Ultraviolet (UV) light has historically been used to clean water, surfaces, and air. You may wonder if this technology works towards airborne bacteria, or normally enhances your home’s air quality. My article will explain how UV air purifiers operate in cleaning up the air and their possible safety issues.
UV air purifiers are built to use ultraviolet short-wave light (UV-C light) for inactivating airborne pathogens and micro-organisms such as mold, bacteria, and viruses. All air purifiers have the same ultimate aim: to reduce indoor air contaminants. Often named UV germicidal irradiation or UVGI air purifiers. This is different from other systems used by air purifiers.
Following are the products that hold this particular irradiation system and traps airborne particles effectively:
Best Air Purifier for Viruses in 2022
- Best Overall: GermGuardian AC5350B Air Purifier
- Best HEPA: GermGuardian AC4300WPT
- Best for Home: Eureka Instant Clear 26′ NEA120
- Best for Allergies: LEVOIT H13 Air Purifier
- Best Budget: GermGuardian AC4825E
1. Best Overall: GermGuardian AC5350B Air Purifier
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Guardian Technologies is an iconic brand of air purifiers. Their items are produced in all supermarkets and air purifier stores. We find them a king in the low-range air purifier market, only with Honeywell can compete in the huge amount of air purifiers. The GermGuardian AC5350B comes with two models to choose from, Black Onyx or Crystal White.
It is by no means an ugly air purifier; it’s just lacking in creativity. Both the front and back have the massive air grills that display the tower air purifier’s classic back-to-front airflow mechanism, while the handles are on both hands. From the front, there is one signature circular light which indicates whether the GermGuardian AC5350B is on or off.
This sanitizer works effectively with the help of a 22-inch purifier filter, which purifies air 4x per hour at maximum speed in large rooms, up to 167sq feet. The size is among the largest air purifiers, giving the GermGuardian AC5350B something to make it stand out from the rest. The sanitizer contains a filter that needs to be changed after every 6 to 8 months and UV C light bulb after 10-12 months. The device has optional UV C light, with different speed settings. It is Aham Verified, meaning that this air purifier has been rated for its ability to filter smoke, dust, and pollen from rooms.
Your purifier is just as productive and efficient as the filter you put inside, and our replacement parts for the Genuine Germ Guardian are necessary to maintain production efficiency. Each filter or bulb is built specifically for a particular style of the device. Not only can genuine replacement parts fit like a glove, but they do also have the appropriate combination technology to help you get the most out of it. You’ll have a brand-new control panel at the top to differentiate it from the predecessor. A digital monitor is used to show you exactly the latest GermGuardian AC5350B fan speed.
HEPA Filter absorbs 99.97 percent of allergens and particles as low as .3 microns, such as house dust, animal dander, mold, and mildew and plant allergens. The charcoal filter removes pet odors, smoking, and cooking. The available UV-C lighting system works with titanium dioxide to eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores.
UV-C light helps destroy airborne viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus, and works to reduce volatile organic compounds with titanium dioxide. Pre-filter collects dust, pet hair, and other large particles while the HEPA filter extends its life. Ultra-quiet sleep mode with a programmable timer lets you relax with cleaner air.
The GermGuardian AC5350B is not as quiet with 5 fan speeds as the previous GermGuardian AC5300B and can go as far as 60 dB with that amount of noise, when operating the GermGuardian AC5350B at maximum fan speed, you cannot avoid the sound. Also, at the lowest speed setting the GermGuardian AC5300B’s noise level can exceed 40 decibels, which is greater than most of the market’s standard air purifiers. GermGuardian AC5350B operates at 60 watts with a recently built-in 5-watt UV-C lamp, which is much higher than the other energy-saving air purifiers.
2. Best HEPA: GermGuardian AC4300WPT
Rating: 4.7 / 5
The GermGuardian AC4300BPTCA is the newest version of the well-known Guardian Technologies tower air purifiers. The architecture is nice, and the air filters can be quickly mounted and uninstalled inside easily.
