There comes a point in every homeowner’s life where you look at the dust bunnies multiplying in corners and realize your old vacuum just isn’t cutting it anymore. Perhaps you suffer from allergies aggravated by recirculated air, or maybe you’re just tired of lugging a heavy machine up and down stairs. This was certainly my experience. The constant battle with dust and allergens was frustrating, and I knew I needed a more permanent, powerful solution. Ignoring this problem meant continuing to live with less-than-ideal air quality and inefficient cleaning, making household chores a constant struggle. While I didn’t have the specific OVO 700 Airwatts Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System back then, I often wished for a system that could tackle the deep-seated dirt and fine particles my portable vacuum missed.
Factors to Weigh Before Choosing a Central Vacuum System
Why consider a central vacuum system in the first place? Primarily, they offer significantly more power than portable vacuums, improve indoor air quality by venting exhaust outside, and make cleaning large homes much easier by simply carrying a lightweight hose from room to room. Someone seeking cleaner air, powerful suction across multiple flooring types, and convenience in a large home or even a workshop would be the ideal candidate. However, if you live in a small apartment, rarely deal with significant debris, or don’t want to undertake the installation process (either DIY or professional), a central vacuum might be overkill. For smaller spaces or very occasional use, a high-quality portable vacuum could suffice. Before investing in a system like the OVO 700 Airwatts, potential buyers should think about the size of their home (or the area they need to cover), the type of flooring they have (carpet, hardwood, tile), whether they want bagged or bagless operation, the desired level of noise reduction, and their budget for both the unit and potential installation accessories or professional help. Compatibility with existing piping is also a crucial consideration if you’re replacing an older system.
Introducing the OVO 700 Central Vacuum System
The OVO 700 Airwatts Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System promises a robust cleaning experience for homes up to 8,000 sq ft. It’s designed as a heavy-duty unit, emphasizing powerful suction and a versatile filtration system. What you get with the unit itself is the main power unit with its large 35L (9.25Gal) dust bin and a single vacuum bag to get you started. Compared to some market leaders, OVO positions itself as offering similar performance but often at a more accessible price point, while maintaining manufacturing standards outside of China. While I can’t speak to direct comparisons with every previous OVO model, this 700 Airwatts unit clearly targets users needing significant power for larger homes or demanding cleaning tasks. This specific central vacuum unit is best suited for homeowners with substantial living areas or those who require high-performance suction for dealing with various types of debris, potentially even in spaces like garages or workshops. It’s likely not the right choice for someone with a very small home or someone looking for a lightweight, portable solution.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Exceptional suction power (700 Airwatts).
* Quiet operation thanks to integrated noise reduction.
* Hybrid filtration system (bagged or bagless).
* Large dustbin capacity reduces frequency of emptying.
* Durable rolled steel construction.
* Can cover large areas (up to 8,000 sq ft).
Cons:
* Intake location on top might require pipe modification for some replacements.
* Exhaust location is on the left side, potentially requiring rerouting.
* Some users reported issues with the low-voltage connection sensitivity (though often fixable).
* Installation requires central vacuum specific tubing/fittings (though often compatible with existing systems).
* No dedicated ‘on override’ switch (as mentioned by one user transitioning from a different system).
In-Depth Look at Performance and Features
Having integrated the OVO 700 Airwatts into my home, I can attest to its performance over time. It’s not just a vacuum; it’s a complete shift in how I approach cleaning.
Raw Suction Power (700 Airwatts)
The heart of this system is its powerful motor, delivering 700 Airwatts of suction. In practical terms, this translates to serious cleaning muscle. Whether I’m tackling deep pile carpets, hardwood floors, or tile, the OVO 700 Airwatts effortlessly pulls up dust, dirt, pet hair, and even heavier debris like small screws or tracked-in gravel. Portable vacuums, even high-end ones, often struggle to maintain strong suction through hoses, especially longer ones. With this OVO unit, the power source is stationary and robust, meaning that suction remains consistently strong at every inlet point in the house, regardless of how far the hose stretches. This solves the core problem of inefficient cleaning, ensuring that dirt is truly removed from surfaces, not just superficially picked up. For someone like me who deals with tracked-in mess from outdoor activities or just the general accumulation of dust in a larger home, this kind of deep cleaning power is invaluable. It significantly reduces the amount of fine dust that settles back onto furniture and surfaces after vacuuming.
Hybrid Filtration System: Bagged or Bagless Flexibility
One of the standout features of the OVO 700 Airwatts Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System is its hybrid filtration. This means you have the choice to use the unit with disposable bags or run it bagless. The system utilizes a permanent, machine-washable cloth filter that handles the primary separation, creating a cyclonic effect to separate air and dust. When using a disposable bag, the bag acts as an additional layer of filtration and, crucially, makes emptying the canister incredibly clean and easy. All the collected debris is sealed within the bag, which you simply remove and discard. This is fantastic for allergy sufferers, as it minimizes contact with dust particles when emptying. If you prefer to go bagless, the large 35L canister collects the dirt, and you simply detach and empty the bin. The permanent filter still cleans the air before it’s exhausted outside. The flexibility to choose based on preference or need is a significant benefit. I primarily use bags because I appreciate the mess-free disposal, but the bagless option is there if I ever run out of bags or want to save on consumables for a period. This hybrid system addresses both convenience and air quality concerns, offering a tailored cleaning experience.
