An A-vac-hronism in Wheaton

Montgomery County’s longest operating vacuum and sewing machine shop is somewhat of an anachronism in today’s world. Sewing machines are less prevalent and vacuum cleaners have become so reasonably-priced that many consumers simply toss them out when they break down and purchase a new one – Target alone features dozens of vacuum cleaners priced under $100.

Patch sat down with owner Rich Chiss to find out a bit more about the long-standing Wheaton establishment.

Patch: How did you get started in the vacuum cleaner and sewing machine business?

Rich Chiss:  My dad was in the business for a long, long time, running a vacuum shop in D.C. for 30 years.  When I got out of the service, there wasn’t a job of ‘directing air strikes’ and I had no clue what I was going to do. I happened to mention that to someone who knew who my dad was, and they said ‘we have a job for you at the Singer Company, which at that time was in the open air market at Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street.

Patch: When did you open the store in Wheaton?

R.C: Actually, the guy that started this place, a fella by the name of Loren Chirpick had three stores back in the day, in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. He sold that business, and tried to retire, but knew who I was and approached me about opening this place. He was a great salesman; we probably had 80 percent more business back then.

Patch: Where does your business come from?

R.C: It’s about 70 percent household and 30 percent commercial, but the commercial seems to be picking up. We have many cleaning services that come to us, but a lot of the individuals who work for those companies bring theirs in on their own.

Patch: Tell us about this importance of customer service in your business?

R.C: We make an effort to be personal – we grew up personal, and go that way here. I know most of the people who come into the store.

(as Chiss was answering this question, a customer came in to the store to purchase bags for her vacuum.)

Patch: Why do you patronize American Vacuum rather than going to a chain store?

Jean Hessmann: For 25 years, I’ve lived near here and this is just where I come. I know Rich will have whatever I need!

Patch: What are your thoughts on some of the new technology, like Dyson vacuums?

R.C: I don’t like them, and most shops don’t either. They are all-plastic construction, heavy and expensive to repair - maintenance on a belt change alone is $80! A good rule of thumb is that the more a vacuum is advertised, like Dyson or Oreck), the more you should stay away from it. Someone is going to pay for all that advertising, and it’s probably the consumer.

Patch: Do you have any maintenance tips for our readers?

R.C: Maintain the filters and belts. Most people tend to neglect the filters and 80 percent of problems we see are in clogged filters and belts. Try to change the belt every three to five months and the filters every six to 10 months. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for more involved maintenance, but you should probably have your vacuum professionally serviced every three years.