Best time to buy a vacuum cleaner, and when to skip

Verdict: Wait if the price moves, buy now if it does not. Vacuums are a case where the chart decides.

When is the best time to buy a vacuum cleaner? In general, spring cleaning season and the November sale season bring the most promotions. Sale dates change each year, so check the retailer for the current offer.

How do you know if a sale is real?

Vacuum prices are a good example of the "was" price trick. A model can show a high list price for years and sit at a lower price most of the time. Use the price-history check: look at the last 30 days, the last 90 days and the last big event. If the sale price equals the 90-day price, the banner has not moved anything.

What should you compare besides price?

• Running costs. Filters, bags and belts add up. Look at what they cost and how often they need replacing.
• Battery life and replacement. For cordless models, the battery is the part that wears out. Ask whether a replacement is sold.
• Floor type. A model made for hard floors can struggle on thick carpet, and the reverse.
• Return window. Suction and noise are hard to judge online.

The exception

Do not wait if the old one has stopped working and cleaning is piling up. A mid-range model at a fair price now is better than a perfect price in March.

Last year's model is often a good pick here. The guide to last year's model vs the new one explains when that holds, and how to check price history before you buy shows how to read the chart.

A quick rule for the price

Set a target from the lowest price in the last 90 days. If the sale price is within a few dollars of it, buy. If it is far above, wait for the next event. Put the cost of two filters or bags in the total so a cheap machine with pricey parts does not fool you. If you have pets or thick carpet, read reviews about those cases, since a general rating hides them.