Ozone Generator Buying Guide

If you're a homeowner and your home has recently suffered water damage, smoke damage, mold infestation, or the dreaded "smell of death" from an expired rodent in a crawl space, then you've probably read that an ozone generator might just be the answer to your problems. However, with so many different types of ozone machines on the market, how is one to deciPh Meter, they produced 3000-5000 mg/h. That's quite a big difference between what is actually being produced and what is being claimed. How then can you make sure the ozone generator you purchase is actually producing the amount of ozone being advertised? Simple! Ask the vendor the following questions in an e-mail (future fodder for a 100% money back should you test the machine and find the information provided was incorrect)

QUESTION #1. How Many Volts is the Power Supply! An ozone generator creates ozone by creating an electrical spark that splits oxygen in the Air. In order to accomplish this feat, you have to create a high volTAGe electrical spark. A simple rule I've observed in the lab and well recognized in the ozone industry is that a 3000 volt transformer can produce around 3000 mg/h of ozone per hour when attached to a high volTAGe ozone eleMent or six or more MICA plates at 40% humidity or less. Each Mica plate can produce a maximum of about 400 milligrams of ozone per hour IF it is properly installed due to the weak electrical spark it is capable of generating from the wire mesh. If you own a MICA plate ozone generator, view the plate in the dark. It won't light up very bright, very dimly as a matter of fact. The types of ozone plates that turn bright purple in the dark are called "High Voltage Ozone EleMents" and they can produce around 3000-4000 mgh per plate when fed with a 3000-4000 volt power transformer. These types of plates glow purple, almost like UV lamp, in the dark. They create a very strong electrical spark that is much more efficient at producing ozone vs the old fashioned MICA plates. As a matter of fact a 4000 volt transformer and ozone eleMent only uses about 35 watts of electricity, now that's efficient! Therefore, Tip #1 is to ask the vendor to e-mail you in writing the exact voltage, amps, and watts used by their power transformers and how many and which type of ozone plates their machines use. If a vendor claims for instance their machine produces 16 to 20 thousand milligrams of ozone per hour but their machine only uses one 5000 volt transformer, then you'll things just don't add up.

QUESTION #2. What type of ozone eleMent does the ozone machine use? Believe it or not, some vendors will try and convince you that the ozone elements in their machines are "permanent" and will last forever. Folks, there's no such thing as a permanent ozone plate! If used in 90-100% humidity, even the expensive high voltage ozone plates will only last 20-40 hours. Ozone generators are not made to be used in 90% plus humidity! In humid areas, you must run the Air conditioning or a dehumidifier in order to perform a shock treatment. Tip #2 therefore is to think twice before buying an ozone generator from a vendor who doesn't offer replacement ozone plates or makes a machine that utilizes "MICA" plates.

Once you have those answers in writing, save the e-mail in case you need to use it to obtain a refund in the future. When you receive your ozone generator, have a local electrician friend of the family (or hire someone) to open your ozone generator and give it the once over and test the strength (in volts) of the power transformer. If you discover the stated voltage doesn't match the advertised voltage, ask for a refund. After all, what you're buying when you buy an ozone generator are high voltage power transformers, not a slick sales pitch! The honest vendors will clearly state their machines specifications on their websites and via e-mail if asked. They'll also provide you with a picture of the inside of their units and disclose the amount of plates, type used, etc. You should be weary of vendors who hold this information close to the vest or refuse to go on the record with this information.

Now you know what questions to ask an ozone machine vendor before making a purchase. I want to close out this "Ozone Generator Buying Guide" by giving you a few tips on how to save money on your purchase:

Tip #1. Ask the vendor if they sell any used units or any "bare bones" ozone generators. Many ozone generator vendors will have spare parts on hand from returned or fixed units they can sell "on the down low" for a mere pittance of the retail price. Others might be able to sell you a "bare bones ozone generator" without any of the bells and whistles you can easily use to make your own ozone generator, especially if you're the "do-it-yourself" type. You might also want to check eBay to see if anyone is selling high voltage power transformers in the 3000-12,000 volt range or high voltage ozone elements that can be easily attached to the power transformer. Some ozone vendors want 00 or more for their ozone generators, however, the fact of the matter is that ozone machines are pretty basic electronic components and they shouldn't cost as much as a used car, especially if you buy the main components and "Do It Yourself."

