Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Ozone Generators
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Ozone Generators
[Updated July 29, ]
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Since , Airthereal ozone generator units have been selling out as businesses, medical facilities, transportation services and more are eager to deep clean and disinfect their spaces. Ozone generators can assist with sterilization of surfaces and the removal of odors, viruses, bacteria and other contaminants.
In this post, we address the many questions and concerns customers have had when using an ozone generator during a time where respiratory illnesses have been on the rise.
General Use FAQs
Q: What is ozone and how exactly does an ozone generator work?
A: Ozone (O3) is a powerful sterilizer. When odors, bacteria, viruses or molds meet ozone, oxidation reactions occur and both parties are destroyed. Ozone then reverts back to oxygen. Therefore, even though exposure to high concentrations of ozone can be harmful to humans and pets, it won’t last long in the air.
Remember to open doors or windows to allow ventilation for at least 30 minutes after use or turn on the air conditioning during the treatment if you use it in the basement. It can sterilize your AC system as well.
Note: Ozone can adversely affect indoor plants and damage materials like rubber, electrical wire coatings, fabrics and artwork containing susceptible dyes and pigments. Since the main reaction of ozone is strong oxidation, during the oxidation certain polymer groups may have some negative effects, such as PU plastics oxidizing and turning yellow.
Q: How do I go about using ozone generators in my cleaning or disinfection process?
A: Step 1 - Clean up first: Before ozone treatments, please do some cleaning in order to remove the source of the odors. Close the windows and doors. Make sure no people, plants or pets are in the room.
Step 2 - Use the timer: It's highly recommended to set the timer and leave it in the room. Treatment time can be adjusted according to room size and air quality. If you aren’t sure, you can start with 15 min and increase the treatment duration or frequency next time.
Step 3 - Use in Unoccupied space ONLY: Exposure to high concentrations of ozone can be harmful. Please stay outside the room being treated with ozone. We include a NO ENTRY sign in the package as a gift, which can be hung outside the door.
Step 4 - Repeat ozone treatments (as needed): You can take out your ozone generator and schedule an ozone treatment whenever necessary. Repeat the previous steps.
Ozone Treatment Guide*
SPACE
COVERAGE
MA
MA10K-PRO
FREQUENCY
Car
50 ft² / 5 m²
4 min
2 min
Once a week
Bathroom
100 ft² / 10 m²
7 min
5 min
Twice a week
Kitchen/Laundry
200 ft² / 20 m²
15 min
10 min
Twice a week
Bedroom/Office
300 ft² / 30 m²
30 min
15 min
Once a week
Living Room
500 ft² / 50 m²
45 min
30 min
Once a week
Garage
600 ft² / 60 m²
60 min
40 min
Twice a week
SPACE COVERAGE MA10K-PRODIGI MA10K-PRO Smart FREQUENCYCar Kitchen
Bedroom
0-200 sq. ft.
2 g/h
1 hour
2 g/h
1 hour
Once a weekBoat Garage
Basement
200-500 sq. ft.
4 g/h
1 hour
4 g/h
1 hour
Once a weekLiving room
Office Bar
500-1,000 sq. ft.
6 g/h
2 hours
6 g/h
2 hours
Once a weekPet Clinic
Dining hall
1,000-2,000 sq. ft.
8 g/h
2 hours
8 g/h
2 hours
Once a weekFarm
Supermarket
2,000+ sq. ft.
10 g/h
2 hours
10 g/h
2 hours
Once a week
*For reference only. Other variables may factor in the length of ozone treatments per space. For specifics on units by space, please see our ozone generator buying guide.
PA1K-GO
AH
MA
MA10K-PRO
MA10K-PRODIGI
MA10K-PRO Smart
Power
Battery
AC 110V
AC 110V
AC 110V
AC 110V
AC 110V
For Areas of
500 sq. ft.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit professional ozone generator.
For Water
2,000 sq. ft
2,000+ sq. ft
2,000+ sq. ft
2,000+ sq. ft
Ozone Output
1,000 mg/h
1,000 mg/h
5,000 mg/h
10,000mg/h
2,000-10,000mg/h
2,000-10,000mg/h
Timer
2 hours
1 hours
2 hours
2 hours
12 hours
12 hours
Wi-Fi Control
-
-
-
-
-
✓
Cycle Mode
✓
-
-
-
✓
✓
Adjustable Ozone Output
-
-
-
-
✓
✓
Adjustable Fan Speed
-
-
-
-
✓
✓
LCD Display
-
✓
-
-
✓
✓
Q: Will the unit help with mold reduction?
