Welcome back to our myth-busting series! In this post, we’re diving into another misconception surrounding hydroxyl generators: the idea that you need a powerful fan to blow hydroxyl radicals across a room before they disappear. This belief can leave restorers confused about how hydroxyl generators work, so let’s break it down.
How Did This Myth Start?
The myth that hydroxyl radicals need to be blown around quickly before they vanish likely comes from a misunderstanding of their half-life. Hydroxyl radicals, which are the key molecules generated by hydroxyl generators, do have a short half-life, typically lasting just a fraction of a second. This short lifespan has led some to think that you need a strong fan to push them throughout a space to ensure they do their job.
However, if this were true, hydroxyl generators would be impractical for real-world use. Contractors don’t have the time or resources to set up high-powered fans on every job just to distribute these radicals. Fortunately, the reality is much simpler—and far more effective.
How Hydroxyl Generators Actually Work
Hydroxyl generators are designed with cutting-edge technology that continuously creates new hydroxyl radicals, even outside the machine itself. Chemists call this process a chain reaction or cascade effect. Here’s how it works: the machine generates hydroxyl radicals inside its chamber, and as those radicals interact with contaminants in the air, they trigger a series of chemical reactions that produce even more radicals. This ongoing process ensures that radicals are constantly being generated throughout the treatment area, allowing for thorough odor elimination.
Because of this chain reaction, you don’t need to worry about blowing hydroxyls across a room with a fan. The technology handles it for you, continuously creating new radicals as needed. This eliminates odors not only from the air but also from the contents and structure of the space.
Do Air Movers Have a Role?
While you don’t need a strong fan to make hydroxyl generators effective, using air movers can still be helpful, particularly when you need to direct the radicals into hard-to-reach areas. Many contractors have developed creative ways to ensure that even tricky corners get proper treatment. However, the use of air movers is more about enhancing coverage than distributing the radicals quickly. The technology inside the generator already does the heavy lifting.
One air mover is automatically included in the Xactimate pricing code CLNDODHY, which covers a hydroxyl generator with three UV optics. This code specifies that a separate centrifugal air mover is required for the generator to function, and the standard rate is $200 per day for the generator, plus the daily cost of one air mover.
The Bottom Line
The belief that you need a strong fan to blow hydroxyl radicals far and fast is a myth. Hydroxyl generators, such as Airbotx, continuously create new radicals in a chain reaction that spreads throughout the space. This process ensures that odors are thoroughly neutralized without the need for high-powered fans. Air movers can be helpful for improving coverage in hard-to-reach areas, but they’re not essential for distributing the hydroxyl radicals themselves.
Stay tuned for part three of our myth-busting series, where we’ll take on another common misconception about hydroxyl generators and their role in restoration projects!