You may have heard about UV air purifier services in Sussex County, DE and thought … wait, what is a UV air purifier? Hint: it’s not a UV light mixed with an air filter.
UV air purifiers are not air filtration systems. Those simply pull air through the filters and capture dust, bacteria, and contaminants with the filter. You throw the filter out, then replace it, and keep doing that.
But with a UV air purifier, it takes it up a notch. The ultimate goal is the same: provide cleaner, healthier air for you to breathe. Here is how they work.
UV Light Kills Bacteria and Viruses
It’s important to take this with a grain of salt, because information can change as new strains of viruses and bacteria emerge. However, it’s well-documented that UV light can kill many bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria contain proteins, and those proteins are susceptible to UV light. UV light transfers electrons within protein that breaks its bond between amino acids, and a non-essential amino acid called cysteine.
So when UV light hits the protein in bacteria and viruses as it passes by, it deconstructs it on a fundamental level. Basically, it helps kill airborne bacteria and viruses before it travels through your ductwork and back into your home.
Is it the Same as a HEPA Filter?
No. HEPA filters are great at removing up to 99.97% of contaminants in the air, such as dust, mold spores, dander, allergens, bacteria, and basically any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns or larger.
They’re highly efficient, but they don’t kill bacteria. They simply trap it. When you throw your HEPA filter out, it might still have that bacteria living in it. A UV light breaks down bacteria and actually destroys it.
HEPA filters are good, but not as good as UV lights. On top of that, HEPA filters can create added strain on your HVAC system. UV lights don’t make your AC work harder, making them the clear choice.
They Don’t Require Much Maintenance
UV air purifiers don’t require a ton of maintenance. Occasionally you will need a new UV bulb because they burn out, but they’re relatively simple, low-maintenance additions to your HVAC system.
You can usually get away with replacing the lamp once every year or two years. You can rope this into your annual HVAC maintenance, so there’s no need for extra appointments or costs.
How to Get Started with a UV Air Purifier in Your Home
It all starts with a phone call. We can install a UV air purifier in your home as soon as possible so you can start living a healthier, cleaner life. It’s impossible to keep an immaculate home. Bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pollutants get in, and a UV air purifier gives you the best defense against them all.
Contact Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule UV air purifier installation, maintenance, and repairs as soon as possible. Because nothing is more important than the air you breathe.