A: If the mold in question is out in the open, (visible on surfaces) the ozone generator will kill the visible mold on surfaces as well as spores in the air. After repeated uses of the ozone unit, mold will change color, (gray to white) and you can then clean it off with bleach.
If mold is behind your walls or underneath surfaces, it won’t be exposed to enough ozone to eliminate it. So you would have to remove the non-visible mold in order to eliminate it permanently from your space.
If you can’t easily remove non-visible mold, you will need to use ozone periodically to kill the spores in the air as they form. That should prevent mold from growing elsewhere. If your house is very humid or damp, mold will likely form regularly. In that case, use ozone regularly to kill the spores in the air.
Q: How long do the ozone generator plates last?
A: With proper maintenance, the ozone plate is meant to be used for years (between 5,000 and 20,000 hours of run time). Only change the plate when the blue light is weaker and dimmer than usual and you can’t smell as much ozone as before, post-use. Clean or change the ozone plates if the ozone output is weak. Environmental factors affect the duration of ozone output. Keep the unit in a cool, dry space when in storage.
Q: Can I set my ozone generator to run while I’m gone?
A: Rooms MUST be unoccupied when the ozone generator is on and running. Our units come with helpful, user-friendly timers (some with dials, some without). Timer function can be set up to 120 minutes and you can also use “HOLD” mode to keep it on. Set the timer before you leave the room, ensure that no people or pets are in the room when the ozone machine is working. Treatment times are approximately 10 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the size of space.
With our Smart Ozone Generator with App Control via WiFi, it's now easier to manage and control ozone output from outside the home or office, so you don't have to risk exposure.
Q: Once I have my ozone generator, how do I maintain it and keep it in its best condition?
A: Maintenance is super easy, actually!
1. Take out and wash the pre-filter in the back whenever it gets filled with dust. Reinsert when it’s completely dry.
2. Keep the unit in a cool, dry space when not in use.
3. The ozone plate is meant to be used for 5 years, or 20,000 hours. Only change the plate when the blue light is noticeably weaker than when you first got it (or if only part of the ozone plate is glowing during operation) and you can’t smell as much ozone as before. Ozone plate replacements are available for sale on Amazon and our website.
Q: Does ozone affect plastic?
A: Because of ozone's strong oxidability, plastics exposed to ozone can easily break down and fade. Pollution in the air, extreme heat, chemicals and salts are other known reasons for the breakdown of plastics.
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of damage to plastics:
1. Shorten the treatment time to 10-15 minutes and increase the frequency of treatment. Several shorter treatments will be more effective and less harmful than one long treatment cycle.
2. Remove or cover plastic items during ozone treatment if they can’t be removed from the room.
Q: How do I use an ozone generator in my car or truck?
A: If you’re using a wired unit, use an extension cord connected to a properly grounded wall outlet. . Fully charged portable ozone units, such as the PA1K-GO, can simply be placed inside the vehicle and turned on.
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system can accumulate bacteria and dust, so when you ozonate your car, the smell can remain in the system for a while. To combat this we recommend shorter 10-15 minute ozone treatments per session. Turn on the recirculation mode on your vehicle’s AC during treatment and turn on the fresh air mode afterwards, to help with ventilation. Frequent, short-duration ozone treatments are better for removing odors compared to infrequent, long duration treatments.
The rubber, plastic, and upholstery in your vehicle may be oxidized during the treatment. This may cause some parts of your interior to fade or crack. As long as you are performing short-duration treatments, it should cause minimal long-term issues or damage.
Q: How do I use the ozone generator in my basement?
A: Customers have shared that ozone has helped eliminate musty smell and prevent mold and mildew buildup in their basements. Below are some helpful tips for your basement treatment process:
-Eliminate the source of the odor.
-Dry the space using a dehumidifier or by running a fan
-Run the ozone generator in your basement. If possible, turn on your air conditioning system so that the ozone can be sucked into your HVAC ducts to sterilize them at the same time.
