Do UV Light Purification Systems Really Work?

HEPA filtration does a fine job of capturing larger contaminants like dust and dirt. Still, there’s an entire class of airborne contaminants they don’t capture, including bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds.

Thankfully, UV light, nature’s natural sterilizer, has been applied to air purification systems to remove those harmful pathogens.

What’s the Problem With Indoor Air Quality?

Airborne pathogens in the home are natural and unavoidable. Their initial presence is mostly harmless, but when they linger and recirculate via your HVAC system, that’s when allergies and sickness persist.

Yes, outdoor air has its share of air quality issues, but it also has a natural (and powerful!) source to help sterilize it — the sun. Sunlight destroys harmful bacteria and creates low-level hydrogen peroxide gas that also kills airborne contaminants. Isn’t nature amazing?

But with indoor environments mostly deprived of sunlight, we’re forced to fight the dust and germs on our own. Fortunately, advanced indoor air quality solutions are available to help win the battle.

How Does a UV Light Purifier Work?

Ultraviolet light is the same energy frequency produced by the sun. We all know what happens to our eyeballs and skin cells when exposed to low-level UV light. Likewise, airborne microbes become damaged and defenseless when exposed to UV light.

UV light disrupts microorganisms’ DNA and RNA structure, rendering them unable to reproduce. In some cases, ultraviolet light can completely destroy the cells.

There are several different UV light purifying systems — some attach directly to the HVAC system, while others are portable/free-standing.

Air Purification Systems Team Jacob Installs

Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning recommends and installs only the best whole-home air purification systems.

REME HALO Air Purification System

The REME HALO is a UV light purifier we can install in your home’s air ducts.

The UV light destroys airborne contaminants, but this system also produces low-level hydrogen peroxide to circulate and sanitize air and surfaces throughout your home.

Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers

Air filtration should still be used in conjunction with UV light, which is why we recommend and install Aprilaire whole-home air purifiers.

This system effectively traps larger (and heavier) particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander and removes lingering odors. Heavier particles don’t stay airborne as long as smaller ones, so it’s best to capture them via intake circulation and filters.

Benefits of UV Light AC Systems

Installing an air conditioner with built-in UV light air purification technology can provide several unique benefits for your home, including:

• Improved air quality: UV light technology is one of the most powerful forms of air purification, neutralizing harmful contaminants and eliminating them from your air supply for a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
• Enhanced HVAC efficiency: With fewer impurities to worry about clogging up your system, thanks to the UV light, your AC will operate more efficiently, extending its lifespan and enhancing performance.
• Reduced odors: By eliminating contaminants from your air supply, the UV light technology in your AC helps remove unwanted odors from your indoor air.
• Lower maintenance costs: Since your AC will have fewer contaminants to combat, it won’t require as frequent repairs or extensive maintenance, helping lower operational costs.
• Energy savings: The UV light system helps remove pollutants from your system, enhancing energy efficiency and helping to lower utility bills as a result.

Alternative Indoor Air Quality Solutions

In addition to a UV light AC system, you may want to consider installing alternative indoor air quality solutions if your air quality issues are particularly problematic. These are just some of the alternatives you may wish to install:

• Air purifiers: Air purifiers use filters to remove dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne particles from the air, improving indoor air quality by capturing contaminants that UV light systems might not address.
• Air scrubbers: Air scrubbers use a combination of filters and advanced oxidation processes to reduce airborne contaminants, allergens, and odors, offering a comprehensive approach to improving indoor air quality.
• Whole-home air purification systems: Whole-home air purification systems integrate with the HVAC system to continuously clean the air throughout the entire home, removing pollutants, allergens, and bacteria, and providing a broader and more consistent air quality solution compared to localized UV light systems.

Turn to Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning for Whole-Home Indoor Air Quality Solutions

It’s safe to say UV light air purifiers improve the air quality in any property. Microorganisms will always be defenseless against UV light, and with consistent technological improvements, it will only become an even greater sustainable indoor air quality solution in the future.

Start breathing cleaner air today. Contact Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning online to schedule a whole-house air purification installation.