Necessity and ingenuity have long been driving forces behind the world's great inventions, and the Hoover vacuum cleaner is no exception. Since 1907, this dedication to innovation has kept Hoover America's No. 1 name in vacuum cleaners and the leading manufacturer of floor care appliances.

How to choose a vacuum:

The technology makes a difference in the two most important attributes of a vacuum - its ability to pick up dirt and dust mites and its ability to keep those particles from being redistributed back into the carpet and into the air.

Choosing an advanced vacuum delivers better results and can mean less time and effort - major pluses in today's busy lives. An effective vacuum also can be a weapon in the fight against allergies for the millions of Americans who suffer from this problem. Indoor allergens that can trigger reactions, such as dust mites, are typically found in carpets, upholstered furniture, bedding and drapes.

Check out all the features on a vacuum before you buy, from its overall cleaning effectiveness to the allergen filtration system. A new option is the bagless vacuum. Details also count - a good set of vacuum tools is essential for getting down to the details in home cleaning. Among other advantages for more efficient cleaning are a dirt sensor that shows when the carpet is clean and the Self Propelled feature that makes the vacuum glide easily.