UV Light Air Purifiers

When you mention the words "air purifier", most people immediately think of a filter-based unit or an ionic air purifier. However, there is also a type of air purifier that uses light to clean the air around you. These units are called UV light air purifiers. The "UV" stands for ultraviolet, which is a type of light that most people are familiar with from the usage of black light fixtures for home decor.

UV light air purifiers work through a process called photocatalytic oxidation, or PCO, which can be used to kill almost all bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air, and sterilize it. UV air purifiers must have their bulbs replaced about once a year in order to function properly. UV light air purifiers and the PCO process do not actually filter the air, so they will not remove any polluting particles such as allergens and dust or dirt. For this reason, it is common to see a filtering system, such as a HEPA filter, used with the UV air purifier.

UV light air purifiers have been found to be very effective in the air sterilization process. Installing UV air purifiers may kill up to 99% of all viruses and bacteria present in the air. UV light air purifiers may even kill such serious viruses as hepatitis and tuberculosis, and deadly bacteria that can cause meningitis and anthrax. One UV air purifier study showed that when UV air purifiers are used in the workplace, the employees may experience up to a 60% decrease in work-related breathing problems.

If you want to improve the air quality in your home with a UV light air purifier, you can do so. Home UV air purifiers are available as freestanding units that can be moved from room to room as your needs dictate, and as units to install in your central heating and cooling system. Those that install in your central heating and cooling system are installed much like a whole house humidifier would be. Central UV light air purifier units purify the air in your entire home, and are not visible to guests or in the way of your daily activities. Most home UV light air purifiers are also paired with a filtering technology to improve their effectiveness, especially in odor removal.

A UV light air purifier may be the answer for your home's air quality problems. UV air purifiers will kill the majority of germs that we all bring home every day from work, school, day care, or even the grocery store. It is especially helpful if someone in your home has an inadequate immune system. Take the time to find the right unit for your specific needs.