is it normal for my ac5350b to smell kinda weird, like plastic or ozone, when it first turns on?

— asked by Sam

Quick answer: A faint new plastic or electrical smell during initial use is common as internal components heat up. A sharp, metallic "ozone" smell specifically points to the UV-C bulb in operation, which produces a small amount of ozone as a byproduct.

Diagnosis

A faint new plastic or electrical smell during initial use is common as internal components heat up. A sharp, metallic "ozone" smell specifically points to the UV-C bulb in operation, which produces a small amount of ozone as a byproduct.

How to Fix It

For a new unit, run the purifier on high speed in a well-ventilated room for 48 hours. This will off-gas any packaging or manufacturing residues. The smell should dissipate. For the UV-C ozone smell, it is inherent to the technology but should be very faint and not detectable beyond a few feet from the unit.

If That Didn't Work

If a strong plastic burning smell persists, immediately power off and unplug the unit. This could indicate an electrical fault, such as a overheating motor or wiring. Do not use it. Contact customer support.

Heads Up

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifies this model for low ozone emissions (<0.05 parts per million). If the ozone smell is strong and headache-inducing, the UV-C bulb or its housing may be damaged and should be inspected.

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