If you are looking at purifying the air in your home, you might want to add an ultraviolet air purifier to your living space. These air purifiers have the technology to remove microbial particles as they improve the quality of your air. UV air purifiers do not use any filtration. They clean the air with ultraviolet light rays that incinerate the particles as they pass through the machine. These modern air purifiers can help those with allergies, asthma, and lung issues. With these units, the price is one drawback. Since the technology is new, it can be more expensive than a conventional air filter.
What Is an Ultraviolet Air Purifier?
An ultraviolet air purifier will use a broad range of electromagnetic frequencies of light. In a standard UV air purifier, the light will emit an ultraviolet C (UVC) light. These lights have a shorter wavelength, and they are found in nature. However, these lights cannot penetrate the Earth’s ozone layer. Due to these qualities, we are protected from UVC that is emitted from the sun.
UVC light is known to damage cells, and it can destroy smaller organisms. When you use ultraviolet light, it disinfects the air as it moves through your system. Many of these models, also have the added benefit of trapping some forms of moisture.
If you were to take apart an ultraviolet air purifier, it would look like a lamp in a box. With their simplistic design, these air purifiers are some of the best models on the market. However, you should never remove any components from your air purifier. If the UV light is directly exposed to the human eye, it can be hazardous to your health. In fact, your skin should never be exposed to the direct light of an ultraviolet air purifier either.
The Pros and Cons of Ultraviolet Air Purifiers
When compared to traditional air filters, UV air purifiers are superior in many ways. Traditional air purifiers need a constant level of airflow to filter out particles. With that process, these filters are less energy efficient than other models. You don’t have to worry about changing filters with an ultraviolet model. There is never a risk of contaminating the air or having an accumulation of dirt particles on the filter.
You should know that ultraviolet light bulbs can lose their effectiveness over the years. For every year of use, there is a 15 percent decrease in its cleaning power. These air purifiers are an excellent substitute for conventional units, but there are still some flaws to ultraviolet technology.
While UV air purifiers can eliminate many of those harmful microorganisms in your home, they will not kill every particle. If you are looking to have the cleanest air in your house, you might want to use these air purifiers in unison with other air filters. You should be aware that ultraviolet air purifiers can add extra ozone to your air.
Some people doubt the effectiveness of UV air purifiers. Traditional air purifiers will pull air through your filters and out of the vents. By that process, you will have increased air circulation in your room. Ultraviolet air purifiers work differently, and they do not increase the airflow throughout your home. That is why hospitals use ultraviolet lights to reduce airflow in the rooms.
You should also know that many air purifiers do not specify the type of UV technology used in the machines. Some of those technologies are known to produce a high level of ozone. If you want to eliminate airborne pathogens, then ozone is not the best option for your home. Some people believe that UV lights create too much ozone, and those health risks are not worth the benefits of these machines. A few ultraviolet air purifiers are ozone-free. However, these ozone-free models are not effective at killing pathogens in the air.
Find the Right Air Purifier for Your Home
There are many positives and negatives when you own an ultraviolet air purifier. Once you have decided to purchase a model, you want to find one that is efficient and has the most value for your budget.
If you want to have the cleanest air, then you should think about adding a HEPA filter. These filters can remove about 97 percent of harmful particles from the air. However, they cannot remove all viruses and bacteria. HEPA filters are very efficient, and many hospitals rely on them to keep the air clean and healthy. These filters are proven to work, but they can be expensive.
Before you go out and purchase an ultraviolet air purifier, you need to find one that will filter air out of your entire room. You should buy a unit that is rated for a room that is larger than the room you are planning to use it in. It will not have to work harder to clean the air, and these air purifiers tend to be quieter than smaller air purifiers.
For those wanting to purchase an ultraviolet air purifier, you need to stick with high-quality models. Cheaper filters should be avoided since the technology has not been perfected. Many people who purchase these units are afflicted with asthma, allergies, or lung disease. You want to add an air purifier that is proven to remove particles and contaminants in your home.
Clean the Air in Your Home
For most people, there is no need to use an air purifier in your home. However, air purifiers can help those who need to be comfortable without microbes and toxins in the air. The performance of these air purifiers can be debated. Many people do question the operating capabilities of these machines. With the evolving technology of UV air purifiers, many manufacturers have not proven themselves as reliable options for your home.
If you are looking for purer air in your home, especially for medical reasons, then you need to choose a high-quality brand. Economic models can be less effective than those who use better quality materials and filters. For those wanting cleaner air, you need to choose a well-rated model rather than an alternative that is not proven to purify the air in your home.
Air Quality Solutions for You
Since 1998, Summit Heating & A/C has been serving the local community in Denver, CO. We are one of the premier HVAC companies in the area. You can count on us for all your heating and cooling needs. If you want to improve the quality of your home’s air, then you need to give us a call. We can help you find a solution to give you cleaner and healthier air. Our NATE-certified technicians receive updated training and education in the field. You can trust their knowledge and skillset when they come to your home. At Summit Heating & A/C, your comfort is our number one goal for our Denver area customers. Whether you need help with heating, cooling, a water heater, or air quality issues, give us a call today!