-Allow the basement to air out. With open windows, it should take about 30 minutes to air out. If you are unable to open windows in your basement, it may take up to 4 hours for the ozone smell to dissipate and revert back to breathable oxygen.
-If the ozone smell is too strong in the remainder of your house, you may need to temporarily block the HVAC vents in the rooms you are occupying and crack a window to let it air out. Breathing in small amounts of ozone will not have any long-term health effects, but continued exposure might irritate your nose and throat.
Q: When using the AH water ozone generator for air purification, should the tube/stone be attached?
A: If you use the water ozone device for air purification, the tube doesn't need to be attached. Press the Power button to turn on the unit. Use + - buttons to choose the ozone operating time. The ozone will be directly emitted through the air outlet. After the timer countdown is complete, the display screen will show as 00. The ozone will stop generating but the air pump will be delayed for 30 seconds.
Q: Does the Water Ozone Generator produce free metal oxides while working?
A: Whether the AH will produce free metal oxides or not will depend on the water source. The ozone generator only produces ozone to oxidize the material in the water to reach the purification purpose. It is a chemical process, not a physical filtration. If there is metal in the water, it is possible that metal oxides will appear.
Q: Do the different shaped stones have different applications? How long can you use each stone? Are those stones sold separately?
A: The stones are the same material. Using one of them should be fine. It depends on how many oz of water you need to treat. Normally, it treats an 8oz glass of water for 10-15 minutes. You can click here to purchase the stones: Replacement Tube and Stone for AH Water Ozone Generator
Q: Can it filter the water?
A: This system does not filter the water/air but produces ozone via electricity. This works like a bubble stone for a fish tank by forcing the air out of a port that you attach a hose and air stone to dispense it into liquids.
Q: Can I drink the water after 10-15 min with ozone?
A: If you want to drink treated ozonated water, we recommend that you let the treated water sit for a while, about 30 minutes. Or you can choose to boil the treated water before drinking. Ozone produced by the AH water ozone generator disinfects the water but has no purifying or filtering effect.
Related to Airborne Illnesses
Q: Can Airthereal ozone generators kill viruses?
A: Airthereal's ozone generators passed SGS's test that kills more than 99.98% of bacteria. While we cannot definitely say ozone can eradicate the coronavirus (COVID-19) on its own, biologists, specialists and other scientists around the world have been working tirelessly, using our ozone generators as a part of their decontamination process. You can read more about it here. We’re continuing to get updates from specialists’ test results in the field and will update our community as necessary. EPA doesn't not recommend for occupied rooms, which is why rooms MUST be unoccupied prior to machines being turned on.
Misc. Customer Questions:
“Is it safe to run an ozone generator in the garage with a gas furnace and water heater running?” Yes, the room must be empty of people and pets but otherwise it’s safe to run indoors around furnaces and water heaters.
Note: Ozone can adversely affect indoor plants and damage materials like rubber, electrical wire coatings, fabrics and artwork containing susceptible dyes and pigments. Since the main reaction of ozone is strong oxidation, during the oxidation certain polymer groups may have some negative effects, such as PU plastics oxidizing and turning yellow.
“Can a smaller unit run longer to cover a 20×20 room? Can I just open an inside door to dilute, then open an outside window and for how long for each?” Our smallest units can cover spaces up to 330 square feet. For anything larger, we’d recommend one of our larger units. For best guidance on which unit to get by size, please read our Ozone Generator Buying Guide.
“What ozone unit is best for automobile detailing and for the home, office, etc?” For car detailing, a number of our customers tag us in posts, showcasing how they use our ozone units in their detailing process. The most popular model we get tagged in is the MA10K-PRO Ozone Generator, which can sterilize spaces up to square feet. For best guidance on which unit to get for what space, please read our Ozone Generator Buying Guide.
"Am I allowed to take the PA1K-GO on an airplane?" Yes, you can. Except for spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries, all batteries allowed in carry-on baggage are also allowed in checked baggage. However, we recommend that you pack them in your carry-on bag whenever possible. In the cabin, airline flight crews can better monitor conditions and have quicker access to the batteries or device if a fire or leak occurs.
Understanding Air Purifiers And Ozone Generators: What You Need ...
