The most common types of pollutants that can enter into a home’s indoor air are dust, pollen, dander, and lint. All of these can become irritants, especially for people with allergies and asthma. However, they are usually easy to remove with mechanical air filters that catch the particles in a mesh of fibers while allowing the air to continue to flow.
Much harder to stop—and unfortunately much more hazardous and unhealthy—are organic pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. If your HVAC system has an infestation of microorganism and other biological intruders, you need a special weapon to get rid of them: a UV air purifier.
How a UV air purifier works
A UV air purifier, also known as a UV germicidal light, lets out high frequency ultraviolet wavelengths that are destructive to organic tissue. These lights are not harmful for humans (unless taken in massive doses) but they are strong enough to disrupt the DNA of microbes, rendering them inert and harmless. A UV air purifier can eliminate most dangerous microorganisms and spores without placing any chemicals into the HVAC system that lower indoor air quality.
Should you have one installed?
It’s important to understand that UV air purifiers will not affect non-organic contaminants, so they can do nothing against dust and pollen and other types of particles common to HVAC systems. You should only have a UV germicidal light installed if you have biological pollutants in the system. They work well in combination with other filters and air cleaners, and if you rely on a professional with experience in indoor air quality, you should receive an installation that eliminates more than 99% of all the pollutants that might enter your air.
If you are interested in UV air purifier installation in La Habra, CA or the surrounding areas, call JC Mechanical Inc. We have served Southern California with great indoor air quality since 1992.