Tip #2. Don't buy an ozone generator with too many "bells and whistles". Ozone as I've already mentioned is very corrosive over time to all metals except stainless steel. Unfortunately, all electronic switches, relays, etc needs to use regular metal in order to be conduce electricity. What we have therefore is a dilemma. The solution? Don't buy an ozone generator with all the bells and whistles! This would include an internal timer, ozone output dial (to turn the ozone up and down), etc. Just realize that if you do buy an ozone generator with these parts that eventually the ozone is going to destroy those parts and all it takes to shut down an ozone generator is to have one of the electrical components fail. If you want a timer, buy an external timer for at Lowe's. If you want to be able to turn the ozone output up and down, buy a "repeat cycle timer" that can turn your ozone generator on for a few seconds ever x amount of minutes, and repeat that cycle indefinitely. Both of those items can be connected via an extension cord in another room to your ozone generator. Less is more when it comes to longevity in shock treatment ozone generators.

Tip #3. Don't over do it when performing shock treatments! There is a reason the trained professionals that administer ozone shock treatments command thousands of Dollars to perform shock treatments; they know what they're doing and how to safely and effectively perform a shock treatment without leaving your home smelling like ozone for weeks after the shock treatment! Besides being an ozone generator manufacturer, I also run a restoration business that employs ozone in some of our work. For mold remediation, ozone only plays a small role in riding the house of toxic mold for instance. Sheet rock has to be taken down and replaced, super high CFM Air cleaners make sure the mold, when disturbed, isn't re-distributed throughout the structure. Wet wood has to be dried. Leaky pipes have to be fixed, etc etc. Yes, shock levels of ozone will kill the mold, but that's just a small part of mold remediation, regardless of what some ozone vendors might advertise to help hawk their units.

The main mistake I see homeowners make when doing a shock treatment is not properly removing or covering all petroleum based products such as carpet foam, sofa cushions, etc. We use Kevlar to cover carpets and foam filled sofas, mattresses, etc. Kevlar is ozone resistant and will keep the foam from interacting with the ozone. Ozone will oxidize foam and rubber and cause a chemical-ozone smell that can linger for weeks. So tip #3 is to not over do it with an ozone shock treatment! One or two hour shock treatments in furniture filled homes is advisable. You might have to perform several such shock treatments, but it's better to be safe than sorry when shocking a furniture filled home. Some vendors tell their clients to just turn the ozone generator on and let it run for a few days. I strongly advise against that practice.

Tip #4. When you are ready to buy, call the vendor and order over the phone. Odds are at some point in time your ozone generator is going to need service. I don't know about you but I hate buying something on-line, having it break down, then not being able to speak with a live person for support without having to wait on hold for 30 minutes or worse yet, not being able to speak to a live person at all then not having my e-mails answered! You can nip this type of situation in the bud by first calling. If you can't easily get through and get a well informed live person to answer the phone to place your order, then consider buying elsewhere. This bit of advice goes for making any large ticket item purchase on the Internet.

If you want to save money and make a wise investment, ask the right questions before you buy your ozone generator and also consider incorporating some of my tip suggestions as well. The more you shop around, the more time you spend doing some Internet research, and most importantly, the more time you spend e-mailing and talk directly with the vendor, the more likely you are to make a wise investment and end up with a great ozone machine that lasts you a lifetime.

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Simplicity Vacuum Cleaners, Quality at a Price

Simplicity vacuum cleaners are American made and are considered to be some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market today. The Simplicity Synergy and 7850 models have a strong following of loyal customers. The synergy has some of the best features available on any upright vacuum cleaner. The only way to purchase a new Simplicity vacuum cleaner is through an independent authorized vacuum cleaner dealer. These vacuums are quality cleaning gear that have metal parts built into them at key points. Simplicity vacuums are more expensive than many other brands but as they say you get what you pay for in the long run.