It has an efficient 22-inch purifier that filters air at maximum speed 4x an hour in medium to large rooms, up to 153 sq. feet. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) of this particular sanitizer holds 116 pollen, 107 dirt, and 99 dust particles. It holds 3-speed purifier settings with a UV-C light option. To preserve performance, just use the Genuine GermGuardian replacement parts. Replace the filter with the UV-C bulb every 6-8 months and every 10-12 months. It contains GermGuardian Filters of FLT4850PT model and 4 carbon filters of the model, FLT22CB4, along with UV-C bulb of model LB4000.
It is Aham Verified, the purifier has been certified to filter cigarette smoke, dust, and pollen from rooms. Mainly Carbon compliant. The easy-to-use electronic controls include UV-C control and an indicator for filter changes. Select from 3 velocities, including an ultra-silent, low speed. The Premier Collection provides the best air purification system in both form and function. In any home setting the simple, stylish design looks great. It is recommended to use in small and medium-sized rooms. The GermGuardian AC4300BPTCA will not use much space in your room because of the portable and tower design.
It is the Real HEPA certified filter made by one of the pioneers in the air purifier industry in North America. The price is a little higher but the new air filter will eliminate even the smallest air pollutants. GermGuardian AC4300BPTCA incorporates a signature UV-C light filter to kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, and rhinovirus and works with titanium dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds.
Electrostatic HEPA media air filters remove noxious germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens up to 99.97 percent from the air. The filter is treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and odor-causing microbes on the filter medium. Pre-filter collects dust, dust particles, and other foreign material while the HEPA filter extends its life. Activated charcoal filter helps to reduce unpleasant odors from poultry, smoke, cooking fumes, and more. Ultra-quiet sleep mode with a programmable timer allows you to have a decent night’s rest with cleaner air.
3. Best for Home: Eureka Instant Clear 26′ NEA120
Rating: 4.6 / 5
This Eureka portable air purifier is mainly filter-based and has an indicator filter with multiple speed options. It is designed for use in a medium-sized room by floor or tabletop and weighs 12.6 Lbs.
It has a long-lasting built-in UV LED with TIO2 treatment that effectively reduces bacterial population and spore formation. It is CARB compliant, with certified Federal Ozone Emissions. It is AHAM verified which effectively neutralizes the airflow in a room, up to 222 sq. feet. The clean air delivery rate is efficiently high_ smoke particles, dust particles, and pollen particles up to 143, 145, and 228 respectively. It also holds long-distance air circulation technology with an effective air purifier that establishes a steady airflow even at low speed.
It has excellent silent mode technology_ At a low setting, just 32 decibels are “whisper”, unless you are hypersensitive to noise, you can barely hear it. The Air Purifier UV LED brings Zero Light Pollution, offering a relaxed dormant climate. Hence, The Air Purifier UV LED brings zero light emission, providing a safe sleeping atmosphere.
It has an undemanding filter replacement. When the filter repair is needed the blue indicator light will flash. True HEPA filter (NEA-F1) must be changed every 12 months, and every 3 months the activated carbon filter (NEA-C1, 4 pack) needs replacement.
Eureka Air Purifier cleans the air with minimum energy
- Less power UV-off: 14W, UV on 17W
- Average power, UV off 31W, UV on 34W
- High power, UV off 51W, UV on 54W
Genuine HEPA filter captures 99. 7 percent of allergens in the air and particles as tiny as 0. 3 Microns like household dust, mold, animal dander, pollen, etc. Charcoal filters eliminate the odors from livestock, smoking, and cooking because of poor winter air circulation.
Eureka Air Purifier offers Long Distance Air Circulation Technology with high CADR that would allow fresh air to flow through the entire building even at low speed. Eureka Air Purifier is very simple to use, only 3 buttons will fulfill all of your Air Purifier requirements.
- Purification volume button: Choose various rates from LOW to HIGH to clean.
- UV button: Switch UV feature on.
