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What Are Some Benefits of Having an Air Purifier in the Bedroom?

Air purifiers in the bedroom can significantly improve air quality by removing airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, as it reduces exposure to allergens and irritants.

Scientific studies have shown that using air purifiers can lead to a healthier indoor environment, enhancing overall sleep quality and well-being.

Benefit	Description
Allergen Reduction	Removes common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites from the air, reducing allergy symptoms.
Improved Sleep Quality	By purifying the air, it creates a more comfortable sleeping environment, potentially enhancing sleep quality.
Odor Elimination	Eliminates unpleasant odors, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant bedroom atmosphere.
Lower Airborne Disease Risk	Reduces the spread of airborne diseases by filtering out bacteria and viruses.
Removal of Harmful Chemicals	Filters out harmful chemicals from indoor sources or outdoor pollution, improving air safety.
Humidity Control	Some air purifiers come with built-in humidifiers, helping to maintain optimal bedroom humidity levels.
Noise Reduction	Many modern air purifiers operate quietly, providing a soothing background noise that can enhance sleep.

Quality of Sleep

Getting the right amount of quality sleep is one of the cornerstones of living a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping disorders represent a giant percentage of the population.

When you’re not sleeping well your your whole life can you get out of sync.

And vice versa if your life is out of sync then you’re probably not sleeping well.

There’s multiple reasons that you may not be sleeping right also. Your diet and digestion play a huge part and how you sleep.

The quality of your air also has an immense effect on how well you are sleeping.

Sleeping deficiencies can affect your day and your life in multiple ways.

Some ways that are fairly obvious like say not having enough energy and not remembering things well.

Other symptoms include things like learning and problem solving.

Sleeping deprivation can make it hard to control your emotions. Running on no sleep can make you feel angry or sad and depressed and cause wild shifts giving you unexpected mood swings.

Many other indications of bad sleeping habits can include symptoms that you may not think about.

Ongoing sleep problems are linked to heart and kidney disease. High blood pressure and strokes.

Another huge problem linked with poor sleeping is obesity. studies show that not getting enough sleep can actually make you feel hungrier then when you are getting good sleep.

And Obesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. Blood sugar levels can drop and Spike all based on operating on poor or no sleep.

Obesity is also related to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of fatigue during the day. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing momentarily well we are sleeping. The result is gasping for air and choking. It is a condition that can literally make you feel like you have been through a war throughout the night.

Allergies can also aggravate sleep apnea sufferers. Couple apnea with strong allergies and you have a recipe for sleeplessness.

Suffice to say, sleep is very important to the quality of your life.

Have you ever thought about how much you actually sleep over the course of your life?

Roughly one-third of your entire life is spent sleeping.

The environment you’re sleeping in is also important. Having a comfortable quiet place to sleep is part of our basic instinct.

  Proper bedding and pillows go without saying.

Keeping your bedding clean is also a big issue when it comes to sleep.

“Bad air quality can affect your whole life and the quality of your day.”

Since so much of your life is spent sleeping, having clean air just breathe while you’re sleeping is very important.

Most of us are not aware of the amount of indoor air pollution we are exposed to everyday. And a great deal of that pollution can be found on right in your bed.

One suggestion for helping you breathe better while sleeping is investing in an air purifier.

7 Benefits of Having an Air Purifier in the Bedroom?

• • 1. Allergen Reduction

       Removes common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites from the air, reducing allergy symptoms.
       
       
       

    2. Improved Sleep Quality

       By purifying the air, it creates a more comfortable sleeping environment, potentially enhancing sleep quality.
       
       
       

    3. Odor Elimination

       Eliminates unpleasant odors, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant bedroom atmosphere.
       
       

    4. Lower Airborne Disease Risk

       Reduces the spread of airborne diseases by filtering out bacteria and viruses.
       
