A normal vacuum cleaner cannot handle warm or hot ash,which would melt plastic.The cold weather is here and most of us have turned to our fireplaces,but regular use equates to a build-up of ash.If you use pellet stoves,fire pits,wood burners,barbeques,ash will soon become a nuisance to get rid of.There's no getting around it,ash needs cleaning up regularly,but doing this with a brush and dustpan is very messy as the ash tends to fly everywhere.It's also hazardous to breathe the dust caused by sweeping ash,but don't despair as there's an easy fix.You should buy an vacuum cleaner.The Porter-Cable 4-gallon, 4 peak horsepower ash vac is the ideal tool for cleaning up cold ash.It features a powerful motor for Ash. Sturdy handle for easy carrying. Ideal for use year round for fire places, bonfire pits, wood-burning stoves, and more.Porter-Cable wet/dry and ash vacuums provide superior performance in any environment.Accessories included: metal hose, extension wand, cartridge filter and pre-filter.Key Specifications: Tank Capacity: 4 Gallon Horsepower: 4 HP Item Weight: 8.16 Pounds Voltage: 120 Volts Power cord Length:8 Feet Shipping Weight: 8.36 Pounds Packing Size: 11.61 x 11.61 x 14.76 Inches .Warning Notes: 1.Do not allow the appliance to be used as a toy. Pay close attention when the appliance is used by or near children.2. To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock,unplug power cord before servicing the electrical parts of ash vacuum