UV stands for “ultraviolet,” and a UV filter uses ultraviolet light to kill airborne pathogens. The filter then removes the dead pathogen particulates from the air in your home. Generally, you can either find standalone air purifiers or actual HVAC filters that use ultraviolet light.
How Does an Ultraviolet Filter Work?
In 2010, Nicholas G. Reed performed a study about the efficacy of ultraviolet light when it comes to purifying the air. He concluded that ultraviolet light was safe and effective at removing pathogens from the air when used correctly. In fact, it was known as early as 1877 that light affected some pathogens. Back then, they didn’t know that it was ultraviolet light that did it, but research over the years has borne out the 19th-century findings.
The ultraviolet light has the same effect on the microorganisms that it does on human skin. It burns them, thus rendering them neutral and no longer dangerous. The particulates will remain in the air, however, which is why there are physical filter components as well.
What Percentage of Pathogens Does an Ultraviolet Filter Remove?
Ultraviolet filters, whether they’re the larger kind that fits into your HVAC system or the smaller kind that fit into your standalone air purifier, will generally kill more than 99.5% of the pathogens in the air, including viruses, bacteria, and spores. Thereafter, the physical parts of the filter will remove those particulates from the air.
Is There Anything That an Ultraviolet Filter Won’t Remove From the Air?
Yes, ultraviolet filters don’t remove volatile organic compounds from the air as a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter, will. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, come from human-made substances, such as cleaning products, gas from appliances, paints, and other such compounds up to and including certain medications.
To remove these compounds from the air, you’ll also need a HEPA filter that has the right attributes for the particular compounds in question. However, putting an ultraviolet filter and a HEPA filter together creates a formidable partnership in the fight to improve your indoor air quality.
Conclusion
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we have the requisite experience and knowledge to be able to advise you about which air filters and/or purifiers would work best for your home. So, when you would like to take positive steps towards better indoor air quality, you should call us to set up an appointment to talk about it. We’ll be glad to see you.