       
       

    5. Removal of Harmful Chemicals

       Filters out harmful chemicals from indoor sources or outdoor pollution, improving air safety.
       
       
       

    6. Humidity Control

       Some air purifiers come with built-in humidifiers, helping to maintain optimal bedroom humidity levels.
       
       
       

    7. Noise Reduction

       Many modern air purifiers operate quietly, providing a soothing background noise that can enhance sleep.
       
       
       
       

Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

1.  Much of the breathing problems but exist throughout our day come from being trapped indoors where there is no proper ventilation. Multiple studies prove that indoor air quality can be much worse then outdoor.

2.  Breathing problem triggers can be found enMass in your bedroom. Dust mites, pet dander, as well as cockroach droppings, dead skin, and chemical pollutants what furniture cleaners and carpet adhesives can all exasperate and trigger asthma attacks and shortness of breath.
  Using a HEPA air purifier near your bed can greatly reduce the exposure you have to these troublesome particulates.

3.  Air purifiers, especially filtering air purifiers can double as white noise machines.

White noise can help you sleep and provide excellent benefits like:

a. Keeping your bedroom quieter
b. Helping you stay asleep longer
c. Help you sleep more sound
d. Help you calm your busy thoughts
e. Help you establish a routine for sleeping

Do Air Purifiers Help with Sleep Apnea?

Yes. A Hepa air purifier will filter the pollen and bacteria in the room that can aggravate the problem of sleep apnea even further giving people who suffer from sleep apnea a better chance of a good nights sleep.

People with sleep apnea can tend to be more susceptible to airborne allergens.

When you already have a condition causes you to stop breathing while you are sleeping then you add poor indoor air quality to the mix.

It makes getting a good night sleep becomes near impossible.

Using an air purifier to keep clean air present while you are sleeping will definitely help with sleep apnea and snoring.

Can air purifiers be left on all the time?

Yes. As long as you are using a air purifier that uses HEPA and carbon filtering there is absolutely no safety issues in leaving the air purifier on 24/7.

You will not damage the air purifier or cause any unwanted side effects leaving a HEPA air purifier on continuously but you do have to remember that HEPA filters only last so long before they have to be replaced.

Fortunately, and I might add, there is a much better way then leaving your air purifier on all the time.

What I am talking about is the many air purifiers on the market that come with air quality monitors built in.

These are cleaners can monitor the air and decide how long the purifier needs to run to clean the area.

Once the area is clean, the air purifier will shut off on its own.

This lengthens the life of the air purifier and the filters plus uses less energy.

note: If you are using a unit that creates ozone as a by-product, you need to remember the ozone can build up and become unsafe to breathe.

Ozone is not meant to be used in the same room as the people who are occupying it.

My recommendation is to only use ozone as an air cleaner when you can do so without people or pets around.

Which is better a Humidifier or air Purifier?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air and an air purifier filters out contaminants from the air.

Both devices can help you sleep better.

There are certain times of the year that a humidifier is needed more because of dry conditions.

Where as an air purifier is needed more throughout the year even though there are times of the year that they are needed even more.

When pollen counts are high for example.

Are certainly benefits to having both in your bedroom but an air purifier would be my choice if I could only pick one.



In conclusion,

the integration of an air purifier in the bedroom offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance the indoor environment and overall well-being.

From reducing allergens and airborne diseases to improving sleep quality and controlling humidity, the advantages are diverse and impactful.

The removal of harmful chemicals and unpleasant odors further contributes to creating a safer and more pleasant living space.

Additionally, the subtle noise reduction feature of modern air purifiers can further promote a peaceful and restful sleep environment.

Overall, the use of an air purifier in the bedroom is a simple yet effective way to ensure a healthier and more comfortable indoor atmosphere, contributing positively to both physical health and overall quality of life.

Also this: What Does Ozone Smell Like In An Air Purifier?

A good air purifier in your house,

One that can actually get rid of airborne allergens, dander, and mites, or plain old run-of-the-mill pollen and spores, not to mention dust,

Is a good thing.