The Synergy vacuum is very well built and features two motors. The 12 amp suction motor provides lots of suction for picking up just about any kind of dirt and dust. The second motor runs the beater bar assuring that the carpet surfaces are refreshed and new looking. The Simplicity 7850 also has a 12 amp motor that provides all the suction necessary to clean any floor surface. All Simplicity vacuum cleaners really shine when it comes to handling pet hAir and lint. Both models come with a good set of tools to help in cleaning furniture surfaces and areas in and around it.

All Simplicity Vacuum Cleaners use a bag system to capture the dirt and dust picked up by the vacuum cleaner. Simplicity's AST system features 3 Filters. The 3 layer electrostatic Filter bag, a 3 layer charcoal Filter and a state of the art HEPA filter. Simplicity claims that this filter system filters the Air 7 times before it is exhausted from the vacuum. Obviously this means the dirt, allergen and dust will stay in the bag where it belongs. It is recomMended that the Charcoal and HEPA filter be replaced yearly. Another important feature is the ability to turn the beater bar brush off when cleaning hard floor surfaces. The beater bar brushes can also be replaced without replacing the enTire unit. In addition the vacuum automatically adjusts it height when moving from one floor surface to another. All of which make using the vacuum cleaner very convenient.

Simplicity vacuum cleaners do a good Job of cleaning of floor surfaces however the tool system with its short hose is problematic. When cleaning any slight pull on the hose causes the vacuum to turn over on its side. You can purchase an extension hose to solve a portion of this problem however again any pull of the hose that reaches the vacuum head pulls the vacuum over. All Simplicity vacuums have lots of metal parts and as such are generally heavier than other comparable vacuums. The most common complaint about Simplicity vacuum cleaners come from the fact that you have to purchase replaceMent bags.

Customer service from Simplicity is almost nonexistent, instead it relies on its network of authorized retailers to handle any problems. Purchasing parts also must be accomplished through these independent vacuum cleaner dealers. According to online feedback there are very few major complaints concerning Simplicity Vacuum cleaners. On the contrary most customers appear to be well pleased with their vacuum cleaners. Probably the strongest indication of the quality of Simplicity vacuums comes in the form of its long 4 year warranty. If a company is willing to warrant its products for an extended period of time it is very good indication of quality and reliability.

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How Steam Cleaning Can Sanitize Your Home Without Chemicals

Pouring bleach into a bucket of water, spending hours of backbreaking work scrubbing a floor, and repeating this daunting task regularly seemed to be the best way to keep a home clean. However, studies now show that chemicals like bleach release harmful toxins into the Air and can actually harm family members. Steam cleaning proves to be the perfect alternative for eliminating dirt, germs, and allergens from a home. Since water is the only required ingredient, surfaces sparkle and shine without decreasing Air quality or leaving residues behind.

Steam Cleaning Helps The EnvironMent

Steam cleaning disinfects while it sanitizes grimy, hard surfaces. An eco-friendly floor cleaner also contributes to a healthier environMent, since it only uses water, keeping chemicals from being dumped into the outdoors. Because any microfiber Cloth or terry Cloth towel can be used as a cleaning pad, this eco-friendly floor cleaner eliminates waste of disposable pads that must be thrown out and replaced after each use.

Cleanse Every Surface In A Home

Along with sanitizing hard surfaces, steam cleaning tools perform a variety of household cleaning tasks. An eco-friendly floor cleaner can clean Clothes, mattresses, furniture, mirrors, and just about every surface in a house. Running the hand-held attachment over articles of Clothing can make them look and smell like they've just been picked up from the dry cleaners. The machine's vapors eliminate wardrobe wrinkles and creases immediately.

