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What Is a UV Air Filter?

Overview of UV air filters for indoor air quality

UV light has been used to help with indoor air quality issues since the late 1800s. In modern times, though, this has evolved into the usage of UV air filters. Whether you’re concerned about bacteria, germs or other microbes, you can improve your indoor air quality to help keep your family safe. Melbourne might not be one of the worst places to live in Florida if air quality is a concern, but it still has a tendency to cause unsafe pollutants to come inside your home.

What Exactly is a UV Light Air Purifier?

Just like any other indoor air purifier, the purpose of using UV is to reduce the total number of pollutants in your house. Also known as UV germicidal irradiation, these purifiers utilize short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) to target and inactivate airborne microorganisms and pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and mold.

UV-C air purifiers are currently available as freestanding devices. Additionally, it’s possible to purchase one that can be installed into an existing HVAC system. Either way, they use germicidal irradiation to disinfect your air as it passes through UV lamps. It’s important to note, though, that the only way to get full effectiveness out these air filters is by partnering them with a High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) air filtration system.

What’s the Difference between UV-A, B and C?

Ultraviolet light cannot be seen or felt as it is shorter than visible light. It ranges from 100 to 400 nanometers. Visible light, meanwhile, is between 400 and 700 nanometers.

Ultraviolet light is further split into three segments:

  • UV-A light ranges from 315-400 nanometers
  • UV-B light ranges from 280–315 nanometers
  • UV-C light ranges from 100–280 nanometers

Air purifiers use UV-C light as their disinfectant.

Why was UV-C Light Chosen?

UV-C light has the ability to change any molecule that absorbs it. In turn, the DNA of each molecule is changed. Bacteria only have one cell, which means they absolutely rely upon their DNA to stay alive. Once UV-C damages the DNA, it causes the bacteria to self-destruct. In other words, it becomes harmless.

Indoor Air Contaminants Pose Several Dangers

Indoor air pollutants and contaminants can pose several dangers for your Melbourne family. Long-term exposure is even known to increase your odds of developing cancer or heart disease. Additionally, indoor contaminants have been linked to:

  • Eye irritation
  • Coughing
  • Asthma flareups
  • Headaches
  • Trouble breathing
  • Allergy symptoms

Perks of Installing a Whole-Home Air Purifier

The pathogens that enter your home can increase your risk of getting sick. Installing a whole-home air purifier is the best way to prevent this from happening. Other benefits of using one of these systems are listed below.

Reduces Your Home’s Odors

Having an air purifier in your home is one of the best ways to ensure your air will stay cleaner and smell fresher. Upgrading to a whole-home system can help several noxious smells dissipate much more quickly, including those related to pets, cleaning and cooking.

Reduces Asthma and Allergy Flare-Ups

One of the primary reasons for allergy and asthma flare-ups in Melbourne is unclean air. By eliminating most of the pathogens, pet dander and dust particles from the air, you’ll naturally experience fewer flare-ups.

Decreases HVAC Costs

Using an ultraviolet air purifier can help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system, along with making it more efficient. Both of these factors will bring down your total HVAC expenses.

Benefits of Adding UV Light to a Whole-Home Air Purifier

In addition to the perks listed above, you’ll also receive even more benefits if your air purifier includes UV light.

  • UV light reduces energy expenses by moving your air more efficiently.
  • UV light will boost airflow by reducing built-up contaminants.
  • UV light boosts comfort and efficiency with faster cooling and heating.
  • UV light reduces HVAC maintenance by keeping your system clean.

As you can see, UV light will take an air purifier system and make it even better! If you combine your whole-home system with UV light, you’ll have the best possible results.

UV Light Experts in Melbourne

Indoor air quality is one of the primary services that One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating provides. We offer whole-home solutions such as air purification and filtration. Furthermore, our professional team offers duct cleaning, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and heat & energy recovery ventilators (R/EVRs).

Do you want to make your Melbourne home’s indoor air quality safer for your entire family? Reach out to One Hour today to book an appointment. We’ll send an indoor air quality expert to assess your home and suggest the ideal solution for you!