But selecting the right air purifier from the huge selection of air purifiers on the market can be tough.

Many people searching for an air purifier, are looking at air ionizers specifically because of the obvious benefit of price,

Since they do not require the usual HEPA replacement filters necessary to clean air.

But is an Air Ionizer all it’s cracked up to be?

What are some if the Pros and Cons of an Ionizer Air Purifier?

 Ionizer Air Purifier – Pros Cons

Pros

1. 1. 1. Cleans the Ambient Air
      2. Inexpensive to Run
      3. No Filters to Replace
      4. Can Provide a Feeling of Well-Being

Cons

1. 1. 1. Only Temporarily Cleans the Ambient Air.
      2. Makes the Walls and the Surfaces Around the Air Ionizer Dusty.
      3. Ozone by-product.
         
         

 

What is the Difference between an Air Purifier and an Air
Ionizer?

1. Air purifier is a broad term that covers all types of air cleaning technologies including ionizing.

2. Air ionizer is a term that describes a air purifier that uses ionizing as its primary air cleaning technology.

3.  Most air purifiers use HEPA filters to filter out indoor air pollution so the term air purifier is most of the time considered synonymous with HEPA filter.

 

 

Can Air Ionizers Actually Change Your Mood?

Yes. Believe it or not, Research indicates that in areas where there is an over abundance of negative ions, like the beach, people tend to feel more light-hearted and joyful.

Some studies show that negative ions have a positive result on human emotion.

You may have never thought about it, but an ionizer may have a real effect on productivity in the workplace.

People tend to get a lot more done when they’re feeling positive about things.

Happier employees can affect the  bottom line.

So instead of Hawaiian shirt day or casual Fridays , maybe installing air ionizers is just what  the doctor ordered.





But apart from the theory of negative ion Bliss, are ionizers have their problems.

1.Because of the short life of ions, an air ionizer fan can only cover a small square footage at best.

2.Plus they are only a temporary solution and do nothing to completely kill airborne contaminants.

Ionizer purifiers or negative ion generators as there often called work by generating and emitting negative ions into the ambient air.

Because of polarity, the negative particle of the ion connects with the positive ions in the room.  
(Positive ions are considered to be the contaminants that are polluting your air).

The newly-formed clusters of all ions become too heavy to float and fall to the surface.

One of the biggest problems is that walls tend to be the nearest surface.

What is black wall effect?

“black wall effect” is the phrase coined to describe the grey /black dusty film that negative ionizers leave on walls.

  Another surface that tend to get extra dusty in the presence of ionizers are TV screens. Static electricity from the TV is  a magnet for ionized dust.

The same can be said for the air cleaner itself. You’ll probably find the device extra dusty when you are using it.

Another problem with this technology is that is that any kind of movement, just walking for instance, will kick the pollution back into the air.

Also just think of what that can mean if you’re eating in the vicinity of the air ionizer.

Which leads back to the main issue.

Negative Ionizers do absolutely nothing to kill or disinfect allergens.

Another downside is the way that the typical ionizer produces ions is through an electrical Spark.

A small amount of ozone is created with that spark.

Not a big deal until you get into the fact that it’s going to take mIllions and millions of ions to do the job.

Couple that with the fact that it will take multiple ionizers to actually clean a large space,

and since ozone can actually build up, it can start to be a problem.

So with all that in mind,

A negative air ionizer may not be the best air purifier and a temporary solution at best.

But before we throw the baby out with the bathwater,

It is fair to say that there are different types of Technology that utilize ions with good results and without the drawbacks.

1.  Bipolar ionization

This technology is also called cold plasma it works by emitting both positive and negative ions into the air. Its also called Plasmawave.

Since negative ions have one too many electrons and positive ions have one too few, when they are introduced into the air they immediately attract to one another and in the process combine around the pollutants in the air.

