I found through researching online that Canister vacuums are best for hard wood floors.  Since 90% of our floors are hard wood, I choose the MM because Eureka has always proven to never loose suction.  I have had this particular vacuum for a year now and it still works great even after tons of use!  I find the bags in a 3 pack at ACE or online anywhere between $4-$8 and have to change the bag after about 5-7 full house sweeps.  However, I have 3 dogs, one which sheds profusely. I have one thick rug and 3 slimmer ones, I use the same brush setting as the hard wood because the "combs" grab the loose hair from the rug and I then pluck it off and let the vac suck it up.  I am not gentle with the vac and it takes sometimes the better part of an hour to complete my sweep.  I am constantly (accidentally) banging it on the doorways and pulling it around by the hose but it still works!  Not too loud but not quiet either. This purchase was a great decision - and the price is amazing.