Air purifiers play a crucial role in maintaining clean indoor air quality. They help remove airborne contaminants and eliminate unpleasant odors in homes, offices, and even vehicles. While ozone generators can offer rapid results in cleaning the air, it’s essential to understand that they can be harmful to your health, especially your respiratory system.
The same molecular process that makes ozone generators effective at air cleaning is what makes them potentially hazardous. If you’re considering using an ozone air purifier to combat strong odors or mold, it’s crucial to be well-informed about their history, proper usage, and the alternatives available.
What is Ozone?
Ozone, a molecule made of three oxygen atoms (O3), differs from the oxygen we breathe daily, which is dioxygen (O2), composed of two oxygen atoms. The third oxygen molecule in ozone is unstable and loosely connected to the other two.
Ozone has a remarkable ability to attach itself to various pollutants, particularly strong odor sources like smoke, as well as viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and organic matter. Once ozone attaches to these pollutants, it effectively eliminates them. This unique property allows ozone to clean and deodorize indoor spaces quickly.
Exploring Ozone Air Purifiers
Ozone generators, also known as ozone machines or ozone air purifiers, are commonly used to “clean” the air and remove stubborn odors. These machines work by generating ozone, a process that naturally occurs in the atmosphere. However, it’s essential to note that just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for your health.
Ozone is highly reactive and challenging to store for extended periods with current technology. Therefore, ozone must be generated on-site using sophisticated machines. Ozone air purifiers draw in oxygen from the air (O2) and give it a powerful electrical charge. This charge causes the oxygen molecules to rearrange themselves and form ozone (O3). The generated ozone is then released into the air.
When ozone molecules come into contact with pollutants such as mold or smoke, the third oxygen molecule attaches to the pollutant’s molecules, effectively eliminating them. This process works on bacteria, fungi, germs, odors, and other contaminants at the molecular level while reverting the ozone back to oxygen.
Ozone generators find applications in various scenarios:
1. Killing Mold and Mildew: Ozone air purification is commonly used to “blast” or “shock” mold and mildew, which can be harmful to health, especially to the respiratory system. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma and allergies, making their removal a top priority. Ozone generators can efficiently remove mold in a quick and cost-effective manner.
2. Removing Bacteria, Germs, and Viruses: Disease-causing substances like bacteria, germs, and viruses can lurk in common areas like kitchen sinks, bathroom floors, and even everyday objects such as remote controls and salt and pepper shakers. Ozone generators are effective at removing these disease-causing substances by attacking them at the molecular level.
3. Eliminating Odors: Ozone generators are frequently used to eliminate stubborn odors. They target the airborne cells responsible for creating these odors, effectively neutralizing them. This is valuable for scenarios such as removing lingering tobacco smoke smells in hotel rooms or getting rid of pet odors in rental properties.
Safe Usage of Ozone Generators
If you decide to use an ozone generator to combat mold, bacteria, or odors, it’s crucial to follow safe practices:
Begin by removing the source of the odor and thoroughly cleaning the affected area. This includes using safe liquid cleaners, vacuuming carpets, wiping surfaces, and dusting. Effective cleaning may negate the need for ozone treatment altogether.
In most cases, it’s best to hire professional cleaning and odor-removal services that utilize ozone generators as part of their offerings. Experienced professionals have the necessary training and skills to perform ozone treatment safely and efficiently.
If you choose to use an ozone generator yourself, closely follow the instructions provided with the machine. Typically, you should run the generator with the windows closed. Once the treatment is complete, allow sufficient time for the ozone to dissipate completely before re-entering the treated area, which may take a few hours.
While ozone generators have their applications, room air purifiers can often achieve the same objectives without the associated health risks. Air purifiers generally do not release pollutants into the air but instead filter them out.
Air purifiers work by drawing in air and passing it through various filters designed to trap contaminants, allergens, and other substances. This is a crucial difference from ozone generators, which release a chemical to sanitize the air outside the machine.
Air purifiers provide an effective and safer alternative to ozone generators for maintaining clean indoor air quality.
In conclusion, while ozone generators have their uses, it’s essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their use. Safe alternatives, such as room air purifiers, are available to help you achieve clean indoor air without compromising your well-being.