Can I repair my Dyson vacuum cleaner?
Why repairing your Dyson is better for the planet and your pocket.
Why repairing your Dyson is better for the planet and your pocket.
Is your Dyson vacuum cleaner not working properly? Buying a new vacuum might seem like the easiest solution, but with a premium product such as a Dyson, having it repaired is often a better option than buying a new one.
But before you make that decision, it's important to understand the common issues that can arise with Dyson vacuums and the cost of repairs.
First up there’s the cost. The latest model Dyson Gen5 Detect retails for a whopping £849.99. Depending on the cost of new parts and labour, you could be making hundreds of pounds worth of savings by going for a repair.
There are also environmental reasons to take into account. When you consider it can take an estimated 450 years for a single plastic bottle to decompose, and the fact that vacuum cleaners are generally made up of a whole heap of plastic, it makes sense to extend the life of your machine as long as possible. Obviously, you can recycle all electrical items, but repairing will almost always be kinder to the planet.
“Most Dysons can be repaired,” says James Gunter, founder of The Vacuum Wizard , independent specialists in Dyson handheld vacuum cleaners and spare parts, in Keynsham, Somerset. “It’s just down to whether it’s economically viable to do so or not.”
Dyson make some of the best cordless vacuums around and this is why Gunter only repairs cordless battery-run Dyson vacuum cleaners - he says these models are generally worth repairing.
A common problem he sees is to do with faulty triggers on Dyson V10 and V11 models, but he says this can be easily fixed. “We will only suggest buying a new machine if your vacuum has multiple faults, which means it may not be viable to fix,” he adds. “And as there are so many Dyson devotees, we offer a remote option where customers not local to us can post us their Dysons for repair.”
In many cases, you probably can repair a Dyson yourself, especially when it comes to common issues (see below). However, even if your machine needs some extra TLC by a Dyson expert, it can be worth getting it repaired.
Obviously, it all depends on what needs fixing, but most parts can be bought at a reasonable price – motors, for example, cost around £40 – and then there's labour on top. All in all, this is unlikely to be more expensive than the cost of a new Dyson (the cheapest model costs £279.99).
Regular services will help keep it going
“Dyson cordless vacuums should last a good ten years with regular servicing and maybe a replacement battery every four years or so,” says Gunter.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner is an investment and so should be treated like any other investment you’ve made. Gunter says that regular servicing is important to help keep your Dyson running efficiently and can also help with common problems such as loss of suction.
For cordless versions, battery life needs to be considered. While Dyson don’t state how long they last, the average life span of a cordless vacuum cleaner battery is around four years, after which you’ll need to buy a new one. Prices for new ones start from £65.
All cordless Dyson vacuums come with a two-year warranty, while the upright comes with a five-year warranty. This not only covers any repairs and replacements, but also the battery, so if it fails during this time period, you can get a new one free of charge.
Dyson offer a repairs service, which can be taken up even after your warranty period has run out. Repairs can be booked via their website and have a standard price, starting from £79. All the parts used then come with an additional 12-month-guarantee.
Taking on easy DIY projects is a great way to pass a weekend.
