertising it. You could walk into a store and see one priced for $100 more than other stores, or walk into one and see one $100 less (not likely) than the rest. Remember that these retailers are in business to make money, the more they take off the cost, the less they are making, so don't be absurd in expecting something like 40% off. But if you want to know what to expect to pay for it, just go to the dyson.com website, and there will be the expected price.

Is Dyson Worth the Price? Part 3

Dyson technology. What makes Dyson better than the rest?

Why do I think Dyson is the best? It boils down to the overall design of the vacuum. Some vacuums have more suction than Dyson, some are lighter, some last longer; but those things alone shouldn't be the determining factor in a purchase.

The basics off all vacuums are the same. A motor that generates suction through an opening, and a container to catch what was sucked up. Then why don't some vacuums work as well? Why are some better than others? The specific details of how that happens, and overcoming the problems that come with it determines the quality of the vacuum.

Biggest problem - vacuums lose their suction (or more specifically, their airflow). In order for the air to move the dirt into the container, there has to be a strong enough continual flow of air moving. If you've ever been sucking up a shake through a straw and got a chunk of cookie stuck in the straw, that's a perfect picture of what happens to vacuums. The motor is still running, it's still making lines in the carpet, you can hear the crumbs spinning around the brush bar, but the pores in the bag or filter are getting clogged from the dust and debris, that airflow has likely decreased dramatically; which means it's not cleaning as good, or hardly at all.

No matter how strong a vacuum is, this problem has to be addressed if you are concerned about what the vacuum is releasing back into the air (you could maintain perfect suction if you had no filter or bag, but that, of course, defeats the whole purpose of cleaning). There are some vacuums with a beast of a motor that feels like its sucking up dirt from the neighbors carpet downstairs; but with a basic bag or filter, it's getting clogged up making the cleaning performance go down.

What has Dyson done to solve this problem? Root Cyclone Technology (it's in every Dyson vacuum). It's pretty simple, in the process of the air moving through the vacuum, they use cyclones that everything has to go through, and because of the angle everything enters into the cyclones at, the size of the opening, the angles of the cyclones, and the weight of the dirt coming it, it basically uses the laws of nature (gravity, centrifugal force) to pull the dirt out of the airflow so when the air hit the filter, it's able the pass right on through because the huge majority of the dust has been removed from the air. Brilliant!

It's not just the no loss of suction that makes Dyson such a great vacuum. They have been leading the way for years on features that everyone tries to copy. Things like the wand releasing as quick and easily as it does, the Dyson ball, the bin release, the ergonomic carrying handle, a five year warranty to back it all up, and much more. Those sorts of things, in addition to the Root Cyclone Technology, have been what has won many people over in retail stores across the nation. Dyson is an all around superior vacuum.

Is Dyson Worth the Price? Part 2

Dyson performance. Is my cheap vacuum even working?

Perception: after you are done vacuuming, you feel good about yourself and your home. You have a beautiful pattern of lines on the carpet as a signature from the vacuum telling you the job is complete; now you can move on to other things.

Fact: You just wasted your time pushing that thing around the home during that time when you could have been doing more productive things.

Yes, the crumbs are gone and the carpet looks clean, but is that what a vacuum is supposed to do? Just sweep up some things sitting on top of the carpet? A broom will do that! A vacuum has one purpose, and that is to clean your carpet. If it's not doing that, then it's not a good vacuum. However, you usually don't find that out until you get something better, and you wonder where all that dirt and junk came from. Thousands upon thousands have made that discovery when they brought a Dyson home and put it to work. Why do some vacuums work better than others? That will be covered in the next post.

Is Dyson Worth the Price? Intro

That is a question that runs through most people's minds when they are looking at the price tag of a $400-$600 vacuum. They are used to spending $150 on a vacuum; and some think even that is pushing it. You have heard a lot about Dyson; your sister swears by it, your best friend has a new love in her life, and if you are in a circle of people where vacuums become the topic of conversation, you almost feel ashamed not to have one. You would like to get one, but that price! You're thinking, 'Do I really want to fork over that much money? Is my husband going to let me spend that much on a vacuum cleaner?'

Well, you first have to make sure that you have the correct perspective on all of this. Is Dyson worth the price? A resounding, yes! I will cover three reasons in the next three days as to why...

1 Dyson cost. How much am I already spending on a vacuum?

2 Dyson performance. Is my cheap vacuum even working?

3 Dyson technology. What makes Dyson better than the rest?

What Just Came Out of My Carpet?!!!!!!!!!

The initial shock of looking down into the bin while you are going over your carpet for the first time and seeing all manner of filth that you never would have guessed was there! "How did all that get there? I never had a dog! What was my last vacuum doing!" It never ceases to amaze me how much junk seems to creep into and sink into a carpet.
I have had many people tell me that they heard that Dyson was good at cleaning the carpet, but weren't too sure. So before they plugged in the Dyson for the first time, they plugged in their Hoover or Bissell or whatever brand (for the last time) just to see how good Dyson really was, and oh were they surprised at what was being left behind!