How Do UV Air Humidifiers Work?
We all want to breathe the purest air possible in our homes. 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.
Many types of humidifiers are on the market to keep your home’s air at the perfect balance. One that’s gaining popularity is a UV air humidifier. Let’s dive into how these systems work and what differentiates them from other options.
UV Humidifier vs. Traditional Humidifier
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 light to sanitize the water before it’s released.
How a UV Humidifier Works
When ultraviolet light is released into water, it kills microorganisms like germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold that could otherwise escape through a filter and into your body. UV humidifiers increase moisture levels while ridding the air of harmful pollutants that could cause allergies, respiratory trouble, or 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.
Additional benefits include:
- Easily replaceable UV bulbs
- Low energy consumption that won’t send your energy bills skyrocketing
- Eliminated contaminants in the air around it, not just the water
Is a UV Humidifier Different Than a UV Air Purifier?
The names sound similar, and they share many of the same characteristics. Both systems use UV lights to reduce indoor air pollutants and successfully kill 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.
Similar to a UV air humidifier, this system can relieve allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. 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.
Professional Air Quality Services with Schneller Knochelmann
At Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve worked with hundreds of customers to restore the balance of humidity in their homes, and they couldn’t be happier. Whether you need repairs on an older model, a brand-new UV system installation, or regular maintenance to extend your humidifier’s life, our air quality professionals can handle it.
Contact Schneller Knochelmann today for professional service in Cincinnati, Covington, and the surrounding areas.