What Suction Power (in Pa) Is Sufficient For a Vacuum Cleaner?

We typically use vacuum cleaners when cleaning our rooms, whether it's cleaning carpets, floors, or pet hair on sofas. Suction power is one of the most important functions of a vacuum cleaner. However, choosing the right suction power is a somewhat confusing issue, as it depends on the size of the room and the intended use.

So how do you determine if a vacuum cleaner's suction power meets your daily cleaning needs? In this article, we will explain in detail the working principle of suction, suction measurement, the standard suction power of different types of vacuum cleaners, and how to choose the right vacuum cleaner for your lifestyle.

Why is suction power important for vacuum cleaners?

Suction power is one of the most crucial performance indicators of a vacuum cleaner, directly determining whether it can truly remove dust. Insufficient suction power not only results in poor cleaning but also forces you to clean repeatedly, wasting time; stable and sufficient suction power, on the other hand, allows you to complete the task on the first pass, improving household chores efficiency.

In addition, suction power is key, but not the only factor.

While suction power is crucial, it is not the only factor. Suction power must be combined with good agitation (such as the beating of a roller brush) and airway sealing.

• Without the roller brush to beat the surface, even the strongest suction will struggle to clean long-pile carpets.
• If the machine is poorly sealed, air will leak out from the gaps in the body, significantly reducing the suction power reaching the nozzle.

How is suction power calculated?

The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is crucial because it directly determines cleaning efficiency, deep cleaning capability, and the effectiveness of the filtration system.

A vacuum cleaner's "suction power" isn't a single numerical value; it's determined by a combination of factors: vacuum level, airflow, motor efficiency, and seal. To make it easier for consumers to understand, different countries and manufacturers use different metrics, but only a few calculation methods are truly internationally recognized.

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, you may be overwhelmed by a variety of parameters: 25000Pa, 150AW, 500W... What do these numbers actually represent?

Pa / kPa (vacuum): The most common and easiest to understand.

Pa = Pascal (unit of pressure)

This represents the "negative pressure" generated at the suction inlet of the vacuum cleaner, i.e., the suction strength.

• Cordless vacuum cleaners commonly range from 10,000 to 28,000 Pa (10–28 kPa)
• Robotic vacuum cleaners commonly range from 2,000 to 8,000 Pa

AW (Air Watts): The most authoritative international unit of suction power

AW is a suction power indicator calculated according to the IEC 60312 standard, and is currently the unit that best represents true suction power.

AW (Airflow Assessment) is a comprehensive score combining vacuum level (Pa), airflow velocity (CFM), and nozzle efficiency.

Currently, AW is more widely recognized internationally because it considers the efficiency of motor suction, sealing structure, nozzle, and floor.

Common ranges:

• Light cleaning: 70–120 AW
• Carpeted homes: 120–200 AW
• High-end flagship: >220 AW

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A common professional metric in North America
CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute

A stronger airflow removes more debris. A higher CFM indicates greater cleaning efficiency, especially for large debris, deep carpet layers, and pet hair. However, CFM cannot be used to judge suction power alone, as it does not take into account the seal of the cleaning head.

Input Power (W) ≠ Suction Power Calculation

Many users mistakenly believe that "the higher the wattage, the stronger the suction," which is incorrect. Even after the EU's 900W limit, many canister cleaners still have very strong suction. High wattage simply means "higher power consumption," not actual suction power, nor does it equate to deep cleaning ability.

How to Calculate Suction Power (Expert Formula)

① Vacuum Pressure (Pa/kPa): Represents "pulling force," indicating the ability to lift particles from the carpet.

② Airflow (CFM or L/min): Represents "carrying capacity," indicating whether the sucked-up dust can be smoothly transported away without clogging the nozzle.

Why high parameters do not necessarily mean cleaner suction?

The higher the suction power (AW or Pa), the stronger the theoretical performance. However, in a real home environment, the relationship between "suction power" and "final cleaning efficiency" is not a simple equation.

To understand this relationship, a core formula is needed:

Effective cleaning efficiency = (Vacuum level × Airflow rate) + Mechanical beating (roller brush) - System losses (leakage/clogging)

Four key factors determining whether suction power translates into actual cleaning power:

• a. Airflow Path – A good airflow path ensures smooth suction delivery to the floor, minimizing suction loss and improving deep cleaning capabilities. Industry reference standard: IEC 62885-2
• b. Sealing Performance – Is the suction leaking? Sealing determines whether the suction power actually reaches the floor.
• c. Brush Roll Design – This determines whether the suction can effectively pick up debris. Many users believe high suction power equates to thorough cleaning, but the brush roll design actually has a greater impact on cleaning effectiveness than suction power itself.
• d. Filtration System – Does suction power diminish with use? Maintaining long-term suction power depends on: Multi-stage filtration (Cyclone + HEPA), washable filter cartridges/highly efficient centrifugal system for dust separation.

Factor	Impact on cleaning efficiency	Positive examples	negative examples
Roller brush type	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Use a stiff-bristled/rubber brush for carpets and a soft-pile brush for floors.	A vacuum cleaner without a roller brush is not working on the carpet.
Airtightness	⭐⭐⭐⭐	The entire machine's sealing system is reinforced with rubber rings.	Air leaks through the gaps in the fuselage, expelling dirty air.
Airway design	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Multi-cone cyclone, straight air duct	Single-layer filter screen, dust directly clogs the filter element.
Suction head width	⭐⭐⭐	Equipped with anti-tangling technology and with a well-designed air inlet.	A small air inlet can easily clog large particles.

 

How do I choose the right suction power? What factors need to be considered?

