Direct Air Motor VS Clean Air Motor

What is a Direct Air Motor and where did it go?

You may remember a day when you did not have to buy filters for your vacuum. You may even think to yourself that the old cleaner you had was a much more efficient cleaner. All this may be true, and it is because vacuums used to have a direct air motor.

Hit the on switch and the bag would fill up with air! The vacuum was an obnoxiously loud machine back in the 40's. 50's and 60's. You see, the motor used to be next to the base of the cleaner. This meant that the motor would push the air/dust into this great big bag above it, filling it up with air. This motor is the most efficient way to clean. It is closer to the ground, which optimizes its suction capabilities. It would directly push the air into the bag above without having to go through a maze of tubes and hoses. Because of this, it would not lose any suction from the motor to the rollerbrush. Unlike today's motors, the direct air system was designed to clean and clean only.


We now live int the age of the clean air motor. The clean air motor is both a blessing and a curse. As it implies, the main purpose of the clean air motor was to provide better filtration for the vacuum. As people became more aware and concerned of the environment so did vacuums! In order to accomplish this the motor was placed in the middle of the cleaner. Hoses and tubes were designed to suck the dirt entering from the very bottom of the cleaner. No longer were we pushing the dirt, but instead pulling it.


Already you can see where this is a disadvantage. 1. You are pulling dirt against gravity. 2. The motor has a maze of tubes and hoses to go through. It will lose suction along the way. 3. It is more inclined to create clogs, which will lessen the power of the cleaner.

Along with better filtration, the clean air motor boasts the ability to clean in alternate ways. You may be used to disconnecting the hose and using it to vacuum stairs, upholstery, crevices, and even your hardwood floors. You cannot do this with a Direct air motor machine.

So what is the answer?

We have a few opinions. Simply check our blog as we update and provide answers. If you must know now, call us at (703) 450-7778.