This technology is used in HVAC systems with high success.

It is also used in combination with HEPA and carbon filters.

The ideal being, the clustered ions will be captured in the HEPA filter.

This technology also neutralizes air pollution which makes air pollutants like bacteria and viruses, even vocs like formaldehyde inactive.

2.  PCO

PCO or photocatalytic oxidation is the process of combining ultraviolet light with a catalyst like titanium oxide.

This technology creates super ions and hydroxide ions. Which effectively disinfect the air much the way hydro peroxide disinfects a scrape or abrasion.

PCO is very effective at reducing germs and viruses. And is one of the best technologies for reducing airborne mold spores.

The biggest downside of PCO is the production of ozone.

The effectiveness of photocatalytic oxidation technology almost out weighs the problems with using ozone as an air purifier.

This technology works well as in in duct HVAC air purifier because ability to destruct mold.

Also because of the placement, the production of ozone does not pose a problem because it will dissipate long before it reaches the ambient air.

Why does an Ionizer Air Purifier Smell?

Ionizers create a low level of ozone.
Ozone has been marketed as a “fresh after a thunderstorm smell”
Is also described as being a antiseptic type smell.

The concern with ozone is that it will oxidize any pollution around it.
That’s including the pollution in your lungs and the lung tissue itself.

Even though a small ionizer may not produce enough ozone to be harmful, you cannot regulate how a person will use hey machine or where they will use it.

So the problem with ionizers becomes,  even though a machine might manufacturer very little ozone for a given square space, that same machine could just as easily be used in a smaller square space, introducing much too much ozone into the area.

Summary

Like any appliance, negative ionizers have there good and bad, their pros and cons.

The pros of a ionizer air purifier include clean breathing air, less expense for replacement parts, and a general feeling of well-being.

The cons are they do nothing to neutralize germs, produce ozone as a by-product, and can leave your surfaces extra dusty.

My opinion is that a small ionizer on your desk is a great way to breathe cleaner air while you work but just remember to turn it off when you’re eating at your desk and remember to get the right one for your room size because bigger is not better in this situation.

Air Ionizer

Air Purifier for Cat Allergy? 

I am a cat person.
I definitely show all the signs.
I talk to my cats.
I enjoy watching cat videos for an extended amount of time.
I buy catnip and the occasional toy for my cats,
And I have at least one cat in my lap or sitting next to me all the time I’m at home.
(A brief list to be sure)

Two cats is my limit though.

My family has always had cats around since I can remember.

I’ve never been allergic to a cat in my life, until recently.

Can you be allergic to one cat but not another?

Yes you can. Some cats just shed more than others. And since the bacteria known as dander is attached to the shedded fur, you can experience more allergy symptoms around the cat that sheds more.

Can you develop an allergy to cats later on in life?

Yes,  It’s possible but it’s more likely that something has changed in the environment around you that is causing the allergic reaction. Like say a cat that is shedding more than usual and spreading a lot more dander than usual.

And that is my situation

Though I may think of myself as a cat person, I would not categorize myself as someone that is good at choosing a cat.

More like the opposite.

The truth is, I have never actually chosen a cat.

They always just seem to end up around me in the house somehow. They are usually brought in by one of my sisters or one of my daughters.

That to say,

Now I know,
there is such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat and if I knew I was going to have a constant wheezing and sneezing issue with one of my cats,

  I would have look a lot harder to find one (or at all) that was hypoallergenic.

But what I got is a fat lovable Calico that leaves a trail of hair everywhere she goes.

Especially on my couch and clothes.

So now I’ve got an allergy that is centered around that one cat.

My other cat is a short-haired rescue that doesn’t seem to bother me at all when it comes to allergies.

But I’ve had to make some adjustments and learn to deal with living in the same house as a cat I’m allergic to.

And that is really what this article is about.

It was not hard to realize that what I was allergic to was related to the amount of shedding the cat is doing.