Windows will sparkle and shine with a few squeezes of the eco-friendly floor cleaner. Replace piles of paper towels and glass cleaner spray bottles containing chemicals with only water and the squeegee handle to clean glass surfaces within seconds. The garment attachment also refreshes drapery, mattresses, and a multitude of furniture upholstery. Scouring almost any hard surface found in a home, the nylon brush set includes three brushes. The biggest brush offers broad coverage for disinfecting marble countertops, tile, and grout lines. Use the triangle and detail head brushes to reach tight spaces, such as crevices, underneath counters, corners behind furniture, and in between automobile seats. Aim steam right into nasty corners and cracks with the direct jet nozzle.

Steam cleaning can even make an item like those beloved golf clubs look like new. No matter how much abuse they've endured on the green, the wire brush attachment was created to make these types of difficult Jobs easy. Taking down wallpaper is another unpleasant task that most people cringe over when faced with. However, simply utilizing the scraper nozzle removes wallpaper in a fraction of the time it normally takes.

Protect Children With Steam Cleaning

Young children are known for constantly sticking their hands in their mouths. Babies can't resist chewing on toys and essentially anything else they can get their tiny hands on. Parents find themselves constantly fighting a losing battle when they repeatedly tell older toddlers to stop putting items in their mouths. This oral fixation contributes to the wide spread of germs between babies and children. One child sucks on a toy, puts it downs, and moves on to the next interesting item. However, the damage has already been done. Another baby or sibling instantly grabs that toy and sticks it in his or her mouth. No matter how well monitored children are, the germ sharing experience proves a constant and vicious cycle.

Washing toys in a dishwasher cuts down on the germ infestation, but it doesn't completely eradicate the problem. Toys hit the ground, and children sit, crawl, and roll all over it. Unless an eco-friendly floor cleaner is used on a regular basis, germs will remain on the surface and easily accessible. Other cleaners utilize chemicals that are harmful to children, especially those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Steam cleaning, however, only uses water to sanitize hard surfaces of dirt, grime, and germs. A sparkling, disinfected surface is the only smell children will be exposed to after using an eco-friendly floor cleaner.

Safe For Most Hard Floor Varieties

Steam cleaning sanitizes bare surfaces, such as ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, marble, stone, and sealed hardwood surfaces. These types of machines, however, were not designed to be used on waxed or certain un-waxed floors. Utilizing an eco-friendly floor cleaner on these surfaces could diminish the shine of the floor. Likewise, steam cleaning was not developed for sanitizing unsealed wood floors. It is highly recommended to try steam cleaning on an inconspicuous section of the floor before using it on these types of surfaces. Reading the instruction manual written by the flooring manufacturer prior to operating will also rule out any misuse.

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Overview of a PV Solar Energy System

A typical Solar pv electrical system is described to refresh our basic electrical knowledge. This knowledge will allow us to be comfortable with the design of our pv solar system and have confidence that it is not over or under designed.

The pv Solar Energy System: A pv Solar system has the four major components.

1) THE SOLAR PANEL: This is the component that receives photons from the sun and converts the photon energy into electricity. The panels are rated in Watts.

2) CHARGE CONTROLLER: This component insures that the storage batteries are not overcharged and damaged.

3) STORAGE BATTERIES: The batteries store our collected electricity until we use the energy to power our appliance. Our electricity is store as the potential energy rated in Volts.

4) INVERTER: This component changes the current from our batteries, which is stored in direct current (DC), to an alternating current (AC) which is compatible with our household appliance.

Conversion of Sunlight to Electricity: Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity through a photovoltaic (pv) cell, commonly called a solar cell. A photovoltaic cell is a non mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys.

Sunlight is composed of photons or particles of solar energy. These photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed. Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity. When enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor), electrons are dislodged from the material's atoms. Special treatMent of the material surface during manufacturing makes the front surface of the cell more receptive to free electrons, so the electrons naturally migrate to the surface.

The output of a solar panel is usually stated in watts, and the watTAGe is determined by multiplying the rated volTAGe by the rated amperage. The formula for watTAGe is Volts times Amps equal Watts. So for our example, a 12 volt - 60 watt solar panel measuring about 20 X 44 inches has a rated volTAGe of 17.1 and 3.5 amps .

