Dirt Devil CV950 Central Vacuum Review

Dirt Devil CV950 Central Vacuum Review

Suction Power and Performance

With 10 amps of power, the Dirt Devil CV950 offers strong suction capabilities for thorough cleaning. The vacuum produces up to 116 CFM of airflow, comparable to more expensive full-size vacuums. This enables the CV950 to lift embedded dirt from carpets and pick up debris from hard floors with ease.

The suction power is further enhanced by the cyclonic filtration system. This spins dirt and dust away from the filter, helping to maintain strong airflow. The filter itself is washable, so you can keep the suction performance high.

Reviewers and users praise the suction capabilities of the CV950 on both carpets and hard floors. It delivers deep down cleaning on carpets to remove ground-in dirt, and can easily pick up debris like cereal, sand and more on hard floors.

Cleaning Performance on Different Floor Types

With its versatile design, the Dirt Devil CV950 can clean multiple floor types effectively:

  • Carpets: The motorized brushroll helps loosen and lift dirt from carpets for a deeper clean. The suction removes embedded dirt and pet hair.
  • Hard Floors: You can turn off the brushroll to safely clean hard floors. Strong suction picks up surface debris without pushing it around.
  • Low Pile Carpets: Adjustable height settings allow you to lowering the vacuum for effective cleaning of low pile rugs.

The vacuum can transition smoothly between floor types with no adjustments needed. Many users mention the CV950 performs well on both carpets and bare floors in their home.

Filtration System

The Dirt Devil CV950 uses a 3-stage cyclonic filtration system to keep dirt and debris separated from the air. Here is how it works:

  1. Air and dirt first enter the cyclonic filter assembly and spin rapidly to separate most of the dirt by centrifugal force.
  2. The pre-filter then catches any remaining large particles before they reach the motor.
  3. Finally, the washable foam filter traps fine dust particles as the air exits the vacuum.

This effective filtration helps capture allergens and keeps the air emitted clean. The foam and pre-filter are both washable to maintain performance.

Bagless Design

The Dirt Devil CV950 features a convenient bagless design. All the collected dirt and debris is deposited into an easy-to-empty dust cup with a capacity of 1.4 liters.

To empty, simply hold the dust cup over a trash can and press the release button. The bottom opens to allow dirt to fall out without having to touch it. Users like that there are no ongoing costs for replacement bags.

The transparent dust cup also makes it easy to see when it’s time to empty. However, some users note that fine dust can accumulate internally over time and recommend occasionally taking apart the cyclonic assembly to fully clean it out.

Weight and Maneuverability

Weighing just 12.5 pounds, the Dirt Devil CV950 is lightweight for an upright vacuum. This makes it easier to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around furniture.

The vacuum steers smoothly thanks to the swivel steering. It can lay nearly flat to reach under beds and other low spaces. However, some users feel the vacuum is a bit top-heavy and takes some getting used to.

Overall, the CV950 offers good maneuverability for an affordable upright. Extension wands and hoses are available for added reach.

Attachments and Accessories

The Dirt Devil CV950 comes with a few useful attachments for added cleaning versatility:

  • Upholstery tool – for vacuuming couches, chairs, mattresses, etc.
  • Crevice tool – for tight spaces and corners
  • Extension wand – provides extra reach for ceilings or under furniture

You can purchase additional accessories separately, like a pet brush or car detailing kit. The CV950 is compatible with Dirt Devil’s Quick Flip floor tool for easily switching between bare floors and carpets.

Maintenance

Maintaining the Dirt Devil CV950 is easy thanks to the washable foam and pre-filters. Rinsing them under water keeps suction performance strong. The filters should be replaced about once a year with regular use.

The brushroll can be taken out to remove hair wrap with scissors. Checking it periodically helps the vacuum work its best on carpets. Lubricating the wheels and checking the belts are other occasional maintenance tasks.

Warranty

Dirt Devil provides a 1-year limited warranty on the CV950 upright vacuum. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear items like filters and belts are excluded after the first 90 days. Users mention Dirt Devil’s customer service is generally responsive if issues arise.

CV950 vs Other Dirt Devil Vacuums

Within Dirt Devil’s lineup, the CV950 provides a step up in power over basic options like the SD40175RD Endura Express. Key differences include:

  • More amps and airflow (116 vs 75 CFM)
  • Larger dust cup capacity (1.4L vs 0.9L)
  • Cyclonic filtration vs standard filtration

For even more power, the Power Sexpress offers 12 amps and a retractable cord. But it’s also heavier and more expensive.

The CV950 hits a nice sweet spot of power, features and affordability from the Dirt Devil lineup. It offers noticeably better cleaning than basic models for just a little more money.

Conclusion

Overall, the Dirt Devil CV950 is a great value upright vacuum cleaner. It provides strong suction and versatile cleaning across carpet and hard floors. Convenient features like the bagless design, washable filter and lightweight body add to the appeal.

While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of premium vacuums, the CV950 has everything most households need for whole home cleaning. For those wanting an affordable workhorse upright, the Dirt Devil CV950 is an excellent choice worth considering.