Do you purchase bagless ones??  You know you have to tear those apart when the motor starts making an odd noise and wash everything.  I wash the filters, dirt container, anything that comes apart.  I have been doing this ever since I got my Bissell Powerforce.   I think I have had it for about 5 (?) years now.  If you do this, just make sure everything is COMPLETELY dry before you put it all back together.  I usually place the parts outside in the summer, and on the heater vent in the winter.

i splurged and got a dyson vacuum, and it's AMAZING. it's definitely expensive, but it's sooooo worth it. i think it's actually cheaper in the long run because i used to have to purchase a new vacuum every year or so, and this one is supposed to last a really long time!

So, I'm not the only one who is a vacuum slayer? There are more of us! My hair isn't long but it sheds.

HAHAHHAAH NO YOUR NOT ALONE! Feels good to know I am not alone. WE can't keep one running for more than like 3 months! EEEEKKK i don't vacuum big stuff it is just my hair... it is a slayer LOL

@Rachel3 hey thanks I was debating on getting a dyson :-)

I don't have vacuum advice but just wanted to jump in and say I feel your pain with the shedding LOL

@StealThisDress hahah thanks, glad I am not alone cause I was feeling really bad for ruining all our vacuums!!!

i have a PANASONIC AND HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS. IT HAS REALLY TAKEN A BEATING, BUT WORKS LIKE A GEM. I WILL BUY ANOTHER ONE SOON. THE SUCTION IS UNBELIEVABLE. I HAVE 4 DOGS, ALL SMALL, BUT INSIDE DOGS AND 2 OF THEM SHED A LOT. I HAVE VERY LONG HAIR,TOO. I AM IN MY 50S AND HAVE HAD MANY VACS BUT THIS ONE BEATS THEM ALL, HANDS DOWN. I EVEN HAVE A KIRBY AND PREFER THIS ONE. ABOUT $149.00 BUT WELL WORTH IT 10 X OVER.

I bought the Sears upright two years ago when it was rated by Consumer Reports as a best buy. All I can say is that it works pretty good and I have two longhair cats and a slightly furry husband. :D

The best feature is that the roller brush will not spin when I am using it on the bare floors mode. Otherwise it can chew up the carpet if it is spinning while not moving.

Thanks everyone for all the great idea's on vaccums and stuff! Really appreciate it a ton :-)

I received the iRobot/ Roomba for Christmas and I LOVE IT!!!!

It vacuums my entire house every day, and does a great job!!!! When the iRobot is finished, the vacuum knows to go back to its docking station and charges for the next day.

@AleeneG WOW that is something! LOL one smart vacuum :-)

Probably NOT affordable in terms of the up-front purchase price but I swear by my Kirby.  I have long hair, dogs, cats & kids.  My Kirby is about 25 years old.  Other than replacing belts, bags & a wheel it's still going strong.  The only real repair it needed was when my husband decided to suck up gravel - and broke a part inside.  He replaced it for about $100 but it's not a shop vac.  I don't think any vaccum should be used for gravel.

@Dorothy0225 yes I have heard all good things about Kirbys! We thought about purchasing one, but they are super expensive. His mom and dad have one that they don't use anymore so they might give it to us. So I am rooting for that, I hear they are amazing!!

I'm a vacuum slayer too!  It's part of the reason I cut my hair shorter. I was tired of having to flip the vacuum over after every use and cut my hair off of the beater bar thing. 

I got on Kmarts site and checked out there vacuums they had to offer, they have a bunch on sale so YAY FOR ME!!!