When you buy a vacuum cleaner the headline figure will be the wattage, which affects the price you pay. Actually, the wattage tells you only the power of the motor, not the suction power you are going to get – and most of the power used by the machine is lost as heat and noise. This information is often not provided by the manufacturer, and there is no code of conduct.

Bagless cleaners have the benefit of less waste, but bags can act as efficient filters, and prolong the motor life.

Check out the ethical ratings of manufacturers on Gooshing.

The Energy Saving Trust provide information on products and retailers.