Ozone generators eliminate odors and contaminants, such as mold spores and bacteria, from the air at a molecular level. Here we provide information about them and review some of the best car and home-use ozone generators.
Topics Covered
- What is an ozone generator, and how do they work?
- Things to consider when choosing an ozone generator
- How to use an ozone generator
- The best ozone generators for home use
- Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator
- Green Air Classic
- Odorstop OS3500UV
- Airthereal MA10K-PRO
- The best ozone generators for cars
- K200 Car Ozone Generator from LK
- Huibest Ozone Generator/Ionizer
- Commonly asked questions
- Are ozone generators safe?
- How long should an ozone generator run?
- HEPA air purifiers vs ozone generators
- Can an ozone generator kill mold?
Please note: Ozone generators are dangerous when used incorrectly and can cause health issues in humans and animals. They can also damage certain types of materials. You will get far better results with HEPA air purifiers as they are 100% safe and far more effective.
What is an ozone generator, and how do they work?
An ozone generator creates ozone and disperses it throughout a room with a built-in fan.
This ozone is created by breaking apart oxygen (O2 – which consists of 2 atoms) into single atoms. These single atoms then attach themselves to other oxygen atoms (forming 03) and pollutants such as odor molecules, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, etc.
When the extra atom latches onto pollutants, the structural integrity of that particle is destroyed and it drops to the floor, which is how ozone neutralizes odors and kills mold spores and viruses.
Things to consider when choosing an ozone generator
There are some important things to consider before choosing an ozone generator, which we will list below.
The amount of ozone the machine releases
The amount of ozone released is measured in milligrams per hour (mg/h).
Low milligram per hour output is better suited for more confined spaces such as cars, pantries, and small rooms – and the larger the space you want to purify, the higher the milligram per hour output should be.
On the other hand, it’s perfectly fine to use a high-output ozone generator in a small space if you run it for a shorter period. And vice versa – it’s fine to run a low output ozone generator in a large space if you run it for a longer period.
Timer
Timers are a standard feature with ozone generators, and you should make sure that yours has one too. It automatically turns the machine off after a certain period, to allow most of the ozone to dissipate before you enter the room.
An ozone generator without a timer will require you to enter the room while the machine is still running so that you can manually turn it off – which is not good from a health perspective.
Easy to use
The ozone generator you choose should be easy and intuitive to use.
How to use an ozone generator
Using an ozone generator safely and correctly is extremely important otherwise, the treatment won’t be as effective, and it could cause health problems.
1: Eradicate the source of the problem before using an ozone machine. If the problem is mold, then first have it cleaned and removed. If it’s unpleasant smells and odors, then locate the source and have it dealt with. Failing to do so first will only cause temporary relief because mold problems or odors will return after a couple of days.
2: Prepare the room by removing all paintings, plants, and pets. Also, keep in mind that ozone in high dosages can damage certain metals, plastics, fibers, and even electronics – so if you’re not sure, remove such items from the room or at the very least cover them.
3: Seal the room as much as possible by closing all windows, vents, and doors.
4: Place the ozone machine in the middle of the room and be sure to set the timer. Leave the room once the machine starts and close the door behind you.
5: Allow an hour to pass after the ozone generator has finished before entering the room so that most of the ozone can dissipate. Also, open the windows afterward to air the room out.
The best ozone generators for home use
Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator
The Enerzen Commercial-Grade Ozone Generator is easy-to-use, has a 3-hour timer, and creates 11,000 mg of ozone per hour.
What sets it apart from the other ozone machines on this list is its ability to automatically and continuously adjust its fan speed and ozone output to create a pulsating effect – which results in longer-lasting treatments.
There are no filters to clean, so it’s low maintenance. Also, it’s eco-friendly because the system uses very little energy. And although it works great, the only downside is that it has a 1-year warranty.
- Brand: Enerzen
- Ozone output: 11,000mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 3 hours
- Coverage area: 2,000 square feet
- Power source: Electrical outlet
- Dimensions: 6.75 x 8 x 5.75 inches
- Weight: 5 Pounds
- Warranty: 1 Year warranty
Green Air Classic Air Purifier/Ozone Generator
The Green Air Classic is both an air purifier and ozone generator in one.
It works by sucking in air from the back where it passes through a washable carbon filter that neutralizes odors and then passes through an ultraviolet PCO cell that kills viruses, bacteria, and mold spores.
The Green Air Classic also produces negative ions that are released and dispersed into the room through a fan on the front panel. These particles attach themselves to dust, mold spores, and other contaminants so that they can drop down to the floor resulting in fresh, breathable air.
It even can reach odors embedded into walls, ceilings, clothes, floors, carpets, and furniture.
Then there’s also the Ozone Function which works on a timer so that you can set it for when no one is at home. It will allow the unit to function on maximum strength for the duration you’re not at home and automatically switch off an hour before you get back, thus giving the ozone enough time to revert to oxygen.
The Green Air Classic uses a mere 65 watts so it’s very energy efficient and comes with a 2-year guarantee.
- Brand: Green Air
- Ozone output: 360 mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 10 hours
- Coverage area: 3,500 square feet
- Power source: 1x CR2 battery (Included)
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.25 x 11.25 inches
- Weight: 12 Pounds
- Warranty: 2 Year warranty
The Odorstop OS3500UV Professional Grade Ozone Generator
The Odorstop OS3500UV Ozone Generator may be small (7.5″h x 9.0″w x 12.5″d) and lightweight (10 lbs), but it sanitizes and deodorizes areas of up 3,500 square feet with ease.