V X A = W

17.1 volts times 3.5 amps equals 60 watts.

Our solar panel rated as 60 watts exposed to 6 hours of peak sun will produce 360 watt hours of power per day. An typical; home will require 4000 watts of DC generating power to produce sufficient kwh to cover annual electrical consumption. This equates to 67 - 20 X 44 inches solar panels from the example above.

Wiring the System:

Solar panels can be wired in series or parallel to increase voltage or amperage respectively, and they can be wired both in series and in parallel to increase both volts and amps. Series wiring refers connecting a positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of an adjacent panel. This connection will produce voltage as the sum of the two panels and the amperage will remain the same as the output panel. Two 12 volt and 3.5 amp panels wired in series will produce 24 volts at 3.5 amps.

Solar panels can be wired in parallel by connecting positive terminals to positive terminals and negative terminals to negative terminals. Two 12 volts and 3.5 amps panels wired in parallel will produce 12 volts and 7 amps.

A series/parallel wired system refers to doing both to the above. This wiring scheme would produce 24 volts and 7 amps from our two 12 volt and 3.5 amps panels.

Inverter:

An inverter is a device which changes DC power stored in a battery bank to standard 110 / 240 volts AC. Nearly all our lighting, appliances and motors are designed to use AC power. Inverters come in sine wave and modified sine wave output. Most 11o volts devices can use the modified sine wave output. However, special devices that use lasers or silicon controlled rectifiers will require the pure sine inverter which is more expensive.

Auto transfer switching is a common internal feature which enables switching from one AC source to another and / or from utility power to inverter power for designated loads. Battery temperature compensation, internal relays to control loads, automatic remote generator starting and stopping and many other programmable features are available.

Charge Controller:

A charge controller monitors the battery's state of charge to insure that when the batteries need current when required and also insure that the batteries are not overcharged. Connecting a solar panel to the batteries without a charge controller seriously risks damaging the batteries and potentially causing a safety concern.

Charge controllers are rated based on the amount of amperage they can produce from a solar array. If a controller is rated at 20 amps you can connect up to 20 amps of solar panel current output. Advanced charge controllers utilize Pulse-Width-Modulation which insures the most efficient battery charging and extends the life of the batteries. Even more advanced controllers can include Maximum Power Point Tracking which maximizes the amount of current going to the batteries by lowering the panel's output voltage.

Many advanced charge controllers offer Low Voltage Disconnect and Battery Temperature Compensation as optional features. The Low Voltage Disconnect allows the terminals to be voltage sensitive. If the battery voltage drops too far the panels are disconnected thus preventing damage to the batteries. The Battery Temperature Compensation adjusts the charge rate based on the temperature of the battery since batteries are sensitive to temperature variations above and below about 75 F degrees.

Batteries:

The batteries for our system should be Deep Cycle units which are designed to be discharged and then re=charged hundreds or thousands of times. Batteries are rated in Amp Hours (ah) and are usually rated at 20 or 100 hours. Amps hours refer to the amount of current which can be supplied by the battery over the periods of hours. An example would ne a 350 ah battery could Supply 17.5 continuous amps over a 20 hour period.

Like solar panels, batteries are wired in series and/or parallel to increase voltage to the desired level and increase amp hours.The capacity of the battery amp hour capacity requires careful sizing for the conditions under consideration. Longest periods of no sun or cloudy conditions, availability of generator or grid backup or a standby generator with battery charger are among the conditions for consideration. The size of the battery bank will depend on the storage capacity required, the maximum discharge rate, the maxium charge rate, and the minimum temperature at which the batteries will be used.

Overall Design:

As with all electrical systems there are voltage losses as the electricity is carried across the wires, batteries and inverters and these losses are dependent on the efficiency of each component. These efficiency losses vary from component to component, and from system and can be as high as 25 percent. A trained technician will be required to fine tune the system for efficiency.

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