What could be a cause of an irritating ozone smell from an electronic air cleaner?

An irritating ozone smell from an electronic air cleaner can often stem from the fact that it is not interlocked with the blower, which is crucial for its proper operation. When an electronic air cleaner is installed, the intention is for it to work in combination with the HVAC system's blower. This interlocking ensures that the air cleaner only operates when the blower is running, which helps in filtering air as it circulates through the system.

If the air cleaner is not interlocked with the blower, it may operate without any airflow, leading to the accumulation of ozone generated as a byproduct of the electronic cleaning process. Without adequate airflow to disperse the ozone, it can result in a noticeable and unpleasant smell in the home.

While other factors like a malfunctioning cleaner, dirty air ducts, or poor ventilation can create air quality issues, they are less likely to produce a distinctly irritating ozone smell that specifically indicates a problem with the electronic air cleaner's operation related to the blower setup. Thus, ensuring proper interlocking with the blower is critical to prevent the production of excessive ozone and maintain good air quality.