Ultraviolet Air Purification Guide

UNDERSTANDING ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFICATION: WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS AND HOW IT CAN BENEFIT YOU

For allergy sufferers, airborne microorganisms like mold can significantly reduce quality of life. Learn how UV light air purification is uniquely qualified to keep allergens out of your home's air so you can live life to the fullest.

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFICATION?

Ultraviolet (UV) is a spectrum of light just below the range visible to the human eye. With a germicidal wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, ultraviolet light alters the genetic (DNA) material in cells so that microbial particles like bacteria, viruses, and mold can no longer reproduce essentially destroying them. It's a chemical-free treatment method that's effective, low maintenance, and easy to implement.

WHAT IT'S NOT

It's important to point out that UV air purification and air filtration are not the same thing. While UV light effectively treats microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, it will not capture lint, dust, smoke, and other airborne allergen particles. For the best results, combine a pair of 36-watt UV lights with a standard heating and cooling filter. Together, they are a powerful purification system.

HOW ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFICATION WORKS

An ultraviolet disinfection system uses a powerful UV light that's mounted inside your heating and cooling ductwork. As air flows around it, the microorganisms in the air are exposed to the light for a few seconds, destroying or inactivating their DNA which prevents the bacteria from reproducing and makes them incapable of causing disease or illness. The UV light not only treats air passing through the ductwork, it eliminates up to 99.9% of microorganism that grow within it, keeping the system itself clean.

WHAT ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFICATION REMOVES

Ultraviolet lights kill or deactivate 99% of the bacteria, pathogens, and viruses circulating inside your air ducts, destroying them before they move throughout your home. These microorganisms can trigger allergies and asthma, or can even make you more susceptible to colds, flus, and sinus infections.

UV lights reduce these contaminants from your home's air:

• Allergens
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Mold spores
• Viruses

THE BENEFITS OF ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFICATION

A relatively new air purification option, UV lights are have not yet been readily adopted as a standard. Even so, their purification abilities make them a good solution for those concerned about airborne microorganisms. With the power to reduce bacteria, mold spores, and more by than 99%, UV air purification can help you breath easy if you have sensitive allergies or asthma. When combined with a traditional particle-capturing air filter, the result is optimal air quality.

THE PROS AND CONS OF UV AIR PURIFICATION

• No filter to replace, eliminating need to replace every three months as well as concern of a clogged filter causing air contamination.
• While traditional filters require a steady flow of air in order to properly function, UV lights will continue to perform effectively regardless of airflow.
• UV lights never clog or get dirty.

• The UV light bulb slowly loses its power over time, approximately 15% each year so replacement is still needed eventually.
• As it's not a filter that physically traps particles, and it cannot treat lint, dust, or smoke, UV lights need to be paired with an air filter that can catch them for optimal air quality.
• UV lights are not rated using a system like MERV, FPR, or MPR, so it can take more research to select the correct system for your home. Some experts suggest 36 watt bulbs are optimal, but recommendations are varied.