The suction power should be chosen based on "your family situation," not necessarily the higher the number, the better.

Flooring Types:

Hard Floors (Wood, Tile): No particularly high suction power required, 10–15 kPa is sufficient.
Carpets (especially high-pile American carpets): At least 100AW or 20–25 kPa
Pet-Friendly Homes: 120AW / 20–28 kPa recommended.

House Size:

Small apartments: Lightweight cordless + medium suction power
Large apartments: Long battery life and multiple speed settings are more important

What is the ideal suction range for different types of vacuum cleaners?

Upright vacuum cleaner

Generally speaking, the most powerful upright vacuum cleaners are best suited for homes with lots of carpet.

Suction power range: 180–300 AW (approximately 18,000–27,000 Pa)
Suitable for: High-pile carpets, small rugs, and homes with many pets.

Canister vacuum cleaner

 Canister vacuum cleaners are more flexible and have a larger airflow, making them ideal for multi-surface homes.

Suction range: 200–400 AW (approximately 20,000–36,000 Pa)
Suitable for: stairs, hardwood floors, tile floors, and mixed surfaces

Robotic vacuum cleaner

These autonomous driving assistants have seen significant improvements. They use Pascals to indicate suction power.

Suction range: 3,000–5,000 Pa, High suction: 6,000–8,000 Pa
Suitable for: Automated daily cleaning and mixed floor types

Cordless vacuum cleaner

Lightweight and portable, but suction power largely depends on the motor and battery.

Suction range: 150–210 AW (approx. 20,000–30,000 Pa)
Suitable for: everyday stains, light to moderate dirt, hard floors, and light-colored carpets

Handheld vacuum cleaner

Compact and lightweight, suitable for spot cleaning.

Suction range: 30–50 AW (approx. 3,000–6,000 Pa)
Suitable for: Car interiors, seat covers, quick cleaning

Comparison table of suction power of different types of vacuum cleaners:

Vacuum cleaner types	Suction range	Applicable to
upright vacuum cleaner	180–300 AW (approximately 18,000–27,000 Pa)	High-pile carpets, small rugs, and homes with many pets
Canister vacuum cleaner	200–400 AW (approximately 20,000–36,000 Pa)	Ideal for multi-surface houses
Cordless vacuum cleaner	150–210 AW (approximately 20,000–30,000 Pa)	Hard floors and light-colored carpets
Handheld vacuum cleaner	30–50 AW (approximately 3,000–6,000 Pa)	Car interior, seat covers, quick cleaning
Robotic vacuum cleaner	3,000–5,000 Pa	Automated daily cleaning and hybrid flooring

 

How to maintain good suction power?

When buying a vacuum cleaner, the strength of its suction is one thing, but whether it can maintain stable suction after long-term use is the key to its cleaning effect.

Regularly clean or replace the filter (most crucial).

Pre-filter: Clean every 1–2 weeks; HEPA filter: Clean or replace every 2–3 months. A damp filter will further reduce suction power and must be completely dried (≥24 hours) before being reinstalled in the machine.

Keep the brush head and roller brush smooth (hair is the most likely cause of suction loss).

Regularly maintain and clean hair, lint, and pet hair tangles. Check if the bearings on both sides of the roller brush are clogged, and wipe the roller brush cavity to reduce dust accumulation.

Avoid inhaling liquids or large, hard particles (to protect the motor and fan).

Liquids, large stones, glass, metal, and other large hard objects can: damage the fan blades, block the air duct, cause abnormal motor load, lead to a sharp drop in suction, or cause the machine to malfunction.

Regularly check battery health (cordless vacuum cleaner)

Suction power is determined by the motor, and the motor's power is determined by the battery output—battery aging will cause a decrease in suction power. If the suction power has decreased significantly after more than a year of use, consider replacing the battery.

Conclusion: How to choose and maintain strong suction?

A vacuum cleaner's suction power isn't necessarily better the higher it is; it needs to be matched to the type of flooring, the home environment, and the actual cleaning needs.

Hard floors only require a stable airflow, while medium- to high-pile carpets, pet-filled homes, and heavily soiled areas require higher suction power in conjunction with the motorized roller brush.

To maintain strong suction power over the long term, the key is to maintain the filter, keep the air ducts clear, remove hair tangled in the roller brush, and ensure the device has a good seal.

FAQ

Does a higher Pa value for a vacuum cleaner necessarily mean better cleaning performance?

Not necessarily. Excessive suction power can lead to faster battery drain and increased noise. The optimal suction power is the right balance.

Why does the suction power of a vacuum cleaner increase when it is first turned on, but decrease after a few minutes?

This is usually a sign of micro-dust clogging. Extremely fine particles such as flour and plaster powder will quickly coat the filter surface. Simply emptying the trash won't help at this point; the filter must be cleaned.

Will aging batteries in cordless vacuum cleaners affect suction power?

Yes. Although many high-end models have voltage compensation technology, severe aging of the lithium battery can cause a shortened "power mode" duration or a decrease in peak suction power. It is recommended to replace the battery with an original manufacturer's battery regularly.

Why do vacuum cleaners with high suction power sometimes fail to clean properly?

Because cleaning power depends on four key factors:

• Airflow design
• Sealing
• Brush roll structure
• Filtration

High suction power but weak roller brush, serious air leakage, and clogged filter → still can't clean properly.

How often should you clean your vacuum cleaner's filter?

Pre-filter: 1–2 weeks; HEPA filter: 2–3 months. If you have pets or frequently deep clean, more frequent maintenance is needed (50% of suction power loss is due to filter clogging).