LAVALE — The Vacuum Cleaner Factory Outlet located at 915 National Highway in LaVale is now owned and operated by Bob and Connie Crabtree of LaVale.

The Crabtrees purchased the business in August 2008. The store, now operating in its 28th year, opened in 1982.

The store features vacuum cleaner, carpet cleaners, infrared heaters, air purifiers and a large supply of bags, belts and parts.

Vacuum models include Miele, Hoover, Panasonic, Evolution and Perfect By Power Team, which features a full line of uprights, canisters, hand vacuums and specialty vacuums, such as garage vacs and ash vacs.

The business also is a dealer for SUNHEAT infrared heaters and air purifiers. SUNHEAT is a Nebraska family owned business since 1954. “I have done a lot of research on infrared heaters,” said Bob Crabtree. “By far SUNHEAT is the best quality zone-heater on the market today with over 25 years of technology built in. It can cut your heat bill up to 50 percent.”

Along with servicing everything they sell, including the SUNHEAT infrared heaters and air purifiers, the Vacuum Cleaner Outlet has a service department, which repairs all makes and models of vacuum cleaners.

The Crabtrees also own and operate Chem-Dry of Western Maryland. After nine years, the company has grown from a single franchise with one van to three franchises and three vans serving Allegany, Garrett, Mineral and Hampshire counties.

The business now provides a storefront for the Chem-Dry products, such as the famous spot remover, fabric protectant, glass cleaner, hard floor cleaner, deodorizers and more. The store also provides a convenient location to drop off and pick up area rugs for cleaning.