Air Purifiers VS Ozone Generators

We know that ozone generators may affect our health. So why do we still use them? Because despite the risks, they have a strong ability for cleaning, sanitizing, and removing offensive odors. Unlike an air purifier, you can't operate an ozone air cleaner on a continual basis, but that doesn't mean they should never be used. It simply means they need to be used cautiously.

2g-10g Ozone Generator

How Are Ozone Air Purifiers Different From Other Purifiers?

All of this begs a serious question. How are ozone generators different from other air purifiers?

The differences, in fact, are immense. In most cases, air purifiers generally do not release pollution into the air. While ozone generators release a gas that is considered a pollutant to clean and sanitize, air purifiers simply filter the air.

For example, an air purifier that uses a charcoal filter will suck in air and move it across the filtering surface. The filter then traps pollutants, allergens, and other substances before the air is moved back out to the room.

This is a fundamental difference between air purifiers and ozone generators. One releases a cleaning chemical, while the other simply filters pollutants from the air.

Another important difference is this: with an ozone generator, the actual cleaning happens outside of the machine, when ozone touches another substance. With air purifiers, the cleaning happens inside the machine, when pollutants are trapped by the filter.

A Few Uses For Ozone Generators Include:

ㆍKilling Mold and Mildew: Using ozone air purification to “blast” or “shock” mold and mildew is a common commercial practice. Airborne mold spores can be harmful to health, especially the lungs and respiratory system. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma and allergies, so removing them is always a top priority. However, mold removal often requires the removal and demolition of building materials, including wood framing, sheet rock, carpet, and ceiling panels. With ozone generators, mold can be removed in a relatively quick and affordable fashion.

ㆍRemoving Bacteria, Germs, and Viruses: Disease-causing substances like bacteria, germs, and viruses are often hiding in plain sight. Places like the kitchen sink, bathroom floor, TV remote, and even the salt and pepper shakers can all hold bacteria and germs, increasing the likelihood of sickness in your home. Ozone generators, however, have proven abilities to remove many disease-causing substances by attacking the contaminants at the molecular level.

ㆍRemoving Odors: One of the most common uses for ozone generators is the removal of odors. In the same way that it attacks mold or bacteria cells, ozone gas will also attack the physical airborne cells that make odors. This can be useful for many different purposes, including hotel rooms that have lingering smells from tobacco smoke. Another potential use is by landlords who need to remove the smell of pets from their properties, or by average homeowners who simply want to remove a foul odor in their home. Using ozone gas is often a last-ditch effort to remove an odor. When other techniques, such as cleaning solutions and scented air fresheners fail, having ozone concentrations can be used to “shock” the room.

There are other uses, but these are the main reasons that people choose to release ozone chemicals into their homes, businesses, and property.

Kitchen Exhaust Ozone Generator

How To Use An Ozone Generator Properly

If you decide to use an ozone generator to remove mold, bacteria, or odor, how should it be done?

As we've already established, when you use ozone, you are releasing a dangerous pollutant into your home, so you need to make sure everything is done right.

In almost all cases, it is best to use a professional cleaning and odor-removal company that offers ozone generators as part of their business. These experienced professionals are properly trained, so they have the knowledge and skills to complete the ozone process in a safe, efficient manner.

First, if you are using ozone to remove an odor, start by removing the source of the odor and cleaning as thoroughly as possible. This should include the use of safe liquid cleaners, vacuuming carpets, wiping surfaces, and dusting.

All of these measures will help make the odor removal more effective, and quite frankly, you may discover that after a good hard cleaning, ozone treatment is no longer needed.

Renting an ozone generator is usually preferred, but you can purchase one for personal use however you never want to be in the room when it is operating.

If you own a hotel, multiple rental properties, or a business that has strong odors (such as a restaurant or pet-related service), then purchasing an ozone generator may be a smart choice. However, if you are a homeowner, it's probably wise to just rent, as you won't need it on a regular basis and definitely would want to use as little as possible.

Every ozone generator will be different, so if you are using it yourself, be sure to follow, in every detail, the instructions for that machine. Make sure the windows in the home are closed and start the ozone generator by following the instructions.

You will then need to leave the area and allow the ozone to do its work. Many units run on a timer, so they will turn off after a preset period. Once the period is over, allow the ozone to dissipate completely before entering the home or room. This can take a couple hours, so be patient and give yourself plenty of time. This is like treating your home for pests with chemicals. Avoid contact.

Here's a few tips to make the cleaning process more effective:

ㆍUse a fan on low or keep your A/C fan running to allow for better circulation of ozone.

ㆍRunning the A/C can also help sanitize the ductwork of mold and mildew.

ㆍInstead of doing a 12-hour marathon of ozone removal, try doing a few short periods to gradually erode the smell or mold.

ㆍMake sure EVERYONE is removed from the home during treatment, including pets.

With these tips, you can more safely use an ozone generator in your home. However, there are safer, more reliable options that clean the air without the added risk to your health and wellbeing. Contact us for a quote!