What Can Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Actually Do

Many people are concerned about how to maintain the balance between lower fuel costs, improving air quality, and increasing home comfort. With the fall approaching, rising energy costs is making the balance harder to maintain, but technology has been answering the rescue signal. Ultraviolet air cleaners promise to provide cleaner, healthier air, but you may not be sure about the capabilities and claims of them. You should take time to conduct research so you can make a wise choice. You need to know what this new and evolving technology can do for you and what it cannot.

 Things that Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Can Do

The ultraviolet air cleaners are mainly used in hospitals and other places that require a sterile environment. They are capable of removing airborne germs and bacteria from the air and help improve indoor air quality. It is not like a HEPA filter air cleaner that needs to have the air moving through it in order to work. An ultraviolet air cleaner produces oxidizers that emanate from the machine to coat and sanitize surfaces to kill germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungus. It has proven to be effective against stopping the spreading of highly contagious infections such as tuberculosis. Many people chose this type of air cleaner because it operates quietly and it even cleans the air of smoke and dust. As technology develops, these machines will be able to include features such as a charcoal filter to eliminate smoke and odors and an ionizer that eliminate harmful particles by attracting them with negative particles. 

Things that Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Cannot Do

The thing that separates the ultraviolet air cleaners from the HEPA filter cleaners is the thing that limits its usefulness. Since they are not dependent upon air moving through it to work, the only way it can kill the germs is to make the germs mobile so that it can be moved toward the ultraviolet light. It mainly keeps surfaces sanitized. That means that the germs have to be mobile and deposited directly on you for it to work. It also will not be able to trap airborne particles such as dust and debris. You can use the ultraviolet air cleaner as part of a hybrid system that would also include a HEPA filter air cleaner. One major drawback to these air cleaners is cost. Small systems are costly and if you need to affect a large space or your entire home, the price rises. It may also cause your energy costs to rise.  

Your Needs Should Be the Deciding Factor

Ultraviolet air cleaners are for people who need to have a sterile environment or are very sensitive to germs and allergens. If you have allergies to mold and other pollutants that cause severe reactions, you could consider installing one of these systems. This system would be good for people who need to be in a quiet environment. If you invest in a portable model that you can transport from room to you if you do not need to or want to include the entire house. If want to improve air quality in your entire home, you can consider investing in a hybrid system that includes the ultraviolet air cleaner and HEPA filter air cleaner. You can consult with a professional to obtain advice on which system you should get depending on your needs and budget. You should be aware that even though you will experience an increase in home comfort and home air quality, you will not see any energy savings from these systems.