UV air filters, also called UV air purifiers, use UVC ultraviolet light to clean the air by killing microorganisms like mold, viruses, and bacteria. The most effective UV air purifiers work by pulling in air, passing it through a HEPA filter, and then exposing it to UVC light in a chamber. The light damages the microorganisms and prevents them from multiplying. Since it takes time for UVC light to kill pathogens, some purifiers filter the air once more before sending it back into a room.
How Do UV Air Filters Work?
Most UV air filters use a phosphor-coated quartz tube lamp to emit UV rays into the air. When the UVC rays come into contact with microorganisms, they disrupt their DNA, which either incapacitates or kills them after prolonged exposure. To be effective, the UVC must directly engage the organisms for several minutes.
Where Are UV Air Filters Used?
UV air filters are commonly found in hospitals and office buildings. Since the pandemic of 2019, they have also become popular for home use.
What Contaminants Do UV Air Filters Eliminate?
Residential HEPA-based UV air purifiers are designed to mitigate problems with viruses, bacteria, or mold. They can also help eliminate unpleasant odors. HEPA filters work by trapping germs and mold spores so they die on their own. UV light makes air purifiers work better by sterilizing and killing these harmful particles. As the purifier pulls air in, the HEPA filter removes particulates and dust while the short-wave UVC light targets airborne microorganisms.
Viruses
UV lights can stop viruses from reproducing and help to disinfect the air. It takes 25 minutes for far-UVC light to kill 99.9% of airborne coronaviruses. Germicidal UV air purifiers can also be used to fight severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the flu.
Bacteria
UVC light can reduce the population of airborne bacteria after a period of prolonged, direct exposure. It’s most effective when it’s combined with a HEPA filter that has a strong motor. This will maximize the contact time between the air and the UV light before pushing cleaned air back into the room.
Mold
Mold is a common organism that reproduces through spores that can float and move through the air. Eventually, the spores land in places where they can grow and multiply. UVC filters can destroy the airborne mold spores they trap and prevent new mold from growing, which makes your air cleaner.
Odors
UVC light can break down odor molecules into smaller fragments to neutralize their scent. They can reduce the smell of pet odors, food odors, and other biological smells.
Limitations of UV Air Filters
While UV air filters are great at removing pathogens from the atmosphere, they are not a standalone solution for improving air quality.
- UV air purifiers are not capable of filtering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) out of the air. These chemicals are commonly found in cleaning products and fragrances.
- Some UV light air purifiers create ozone as a byproduct, which makes them less healthy for people with respiratory issues. Ozone can worsen symptoms of asthma and lung disease, so it’s important to choose a UV filter that won’t emit this compound.
- UV light can harm the eyes, but UV air filters are designed to block the light from entering the room to prevent the chance of exposure.
What About the MERV Rating?
The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) describes how well a filter can remove particulates for a given time period. MERV ratings are scored on a scale of 1 to 20. Better filters have a higher score. Most home HVAC systems have MERV ratings in the range of 7 to 12.
Who Should Consider Getting a UV Air Filter?
UV filters can benefit anyone who appreciates safe, clean indoor air. This technology can help people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities breathe easier. It can also make your home more pleasant by freshening the atmosphere.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With a UV Air Filter
If you want to breathe in better air and eliminate mold, pathogens, and bad odors, investing in a UV air filter is a great choice. The professionals at Bradenton One Hour will be happy to discuss the wide range of air purifiers available today so you can find one that works best for you.