The cat hair and more specifically the cat dander that is covering the hair  was getting out of control so here’s my list:

1.House Cleaning/ Vacuuming

I went into hyper vacuuming and sweeping mode.

Cleaning the house is essential to keeping cat allergies down.

The amount of cat hair in the dump canister on the vacuum should have been a clue.

The amount of hair in the lint filter of the dryer after washing the blankets on the couch should have been a clue also.

• 

• 

• 

I decided to step up the vacuuming to twice a week which seemed like getting a second job at first but hasn’t been that bad.

The one thing to point out is that if your vacuum does not have a HEPA filter, it is not going to vacuum the bacteria (that is what the dander actually is) as well.

Also related to vacuuming is air-purifying.

Vacuuming itself will actually kick up the dust and the dander into the air that you breathe and since dander is so small he can remain there for quite a while.
The truth is it doesn’t even take vacuuming to kick up dander into the air, simply walking through the house at any time is causing dust to enter the airstream.

2. Air Purifier for Cat Allergy?

An air purifier equipped with a true HEPA filter and a pre-filter is a must for keeping the air around me breathable while I’m sitting watching the TV or sleeping.

Keeping the air clean around you while you’re sleeping is also actually a big deal because you tend to breathe much deeper when you are sleeping.

  Having cleaner air when you’re sleeping will actually keep you from waking up as much and even help with snoring and sleep apnea.

If your cat sleeps with you or like mine, pounces all over you in the middle of the night, an air purifier maybe what you need to help you get a good night sleep.

What’s the difference between HEPA and true HEPA?

As for the meaning of “true HEPA”. It simply means that it’s a actual HEPA filter and not a imitation knock off.
HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as .3 microns. Buying a “ like hepa” filter won’t give you the same protection as a true hepa filter.

3. Grooming

For grooming I purchased a cat brush that removes an insane amount of hair in one pass. I also bought a glove that does about the same thing. Both were impulse purchases on Facebook.
I like the brush better than the glove.

My cat is super sensitive on her lower back. She cannot stand to be touched in that area.
I’ve yet to figure out why.

There’s a lot of people on the internet with the same problem but I’ve yet to see an answer for it. Maybe leave a comment if you know.

  It can make brushing the cat a lot more of a challenge. But if I keep in the right spots, I can get most of the hair without making her too crazy.

I also wiped the cat down with some baby wipes which doesn’t really seem to bother her. I’ve heard they have actual Kitty wipes but I’ve yet to try them.

4. Hygiene

Remembering to wash my hands after I pick up the cat or pet her is a simple thing that does a whole lot to keep myself from getting that allergic feeling.

If I don’t Remember to wash my hands and face, I’ll end up rubbing my eyes.

Rubbing your eyes and face with cat all over your hands is the worst thing to do to avoid itchy swollen eyes and sneezing.
There is an actual name for it. It’s called “itchy eye syndrome”

Keeping some hand sanitizer on the counter helps remember to wash my hands after I mess with the animals.

Really it comes down to common sense dealing with cat allergies but it is hard to do anything about dander without some outside help.

I’ve listed here the air purifier and the vacuum I was just taking a look at.

Air purifiers come in a whole array of sizes complete with different air cleaning Technologies.

My take on Air purification is that it is going to be very expensive to keep the air in the whole house clean. The amount of energy and keeping up with replacement filters is what I’m talkin about. That’s why I suggest just keeping a small air purifier in the areas of the house that you are in the most.

But there is always a exceptions to the rule.

There are air purifiers that go right into your HVAC unit that will keep the are in the whole house clean and actually neutralize pet dander. The cost to run one is considerably lower too.

But also these types of air purifiers do nothing to get rid of cat or dog hair.
You’ll have to get a separate air cleaner for that.

But at least it won’t have to be the most expensive true Hepa they carry.

There is even quite a few do it yourself HEPA air purifiers that you can throw together with box fan and a filter.

