How do hospitals and labs keep their air so clean? The answer is ultraviolet-light filters that use powerful radiation to neutralize harmful particles that are invisible to the naked eye. This filtration technology now exists for residential markets as well, in both standalone air purifiers for single rooms and filtration lamps that accommodate central heating and air conditioning. But are UV air filters worth it for home installation? Let’s explore that question in a bit more detail.
What Does a UV Filter Do?
Think back to all the times your parents admonished you not to stare directly into the sun or to slather on the sunscreen before you hit the beach. The same principles are at play here. Ultraviolet light is a high-frequency form of radiation that, as its name would indicate, lies just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. The best-known source of ultraviolet radiation is, in fact, our good old sun. UV radiation damages one of the components of DNA in live cells, which cells then try to repair.
When sustained damage becomes too much for cells to repair, they die, either naturally or through programmed cell death. This effectively kills microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and dust mites, as well as some viruses. While the UV rays that the sun emits are generally safe for most organisms, a UV air filter uses the highest-frequency UV radiation—UV-C, the level our atmosphere normally absorbs. This ultraviolet light can be dangerous for you, too.
What Doesn’t a UV Filter Do?
Zapping the pathogens that cause allergic reactions and bacterial infections can go a long way in improving your air quality. However, an ultraviolet filter alone does not remove deactivated mold spores and dead dust mites from your air. In fact, it doesn’t physically remove anything. While controlling the dust mite population will reduce the amount of excrement that triggers allergic reactions in many people, it won’t take the mites or their droppings out of circulation.
If you’ve ever seen a fiberglass filter at replacement time and seen how grey and black it can get by the end of its cycle, you know how much dust, dirt, and overall schmutz a filter keeps out of the air and the furnace. A UV filter won’t keep your furnace (particularly its delicate heat exchanger) in peak condition.
So, UV Air Filters: Are They Worth It?
If you’re prone to allergies and spend a lot of time in one room of the house, taking an extra step to ensure the cleanest possible air is an excellent idea. Seek out a UV purifier for that room that will neutralize pathogens while you work or sleep. When it comes to central HVAC, however, using technology better suited to hospitals and laboratories is an unnecessary flourish and is no substitute for physical air filters. Instead, seek out high-MERV offerings such as our Flanders NaturalAire Filters, change them regularly, and take the time to ensure your ductwork is well-sealed, leaving fewer entry points.