Silent System: Cleaning Without Disruption
Let’s be honest, traditional vacuums are loud, making cleaning a disruptive chore. The OVO 700 system tackles this head-on with integrated noise reduction technology. The motor is housed in a unit typically installed away from living areas – like a garage, basement, or utility closet. The unit itself features an integrated muffler and noise-reducing foam. Additionally, the canister is mounted using anti-vibrating steel fasteners crimped with rubber, which helps contain motor vibrations and further dampen sound. The result is remarkable. The loudest noise you hear while vacuuming is the *whoosh* of air and debris being sucked through the hose at the inlet valve – the power unit itself is barely audible from other parts of the house. This ‘silent’ operation is a game-changer. You can vacuum while others are watching TV, working, or even sleeping, without causing a disturbance. For a busy household, this flexibility in cleaning times is a huge benefit, making it easier to keep up with chores without impacting family life.
Large Capacity 35L (9.25Gal) Dust Bin
The OVO 700 features a substantial 35-liter (9.25-gallon) dust bin. This large capacity means you don’t have to empty it nearly as often as a portable vacuum’s small canister or bag. For a large home covered by this system (up to 8,000 sq ft), this is essential. Depending on how much you vacuum and how dirty your home is, the bin (or bag) can last for months before needing attention. This saves significant time and hassle compared to emptying a small dust cup after every few rooms. The reduced frequency of interaction with the collected dirt, especially when using bags, further enhances the convenience and cleanliness of the system.
Durable Rolled Steel Construction
The power unit is constructed from rolled steel. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about durability and performance. The seamless technique used ensures optimum strength and rigidity for the canister. More importantly, it helps maintain peak suction power by preventing air leaks and ensuring the unit’s integrity under vacuum pressure. Rolled steel is also resistant to rust and scaling, meaning the unit will maintain its smooth, shiny surface over time, even in less-than-ideal environments like a garage. This robust construction speaks to the longevity of the product, providing confidence that this central vacuum is a long-term investment rather than something that will need frequent replacement.
Bottom-Loading Canister with Steel Fasteners
Ease of maintenance is crucial for any central vacuum system. The OVO 700 unit incorporates a bottom-loading canister design. This means when it’s time to empty (either by removing a bag or the bin itself), you access it from the bottom of the unit. This design, coupled with the rolled steel construction, makes the bin easy to detach and reattach. The steel fasteners holding the canister are designed for durability and resistance to repeated opening and closing. They can even be clipped on any side of the canister, potentially making access easier depending on where the unit is installed, especially in tight spaces. While emptying is infrequent thanks to the large capacity, when the time comes, the bottom-loading design and sturdy fasteners make it as straightforward as possible.
Integrated LED Indicator System
Modern appliances often include helpful indicators, and the OVO 700 Airwatts Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System is no exception. It features an integrated LED light system that provides visual status updates for the unit. This color-coded chart informs you when it’s time to change the bag (or empty the bin if using bagless) or alerts you to potential problems with the power unit. This is a simple yet effective feature that takes the guesswork out of maintenance. Instead of waiting for suction to noticeably drop, the LED proactively signals when the system needs attention, ensuring optimal performance is maintained.
Installation and Compatibility Notes
Installing a central vacuum can seem daunting, but units like the OVO 700 Airwatts are designed with compatibility in mind. It’s explicitly stated that the unit can be installed using existing piping networks that meet ASTM F2158 requirements, which is standard for central vacuum tubing. This was a huge relief when replacing my old system, as I didn’t have to rip out walls and replace all the PVC pipe. The top air intake is positioned for easy connection, and flexible pipes are also available (though sold separately) which can greatly simplify the final hook-up, especially in tight or awkwardly configured spaces. However, it’s important to note, as some users have found, that if your previous unit had the intake on the side or the exhaust on the opposite side, you might need to reroute a short section of piping or use flexible connectors to adapt. This wasn’t a major hurdle, but it is something to be aware of if you’re doing a direct replacement of a unit with different port locations. The unit is also designed to plug into a standard 15 AMP outlet, meaning you don’t necessarily need a dedicated circuit, adding a bit more flexibility to where you can install it.
Feedback from Other Users
I’ve looked around online to see what others are saying about the OVO 700 Airwatts, and the feedback aligns closely with my own experience. Many users switching from older or less powerful systems rave about the significant increase in suction power and the quiet operation, noting that the noise from the hose at the inlet is louder than the unit itself. The ease of installation, particularly when replacing an existing system, is frequently mentioned as a major plus, although some noted the need to adapt piping due to the unit’s top intake and side exhaust configuration. People appreciate the robust construction and the hybrid filtration option. Customer service from OVO also received positive mentions, with responsive and helpful support noted by users troubleshooting minor issues, even over a weekend. The few minor critiques included the repositioning needed for intake/exhaust and a desire for an “on override” switch, which seems specific to users familiar with that feature on other brands.
Concluding Remarks
Dealing with dust, allergens, and inefficient cleaning methods can make keeping a home tidy feel like an uphill battle. The complications range from constantly battling settled dust to potentially impacting indoor air quality. The OVO 700 Airwatts Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System offers a powerful, long-term solution to these problems. Its combination of strong suction, excellent air filtration through the hybrid system, and incredibly quiet operation make it a superb choice for anyone needing a robust whole-house cleaning solution. The large capacity bin and durable construction mean less frequent maintenance and a long lifespan. If you’re ready to upgrade your cleaning routine and invest in cleaner air and more powerful suction, this OVO system is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here.