Probably a good idea for the garage but I don’t think my wife wants one in the living room. lol.

The vacuum we got is the….. Like I said before, it is insane, the amount of pet hair it picks up. We bought it at Walmart. But you can check it out here on Amazon and see the current price and reviews for yourself.

Peace.

Do I need an Air Purifier or Humidifier for Sinus?

  Sinus pain is caused by inflammation in your sinus cavities. A cool mist humidifier can help sooth your sinuses and give you some much needed quick relief. 

 But a good air purifier will filter out as much as 99% of the germs and bacteria, which could be the reason you are having problems with your sinuses when you are in specific area in the first place.

In other words an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Whenever I got into the air purifier business I did not even know what an air purifier was or what it did, only that I was looking for something to sell.

Through a MLM home business opportunity I was introduced to an air purifier that used photocatalytic oxidation to eliminate almost any kind of indoor air pollution.

And if you could stand the smell of ozone, that machine was awesome.

I thought, what an opportunity to help people alleviate the constant issues they have with sinus and allergies.

I mean everyone i know has problems with sinuses and breathing practically,

and providing an answer for those issues could provide me with an excellent business.

What I found out was that not only did I not know what an “air purifier” was but that not very many other people did either.

20 Years down the line and people still ask me if I’m still selling my HUMIDIFIERS. 

That is one of the points of this article.

These air devices or not something people think about everyday and why should they?

I found that a lot of people do not know the difference between air purifiers and humidifiers , dehumidifiers and Air conditioners.

Again, why would you need to know until you’re having a problem that requires you to get that knowledge?

So if you have sinus problems and you are looking for a device to help you feel better,

then you may be trying to figure out whether or not the air purifier is what you need or a humidifier.

 

There is so much confusion when it comes to colds and allergies.

For instance, you will hear that you need humidity to breathe when you have a sinus infection,

But you will also hear that mold and dust mites thrive in humid conditions.

And that Dust mites and mold spores are allergens and allergens cause sinus inflammation.

Confused yet?

Humidity or No humidity?

Truth is if you didn’t have humidity it would be way too dry and you would suffer from nosebleeds, sinus pain, and dry throat and you would be miserable.

But If you have too much humidity then the air is too thick and host more allergens clogging your sinus cavities, making it hard to breathe and you will be miserable.

But regardless of whether the air is too dry or The air is too wet, if the air quality is poor you are going to be miserable.

lol.

So which is it?

A humidifier will add humidity to the room when the air is too dry.

A Dehumidifier will take humidity out of the air when the air is to wet.

But regardless, it is the pollution in the air that is the culprit.

So unless you do something to help eliminate the allergens,

like dust mites and dander, mold spores and pollen, bacteria and germs, 

you are only asking to keep repeating the same issues you have with sinus infections and allergies over and over.

What type of air purifier do I need for sinus relief?

An Air purifier that has a true HEPA filter and a carbon filter is the best way to go in most small rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

HEPA filters will filter out pollutants of small is .3 microns which is over the top when you’re talkin about filtering out allergens.
Any gas or chemical allergenics will be captured by the carbon filter.

  Many air purifiers come with on board air monitors give you a continual update on the air quality in your house.

A very handy benefit when you are coming into pollen season or if you have introduced something new in the house that is making you tear up and sneeze.

Another type of air purifier that will help with the continuing issues with sinuses and allergies is the in duct air purifier.

This type of air purifier will require you to have central heat and air installed in your house or building.

The ideal Behind These air purifiers is that much of the allergens that are being circulated around the house are coming from your air handler itself.

The reason is, not only does your HVAC system provide a excellent breeding ground for mold,
it will also pick up other allergens and circulate them the house whenever the unit is running.

Placing the in duct air purifier inside the plenum of the central heat and air system will clean the air,

Before it gets into the house and clean the air that it is being picking up and circulating through the vents.

