How Do UV Air Humidifiers Work?
We all want to breathe the purest air possible in our homes, especially with COVID-19 increasing our time inside. But indoor air quality also includes humidity levels. Too much humidity can increase dust and mold, creating health risks. Too little means dry air that can cause itchy skin, bloody noses, chapped lips, sore throats, respiratory infections, and even cracks in wood floors and furniture.
There are many types of humidifiers on the market to keep your home’s air at the perfect balance. One that is gaining popularity is a UV air humidifier. Let’s dive into how these systems work and what makes them different from other options.
The UV Difference
Typical humidifiers add moisture to a room through a reservoir of water that is misted into the air. A UV air humidifier takes that process one step further by utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light to first sanitize the water before it is released.
How It Works
Ultraviolet light is nearly proportional to sunlight, so when it is released into the water it kills microorganisms like germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold that could otherwise escape through a filter and into your body. Not only does a UV humidifier increase moisture levels, it does so while also ridding the air of harmful pollutants that could cause allergies, respiratory trouble, or more serious illnesses.
Traditional humidifiers have a reputation as mold and germ breeding grounds if they’re not cleaned properly. A UV humidifier helps reduce that risk by stopping toxic growth before it starts. Of course, they still need to be regularly maintained, but it does ensure cleaner moisture thanks to the UV lamp that kills up to 99.99% of microorganisms.
Other benefits include:
- Easily replaceable UV bulbs
- Low energy consumption that won’t send your energy bills skyrocketing
- Eliminates contaminants in the air around it, not just the water
Is It Different Than a UV Air Purifier?
The names sound similar and they do share a lot of the same characteristics. Both systems use UV lights to reduce indoor air pollutants, and are successful in killing up to 99.99% of mold, bacteria, allergens, and viruses. However, UV air purifiers use a slightly different technology known as short-wave ultraviolet light to take down airborne pathogens.
As with a UV air humidifier, this system can relieve allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. In fact, some are even using UV air purifiers to kill the COVID-19 virus, although the FDA has been clear that further study is needed on this.
The biggest difference is that an air purifier does not affect humidity levels, so while you get clean air you don’t get the added benefit of more moisture. Depending on your home’s needs, this may not be enough.
We Offer Air Quality Expertise
At Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve helped hundreds of customers restore the balance of humidity in their homes and they couldn’t be happier. Whether it’s an older model in need of repair, installing a brand-new UV system or regular maintenance to extend your humidifier’s life, our air quality experts can handle it.
Give the skilled technicians at Schneller Knochelmann today at (859) 757-1877 in Kentucky or (513) 407-4424 in Ohio for fast service in Cincinnati, Covington, and the surrounding areas.