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Fresh Air Odors Code numbers for alternate RCI cells shown after this article.
Allen Johnston provides the following technical information (with a field perspective provided by Bob Giddens): Bob's best estimate -- I consulted with Larry & Eileen Miller about this -- is that an odor problem comes up about 10% of the time -- sometimes due to ozone, sometimes due to other factors. Ted & Chris Belz (who also handle 500 units per year) say that some people object to ozone, but they (Ted & Chris) haven't found other problems with the Fresh Airs. In other cases, people have ended up with 4 problem units in their Success Packs. Some Fresh Airs have a lint screen that should be changed (this material is no longer being used). The screen material with a white plastic surface is susceptible to being degraded by the UVX lamp. As the screen degrades, a smell is created. Its intensity ranges from very mild to very offensive. The company replaces these screens at no cost and they can be easily installed. One screw has to be removed from the center of the back of the unit, then the lint screen housing must be pressed from the sides to unclip it from the unit. The old screen is thrown away. No need to return it to EcoQuest. There is no charge for this repair.
In an environment where there is cigarette smoke, pet dander, litter box smells or cooking grease in the air, the screen is especially important. Install it in the empty housing as soon as the new screen comes in. Some dealers have an issue (or think they do) with the RCI cell. You can unplug the power to the RCI sell (leaving it installed in the machine) and run the unit is ozone/ion mode only to determine easily if an objectionable smell originates from that source. I am sorry this troubleshooting matter has become a necessity, but it has. We might as well understand the options and move forward without getting upset. Let's review the testing steps: 1. If you have a unit with one of the improper lint screens, remove the screen and run the machine with no screen. See if the smell is sweet and fresh. This can be hard to determine in a large area; the evaluation becomes easier if the purifier is in a small bedroom or bathroom for testing purposes. Decide if it smells fresh and wonderful or if it has an offensive dimension to it. Various people have described the problem as a "new car smell," a "burning wire smell" or a "metallic smell." It seems to me that it varies based on the humidity level (more noticeable in dry environments), but we aren't one hundred percent sure. The pollution load (musty home, pets, etc.) would also be a factor.2. Unplug the RCI cell and run the unit as an ion/ozone air purifier only. Choose a medium setting for your extended test and check out the Away Mode for a few moments. 3. If need be, try 1 alone, 2 alone and 1, 2 at the same time. If the RCI unit is smelly, order "Low Oxidation" RCI cells. Some people -- especially in California and other places with low humidity -- consider this to be a good interim solution. I view this as a safe course for anyone who is afraid of this problem. Low Oxidation replacement RCI cells can be ordered for Fresh Airs that put out a strong smell. The replacement cells cost about $11 each, and the old cells (after the swap-out is done) must be returned to EcoQuest. Keep This Odor Issue In Perspective I hear complaints from some people about odors. Sales are lost. Prospects become angry and don't even want to consider a solution. This is serious. Other EcoQuesters don't seem to come up against this problem. I'm posting these details and procedures in case you encounter this problem. Whether you do or don't, we all have to be prepared. If one of your Business Owners has a problem, refer him or her to this webpage. Some people say the problems are imaginary and a matter of attitude. Having smelled some bad machines myself, I think they are real. Unfortunately, we do not have a handle on this yet. Corrective Action Check the lint screens on all units in your possession (and call your customers). If you have screens with white plastic, ask for replacements and put this behind you. Ideally, you should run each unit for 15 minutes to satisfy yourself that it is working right and smelling right. As to identifying good versus bad screens ... if you have black plastic or honeycomb screens, those are okay. Only screens with white plastic need to be swapped out. Allen Johnston says, "Units with incorrect screens should NOT be shipped back to the company. The lint screen swap will be sufficient. But we want you to do all the checks before you decide."
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