I recently changed the air clean filter (in mid December). I noticed that the filter is black before I'm finished with the box. I replaced recently and checked it a week ago and it was black. It hasn't been two months yet. I vacumm my carpeting once a week. The suction on the vacuum is good but I notice when I vacuum on carpeting the suction doesn't seem to be as strong (using the second to the last setting) which is the setting I always used. The salesman at the store where I purchase the bags wants me to bring it in for servicing. It could cost up to or more of $200 depending on the issue. I purchased the vacuum new in 2006 and not sure if it's worth spending this much money. Appliances are not made to last like they used to be. Does anyone know why this is happening and what the issue might be.