The indoor air quality of your home can have a significant effect on the health of your family. Air contaminated by mold, bacteria, pollen, dust, and other detritus may lead to itching, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and long-term health consequences. Luckily, a UV light air purifier attached to a home's HVAC system removes the vast majority of these harmful contaminants. Here’s a closer look at this technology.

An Introduction to UV Light & Indoor Air Quality

How Does UV Light Purify Air?

Shortwave ultraviolet light counteracts airborne contaminants like mold, bacteria, and viruses that can negatively impact health. The technology is also known as UV germicidal irradiation. Shortwave UV, or UV-C light, penetrates the cells of airborne pollutants and breaks apart their DNA, killing the pathogens and rendering the air safer to breathe.  Longer-wave UV light (UV-A and UV-B) can’t do this.

How Do Purifiers Work With an HVAC System?

Some are free-standing, but most are mounted to the air intake of a home's HVAC system. They work in conjunction with a filter, which removes non-living particles like dust and smoke debris. As air passes through the purifier, it’s filtered and irradiated before it enters the furnace or air conditioner. Irradiation kills more than 99% of mold, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. Clean air can then circulate throughout the home.

What Are the Purifier's Other Benefits?

UV light purifiers are easy to clean and maintain. Although they work in tandem with your HVAC filter, they don’t have a filter that needs replacement. There are no moving parts that can fail, and the only maintenance required is to change the bulb occasionally. Additionally, they remove cooking and pet smells by neutralizing the particles that cause these odors.

To have a UV light air purifier installed to improve your indoor air quality, contact Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling, a residential and commercial HVAC contractor in Cincinnati, OH. They’ve offered comprehensive services throughout the area since 1929 and specialize in furnace and AC repair, maintenance, and installation. Read what their clients have to say about them on their website or call (513) 574-0005 to arrange an air quality inspection.