These are purifiers typically use photocatalytic oxidation or plasma ionic.

Since these are purifiers do not typically have any type of air monitoring capabilities,

it only stands to reason that installing an air qualty monitor in the house will help you keep track of air quality in your home.

Another monitor that you can buy that will help you reduce indoor air pollution,

and help you keep an eye on the wear and tear of your machines is a humidity monitor or the technical term hygrometer.

Humidity will not only help facilitate mold growth and dust mite growth.

It will also cause your air conditioner to run overtime, reducing the life of the unit.

What is a good indoor humidity level?

Most HVAC professionals agree that the humidity inside the home should be around 30 – 50%.

A dehumidifier will vacuum the moisture out of the air and create an environment that you can breathe in again.

Dehumidifiers are very handy when you are trying to use your basement as a living area.

Another off-the-wall question I sometimes hear is,

Can you be allergic to oxygen?

No you can’t be allergic to oxygen.

Oxygen is vital for living and is only one of the ingredients of air itself.

But your air can be full of contaminants that are causing you to have an allergic reaction.

Pollutants like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, dander, and all types of household chemicals may be present
in your air,

Making your oxygen seem allergic.

A UV or ultraviolet light , when it is targeted directly upon it, can effectively destroy mold, bacteria and fungus.

But that begs the question, since there is no way to Target a UV light on air itself –

What is the Purpose of a UV Light on a Air Purifier?

UV light is used in air purifiers to destroy pathogens in the air stream by using ultraviolet in three different ways including:

1. Targeting and destroying germs that are living on the Hepa filter.
2. Targeting it on the source of the mold in an HVAC. Coils, drip pans, etc.
3. Targeting it on a catalyst to cause a photocatalytic oxidation reaction of ions.
4. They will also kill any pathogens that happen upon the UV light bulb.
   
   

When I think about a UV light, it reminds me of being a young boy sitting in a barber’s chair.

The reason is that the barber always had a glass canister with a blue light in it,  sitting on a shelf behind him.

I didn’t know it back then, but that blue light was a ultraviolet lamp that he was shining on his Combs and scissors to keep them disinfected.

There are many more applications for ultraviolet light such as-

• keeping your aquarium clean
• sterilizing surgical equipment
• bug zappers
• tanning beds
• and even killing fungus in your shoes

And that’s a short list.

But Each One of These Relies on the UV Light Being Targeted Directly Upon Its Subject.

 But in the case of air purifier, You are simply not going to get air to sit in front of a disinfecting bulb and wait there for the pathogens in it to die. So that’s why when cleaning air with UV,  you either have to capture the pollution and aim the light on it. Or you have to aim it at the source of the pollution before it enters the air stream. 

HEPA UV Air Purifier

A HEPA UV air purifier works by drawing air into a HEPA filter with a  UV light aimed at the filter to destroy the germs or bacteria that are being trapped in the filter.

Otherwise without the UV in place,  the germs and bacteria can remain alive on the filter.

The Ultraviolet lamp also helps to disinfect the air as it passes through, providing extra elimination of airborne pathogens.

UV Light HVAC Furnace Air Purifier

The purpose of placing UV lights in your central heat and air conditioning (HVAC),

is to eliminate the production of of mold spores before they get a chance to become a problem,

And populate your ductwork,  spreading through your airstream via the vents.

The environment inside your furnace or HVAC,  because of moisture and the absence of light are an ideal climate for mold to grow.

Placing UV lights to target areas like drip pans and condensation coils inside the unit can keep mold from producing and ever becoming a problem.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

Another way that UV is used in air purification is Photo catalytic Oxidation.

PCO targets the UV-C  on a hydrated catalyst composed of metals, primarily titanium oxide.

The result of this is the creation of hydrogen peroxide ions among other types of ions.

Hydrogen peroxide ions are essentially the gas form of hydrogen peroxide solution. The same stuff you put on a cut or abrasion for disinfection.

