Troubleshooting Ozone Generator Problems

A good-quality ozone generator will be one of the most reliable appliances in your home. Troubleshooting problems with an ozone generator is relatively simple, and most concerns can be solved by consulting your owner's manual for regular maintenance. Learn how to troubleshoot problems from these tips.

Generator Is Producing Less Clean Air

Start by checking the dust filter inside the generator. If it is dark colored, it is full of dust, smoke particles and other contaminants. Replace it with one of the replacement filters that came with your unit. Check the type of filter your ozone generator uses, and purchase more replacements where you bought the generator, or at any home supply center. If the ozone generator still does not perform as usual after changing the filter, check the condition of the ozone plates inside. Perform an ozone plate check annually if the ozone generator is 5 or more years old. The plates are inexpensive and easy to replace, so replace them when needed.

Generator Is Producing Ozone Intermittently

The ozone generator you bought may have ozone plates made of mica, as is used in cheap and old-fashioned ozone generators. Ensure the ozone generator you use has gold-coated ozone plates, for long life and corrosion resistance. You may be able to purchase newer plates with better coating for your ozone generator. Contact the manufacturer to inquire about upgrading the ozone plates in your generator.

Generator Will Not Start - Fuse Blowout

Ozone generators contain an internal fusion and protection circuit to keep the motor from overloading. Consult your owner's manual for directions on how to replace this internal fuse.

Generator Will Not Start - Transformer Overload

Perhaps your ozone generator only has 1 power transformer, to which multiple ozone plates have been added. If so, replace your old ozone generator with a modern, multiple-transformer model. Each ozone plate in an ozone generator requires its own transformer for peak efficiency. Open the inside of your generator to confirm it has a transformer for every ozone plate. Check as well that both the transformers and plates are in sealed housings to prevent dust contamination and corrosion from exposure to air humidity. A corroded transformer will not start or perform consistently, and will be hot to the touch on top.

Ozone Generator Is Producing Too Much Ozone

There could be several causes for this problem, which makes itself known by a strong scent like chlorine bleach in the air. You may notice dry eyes, a tickle in your throat or a headache as well. The generator setting may be too high, such as after a high-ozone shock treatment, or the generator itself may be too large for the space. Adjust the setting down to the minimum level, open windows and leave the room unoccupied for an hour to allow the ozone / oxygen balance to restabilize.

Generator Is Too Large for the Space

Do not use an 800 mg/hour ozone generator in a room under 225 square feet. Even on its lowest settings it will generate too much ozone for a small room. Choose a 240 mg/hour ozone generator as the largest size for a single room.