But what sets this machine apart is its impressive UV function, which allows you to keep the ozone setting low while still killing viruses, bacteria, and various other unseen microorganisms at a high rate.
Also, maintenance is a breeze because the UV light only needs replacing once every two years, its three ozone plates can be cleaned without having to take anything apart, and its antibacterial filter is washable.
Overall, the Odorstop OS3500UV is an excellent machine that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and an impressive 5-year warranty.
- Brand: OdorStop
- Ozone output: 1,800 mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 12 hours
- Coverage area: 3,500 square feet
- Power source: Electrical outlet
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.0 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 10 Pounds
- Warranty: 5 Year warranty
Airthereal MA10K-PRO Ozone Generator
The MA10K-PRO Ozone Generator from Airthereal releases ozone at a rate of 10,000 mg/h through its advanced honeycomb ozone plate which results in 50% more purification efficiency than other ozone plates.
In addition, its ball-bearing fan is more powerful than the normal fans found on these types of machines and allows it to purify and deodorize at a much faster rate. But how fast exactly? It takes a mere 10 minutes to clean a 150 square foot area.
As a safety feature, the Airthereal MA10K-PRO has a timer that can be set to a maximum of 2 hours – which is enough time to clean a 2,000 square foot area.
The product also comes with a 3-year warranty.
- Brand: Airthereal
- Ozone output: 10,000 mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 2 hours
- Coverage area: 2,000 square feet
- Power source: Electrical outlet
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 9.3 x 6.8 inches
- Weight: 7.6 Pounds
- Warranty: 3 Year warranty
The best ozone generators for cars
Much smaller portable ozone generators are ideal for cars and can eliminate urine, vomit, smoke, and damp odors. They can also kill certain types of bugs. They can also be used in other small spaces such as bathrooms, pantries, and closets.
K200 Car Ozone Generator from LK
The K200 car ozone generator from LK has been designed with no moving parts, so breakage is less likely. It also has a very sleek and portable design which makes it perfectly suitable for small confined spaces and travel.
It creates and releases ozone at a rate of 300-500 mg/h and runs for 30 minutes at a time, after which it automatically turns itself off to save battery life.
How to use:
1: Place it in an unoccupied space such as inside a vehicle, bathroom, or pantry.
2: Press the button twice and a countdown timer will start. Use this time to close all doors and windows and ensure that no people, animals, or plants are present.
3: Wait 30 minutes for the ozone generator to finish before entering the vehicle or room. Open the windows to dissipate the excess ozone.
4: If any smells or odors are still present – repeat the process.
How long does the battery last?
1 Lithium-ion battery (included) will last around 20 30-minute sessions.
- Brand: LK
- Ozone output: 300-500 mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 30 minutes
- Power source: 1x Lithium-ion battery (Included)
- Dimensions: 9.69 x 4.45 x 4.41 inches
- Weight: 1.6 Pounds
Huibest Ozone Generator/Ionizer
This palm-sized device is an ozone generator and an ionizer in one. It’s suitable for cars and fairly large-sized rooms up to 377 square feet.
The device flashes when it’s producing ozone as a warning so that there’s no confusion as to whether it’s in ozone or ionizing mode.
It has four different ozone operation modes:
P1: Works for 5 minutes and then stops for one hour.
P2: Works for 3 minutes and then stops for 10 minutes.
P3: Works for 30 minutes and then stops for 12 hours.
P4: Works for 30 minutes and then stops for 2 hours.
In negative ion mode, it will work for 50 minutes and then stop for 10 minutes.
The Huibest Ozone Generator/Ionizer is powered by a USB power supply and includes a power adapter, but can also be powered with a power bank, USB car charger, and USB socket.
- Brand: Huibest
- Ozone output: 100 mg/h
- Maximum timer length: 30 minutes
- Power source: 1x Lithium-ion battery (Included)
- Dimensions: 8.07 x 2.36 x 1.41 inches
- Weight: 0.9 Pounds
Commonly asked questions
Are ozone generators safe?
Ozone generators are not safe – so much so that the sale of these machines is banned in the state of California. This is why using them safely is extremely important.
Ozone, when breathed in large amounts can cause lung damage. Smaller amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, worsening of asthma, and even prevent the immune system from fighting off respiratory infections.
Learn more about the dangers here.
How long should an ozone generator run?
It depends on the amount of ozone the machine releases per hour and the size of the room.
Multiple short sessions stretched out over a couple of days are better than one large session.
First, run it for an hour and then wait and see if any odors persist. If so, run it again for another hour or two and check the results. Repeat as necessary.
Also keep in mind that the higher the ozone concentrations in a room, the more likely it is to damage electronics and materials such as certain types of rubber and fabrics.
HEPA air purifiers vs ozone generators
HEPA air purifiers are a far better alternative.
The ozone released by ozone machines causes negative health effects in humans and animals, and high enough doses can also kill plants and damage electronics and materials. Furthermore, the pollutants that the ozone kills are still present in the room afterward.
A HEPA air purifier removes all pollutants by capturing them. If fitted with a carbon filter and UVC lamp, like the GermGuardian AC5000E, the air purifier will also effectively neutralize odors and kill harmful contaminants such as mold spores, viruses, and bacteria – in a 100% safe and efficient way.
Can an ozone generator kill mold?
Yes, it can. But it will only have an effect on mold that is out in the open. Mold hidden behind walls and other such places will still be a problem because the ozone might not reach it.
Also, it will take a tremendous amount of ozone to completely kill mold in one session – basically the same amount it would take to kill a human.
Since it’s not a good idea to create that much ozone in one session, it would be far better to physically kill and remove the mold yourself before using an ozone machine.
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