Since these air purifiers disperse ions in the millions, they can not only be considered an air sanitizer, they will sanitize the surfaces around the air purifier to.

Photocatalytic Oxidation is known to be very effective at reducing germs and bacteria. It is also one of the best ways to eliminate airborne mold spores.

This makes it another ,and a more efficient way to  purify the air inside of your central heat and air conditioning unit.

These induct UV air purifiers typically install into the plenum or supply air vent of the furnace – AC.

Can UV Air Purifiers be Dangerous?

Since the UV used in air purifiers is typically in the UV- C spectrum, it is very destructive to organisms, and that can include your eyesight.

For that reason it is imperative never to stare at the UV light and place the air purifier we’re children or not capable of staring at it either.

For professionals who have to deal with UV, there are professional goggles, gloves, and clothing,  you can purchase.

UV lamps also contain mercury. The amount of mercury in a light bulb is minimal what should it break, you should take care cleaning it up and make sure to dispose of the remains safely.
The truth is you are much more likely to get mercury poisoning from eating fish then breaking a UV bulb.

Other types of UV include  UV – A and the UV – B

UV- A is the wavelength responsible for getting a tan. Though it can be responsible for premature wrinkles on your face, it the least harmful of all UV wavelengths and exist in our everyday life. It is also manufactured for use in tanning beds.

UV- B ultraviolet is the type of UV wavelength that they warn you about on the evening news. This type causes sunburn and blistering on the skin. Skin cancer can also be a result of being exposed too long to UV-B.

Tanning beds sometimes combine UV-B with UV-A to get a faster tanning effect. Though it obviously doesn’t stop people,
It is hardly worth it to risk getting skin cancer for a quicker tan.

UV-C is the most harmful. Though it doesn’t naturally enter the Earth’s atmosphere because of the ozone layer, It is the wavelength that is manufactured the most because of its capacity to kill germs and destroy organisms.

UV-C also creates ozone as a byproduct.

Ozone is also very destructive to organisms but it can be destructive to your lung tissue also if you or exposed to it long enough.

 When using UVC lights or PCO in the central heat and air system, Ozone does not pose a problem at all because of the rate at which it dissipates. 

 

But stand-alone UV air purifiers can run the risk of creating too much ozone in a square space if the wrong size UV air purifier is not used in the appropriate space.

In other words, an UV air purifier that is completely safe in a large living space would be completely Overkill in a bathroom or small bedroom.

A good analogy for ozone is bleach. You can douse bleach into a bathroom and kill everything in there but you will not be able to go in there for quite a while.

Same with ozone. Too much in a small area is a hazard.

Since there is no way to regulate how people use ozone,

Or ensuring that people are using the right size air purifier in the designated square space,

Air cleaners that manufacture ozone,  including UV air purifiers that create too much ozone, have been outlawed in the state of California.

One of the main points of using an air purifier is to breathe easier in your home or office.

So it honestly it makes no sense to use ozone in your home as an air cleaner unless it is for remedial reasons like  mold clean-up and strong odor removal.

it should never be used in the vicinity of people,  pets or plants. and it is important to let it dissipate completely before utilizing the space again.

It is best to leave the ozone machines to the professionals and get it done right.

Summary.

UV is used in an air purifier by trapping air pollution into a HEPA filter and killing the pollution on the filter by targeting a UV lamp on it.

Or by placing UV germicidal lamps at the source mold spores inside your HVAC

And it is also used in Photocatalytic Oxidation to create a result air-purifying ions.

UV light is an excellent way of improving the air inside of your home or office.

For my money the best way of using UV for air purification is a PCO photocatalytic oxidation induct air purifier in your central heat and air system.

This method not only stops indoor air pollution before it gets started it also circulates sanitized air throughout your home or office building.

And also sanitizers any pollutants that are brought into the building before they spread to the rest of the house.