The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is typically measured using two different units: Air Watts (AW) and Pascals (Pa). These units represent different aspects of the vacuum's performance:
Air Watts (AW): Air Watts is a measurement that takes into account both the amount of air the vacuum moves (in cubic feet per minute or CFM) and the pressure of that airflow (in inches of water lift or "static pressure"). It is considered a more comprehensive measurement of a vacuum's cleaning ability because it considers both the volume and pressure of the airflow. Generally, a higher Air Watts rating indicates better overall suction power and cleaning performance.
Pascals (Pa): Pascals are a unit of pressure commonly used in scientific contexts. In the context of vacuum cleaners, it refers to the maximum suction pressure the vacuum can create. However, it only measures the pressure aspect of the suction and doesn't take into account the volume or airflow rate. As a result, it may not give a complete picture of a vacuum's cleaning efficiency compared to Air Watts.
While both Air Watts and Pascals are used to describe suction power, Air Watts is considered a more reliable and practical measurement as it considers both airflow volume and pressure. When comparing different vacuum models, it is recommended to look for Air Watts ratings as it provides a better indication of the vacuum's actual cleaning performance. However, keep in mind that the design and efficiency of the vacuum cleaner's motor and other components also play a crucial role in determining its overall suction power and cleaning effectiveness.