When I first purchased this vacuum I was pleased with the strong suction and the on-board features of the power paw (wonderful for upholstery) and static duster (telescopic handle reaches ceiling fan, above door frames, etc). I did notice that frequent cup-dumping and filter replacement were required, but it seemed worth it at the time.

It outperformed every vacuum I'd ever owned for about the first two months, then just started losing suction. First I noticed that the "self-cleaning" feature of the static duster stopped sucking the dirt off of itself, then not enough suction to power the brush of the power paw, then not enough to pick things up with the hose, and now it really just sort of throws stuff around with the carpet brushes, doesn't actually pick up.

I have owned this vacuum for a year now and it is practically worthless at this point. I literally use it to scatter/steer the dirt from the carpet to the bare floors so I can just sweep it up with a broom and dustpan. It has also become increasingly louder as the brushes still spin and the motor seems to be working harder, it makes a really loud rumbling sound mixed with a high-pitched whine like a jet engine.

Compared to the gentle hum it made when it was new and still performing well, it's just the straw that broke the camel's back for me with this machine.