HVAC In Duct UV Light Air Purifier

The amazing abilities of an ultraviolet or UV light air purifier is undeniable, but is the same ultra-violet light technology also useful when it comes to purifying your ducts? UV light is a natural air purifier, capable of killing molds, yeasts and viruses. In addition, this natural purifier is available free because the sun emits it. However, as most people live indoors and not out in the sun, how can you use this naturally occurring air cleaner in your home.

This is where UV air purifiers come in to play. These air purifiers can help in detoxify the air in your home, although it is important to note that they will not remove airborne particles.

UV light is one of the wavelengths emitted naturally by the sun. Though these waves are invisible to the human eye, they are all around us outside and as the sun emits these waves, they irradiate pollutants in the air.

Air purifiers that utilize filters, such as HEPA and carbon filters, work by removing solids such as allergens, pet dander, and dust. Ionizing and ozone air purifiers work by using magnetism and oxygen atoms to remove odors and smoke from the air. UV light air purifiers, on the other hand, work by killing bacteria, molds, yeasts and viruses that may remain in the air. Unfortunately, a UV light air purifier will not take care of dust, allergens, or solids in the air.

UV-C wavelength destroys viruses, molds, bacteria, mildew, yeast, and algae by breaking through the microbe and causing its death. In addition to killing the common cold and influenza germs, UV air purifiers also kill viruses that are more powerful and bacteria such as anthrax and smallpox.

UV Light in Your Ducts

UV or Ultraviolet air purifiers are usually installed in metal air duct systems, as UV exposure to eyes is very harmful. The faster and more often the air system is circulating, the more effective the UV air purifier will be. There are plug-in air purifier models available that make use of multiple filter systems (HEPA and carbon) in addition to a UV light stage.

Multiple filter + UV stage air purifier models start at about $600. Air duct installed systems, usually offering UV only or a UV and HEPA combination start around $300 with an average model costing $700 plus installation.

Unlike most other purification systems, UV air purifiers have no odor and are silent, though there is noise inherent in running forced air through a home or office. Light bulbs usually need to be replaced every 15 months or so if the UV air purifier is run twenty-four hours a day, seven day a week.

Some situations would render a UV light air purifier ineffective. If the air does not circulate in a room or building, or if the air circulates very slowly, a UV light air purifier will not be able to do its job. This is because UV light can only kill contaminates that are close to the light bulb. A UV bulb is only sixty percent efficient at 0.4 inches from the bulb and only 20 percent effective at two inches from the bulb.