Is your Vax vacuum overheating? Here are some of the most common reasons for overheating, along with tips for solving the issue.
Overheating causes a Vax vacuum cleaner to cut out during cleaning. It’s a frustrating problem – but it’s often simple to fix.
Unfortunately, many people assume that cutting out means their Vax is broken. This is often not the case, as overheating is typically due to reduced airflow through the vacuum.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of Vax vacuums overheating, along with potential solutions.
How to Tell if Your Vax Vacuum is Overheating
The most common sign of overheating is that your Vax will switch off when in use. This is because most Vax vacuum cleaners have a thermal cut-out system.
The thermal cut-out switches off the machine if there isn’t enough airflow through the vacuum to cool the motor, which leads to overheating. Switching off the Vax reduces the chance of damage to the motor and may even prevent a fire.
In other words, overheating is usually caused by reduced airflow through the vacuum. We need to restore the airflow if we want to prevent the thermal cut-out from being activated.
Keep in mind that an overheating vacuum will usually work for a while, before cutting out during use. If your vacuum cleaner won’t start at all – even if you’ve left it more than 24 hours to cool down – then overheating is probably not the issue.
Why Does a Vax Vacuum Overheat?
There are several reasons why a Vax may overheat. Here’s an overview of the most common, with tips for solving the issue.
Don’t Ignore the Thermal Cut-Out
Never try to use your Vax vacuum cleaner if it’s overheating.
Switch it off and allow 24 hours for it to cool, while trying to solutions below. If these don’t work, then you’ll need to contact Vax or a professional vacuum repair company.
1. Blocked or Clogged Filters
All air through a Vax vacuum cleaner must pass through the filters. If dust and other debris is allowed to build up on these filters, airflow through the vacuum is reduced.
Aside from reducing suction power, this reduction in airflow also prevents the motor from being cooled sufficiently. This leads to overheating and activation of the thermal cut-out.
Fortunately, this is one of the easiest issues to solve. Switch off your vacuum cleaner and unplug it from the mains supply, then check your manual for how to clean the filters. Once the filters have been cleaned, allow 24 hours for the vacuum to cool and the filters to dry before trying to start your vacuum again.
On a similar note, overfilling a bagless Vax vacuum can have a similar effect on airflow. Make sure you empty your vacuum before it reaches the maximum fill line.
Tip: Many Vax vacuums have more than one filter, so make sure you check the instructions for cleaning all the filters in your machine.
2. Blockage Inside the Vacuum Cleaner
Another common cause of overheating is a partial blockage inside the vacuum. Any blockage or clog inside the machine will reduce the amount of airflow through the vacuum, so there is less air passing over the motor.
This issue can be more difficult to solve than a blocked filter, as it’s not always obvious where the blockage is likely to be. Here’s a simple process for checking the most common locations:
- Switch off and unplug the vacuum. You should never perform any maintenance when a vacuum cleaner is plugged in, as this can risk electrocution.
- Tilt the vacuum back and inspect the floorhead. Are there any tangles around the brush roll? Or blockages at the inlet leading into the vacuum cleaner? You may need to remove the baseplate to get a good look.
- Remove the dust canister and empty it, then check whether there is a blockage at the entrance or exit tubes.
- Remove the hose and check both ends for a blockage.
You can reduce the chances of a blocked vacuum by regularly cleaning your vacuum, avoiding overfilling the dust canister, and making sure you don’t suck up large objects.
3. Running the Vacuum for Too Long
In some cases, a Vax may overheat simply because it’s been used for an extended period of time.
This usually shouldn’t happen if the vacuum is functioning correctly, but may be the cause if you’ve been vacuuming for a long time without letting it cool down.
Switch off the vacuum and allow it to cool for 24 hours, then try using it again. If the vacuum runs fine, then it may have just needed time to cool down. If the vacuum runs for a short time and then cuts out again, however, then there is another issue that needs to be fixed.
What If None of These Potential Issues Are Causing the Problem?
If your Vax vacuum is still cutting out after you’ve cleaned the filters, checked for blockages, and allowed the vacuum to cool down, then we recommend contacting Vax’s support team. There may be an issue with the vacuum that requires professional repair.
Some examples include:
- A damaged power cable that has a loose connection.
- A faulty power switch.
- A motor fault.
It’s important that any electrical issues are fixed by a licensed professional. If your Vax is out of warranty, you could also try contacting a vacuum cleaner repair company. You may need to weigh up whether it’s worth paying for a pricey repair, however, as Vax vacuum cleaners usually aren’t too expensive to buy.
Summary
A Vax vacuum cleaner that’s cutting out during use isn’t necessarily broken. In many cases, cutting out is caused by the vacuum overheating, which activates the thermal cut-out system.
To solve this issue, you’ll need to find the cause of overheating. Some of the most common issues include a blocked filter, blockage inside the vacuum, overfilled dust canister, or using the vacuum for too long.
Do you have any questions about Vax vacuum overheating issues? Or would you like to give us feedback on this article? Please use the comments form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.