UV air purifiers are devices that use UV light technology to capture air and pass it through a filter. The air then passes through a small internal chamber where it is exposed to UV-C light. Afterward, some air purifiers re-filter the air before returning it to the room. While there is a widespread belief that UV light can remove virtually all contaminants and viruses, including COVID-19, the CDC does not recommend the use of ultraviolet (UV) light within a HEPA filtration system.
Having UV light in an air purifier with HEPA filtration can have more disadvantages than benefits and, in fact, it can be dangerous. UV light doesn't immediately kill organisms, but it renders them unable to produce the proteins they need to survive and reproduce. HVAC UV lights sterilize viruses and bacteria before they can return to your home, helping to reduce airborne germs that can infect healthy family members or people with weaker immune systems. In contrast, HEPA filtration systems work very well on their own, without introducing UV light into the mixture.
There are different types available, and those that use UV light capture and destroy airborne viruses and bacteria. However, UV and UV-C light purifiers will not remove particles and allergens commonly found in homes. Installing a UV HVAC system in your condensing unit (indoor) provides a cost-effective method for cleaning your home's air as it passes through the system. This means you'll keep coughing and sneezing if you have an air purifier that uses UV light.
Among the most common household volatile organic compounds that neutralize UV light systems in air conditioning systems are paints, solvents, sprays, cleaners, disinfectants, repellents, and air fresheners. To eliminate most pathogens and bacteria, a dose of UV light high enough for the air purifier to emit is needed. By installing a UV air purifier, you'll prevent mold and bacteria from growing and spreading throughout your air conditioning system. Most homeowners in Atlanta combine germicidal UV lights with an air filter that has a high MERV rating (minimum efficiency values).
Currently, the Center for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency do not recommend the use of UV light in HEPA air purifiers. In summary, while there are some advantages to using a UV light air purifier such as sterilizing viruses and bacteria before they can return to your home, there are also some drawbacks. The most significant disadvantage is that these devices do not remove particles or allergens from the air. Additionally, the CDC does not recommend using ultraviolet (UV) light within a HEPA filtration system.
Therefore, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of using a UV light air purifier before making a decision.