- On/off button: Activate your top built air purifier.
Sturdy handle, easy to push around.
4. Best for Allergies: LEVOIT H13 Air Purifier
Rating: 4.7 / 5
We have a new allergy and asthma champion The Levoit Core 350 is this great solution for your allergies, particularly with the highly customizable air filter. Specialized filters from the core p350 operate harmoniously to eliminate allergens, odors, and other unwanted pollutants that come with pets. Specially designed for pet allergies. The core p350 enables all to coexist with their furry friends in peace.
Customized levoit 3-in-1 pet filter ensures high performance. The handy filter test indicator alerts you when the time for a new filter may be correct. Filters must be substituted every 6–8 months. It also holds four timer settings with multiple fan speed and pet lock options.
Compared to other air purifiers, the deodorizing power of Core P350 increased by 60% via the AirReComposition Formula (ARC) in the activated carbon filter, which chemically decomposes the undesirable odors of pets in the air without worrying about second-hand contamination. The Vortex Air System provides an excellent CADR of 240 m3 / h, easy-to-use rooms of up to 219 ft2, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, or pet’s rooms.
In addition to the 3-in-1 filter and user manual, a proper Core P350 Air Purifier comes with a 1-year warranty and customer service for a lifetime. Using brand new and authentic Levoit air purifiers to have the best performance and ensure that what you are buying is worth your investment. At levoit, innovations artfully combine sight, sound, and smell to organize a space of wellbeing and physical health. In this project their line of air purifiers leads the way, developing new methods of purification and revitalization.
An optimal solution for pet allergies, improve the quality of your air and help you and your pets alleviate seasonal allergies such as sneezing, coughing, sinuses, and rapid respiration. Ozone-free, CARB certified, ETL certified, and CA PROP 65 accepted.
The multi-layer filter absorbs air from all angles, collecting a wide variety of pollutants during the cycle. It gives a steady 360 airflow with zero light pollution_ Switch off display lights absolutely, without interrupting any of the usual functions of the air purifier.
It also helps to reduce up to 99.97 percent of air from unhealthy germs, smoke, pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens. The first line of protection, this new pre-filter of fine glass fiber fabric is more efficient than other traditional pre-filters to catch floating hair, pet fur, animal dander, dust, fibers, and lint.
Also keeps the noise levels as low as 24dB. You just have to set a timer for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, then switch off the monitor light to enjoy a nice, sleepless night. The pet lock button avoids messing with any of the other buttons or adjustments by your pets.
The air filter does not operate as a high-end air purifier but it is still a True HEPA filter that has been approved. This True HEPA filter is not cheap for the scale, and the Levoit Core 350’s output deserves the class leader at the budget end of the air purifier business.
5. Best Budget: GermGuardian AC4825E
Rating: 4.5 / 5
The purifier comes with two colors; black and white. This 22-inch air purifier is equipped with a front air outlet grill and back inlet grill. This classic airflow is GermGuardian air purifier’s unique feature, to increase its fan’s performance. You’ll also find a twin control panel with AC5000E at the top of the GermGuardian AC4825, with just one UV-light button, one on/off button, one fan speed switch and a replacement LED filter indicator.
This 3-speed air purifier tower is ideal to use in up to 167 square feet of space. Filters the room air over 4x per hour. The higher the clean air delivery rate (CADR) the quicker the air flows through the device. Dust, pollen, smoke CADR is up to 118, 125, and 108 respectively. AHMA and Energy star verified with 4 in 1 design:
- HEPA Filter for pollens
- Carbon filter for bad odors
- UV-C Light for bacteria and germs in the soil
- TIO2 treatment blends with UV-C for VOC reduction
The lowest setup can be used as delicate white rattling noises for a quiet, restful sleep. It has multiple speed settings with a UV-C option. Real replacements use only real germguardian pieces to preserve efficiency. Always replace the filter between 6 to 8 months and the UV-C c bulb between 10 to 12 months, it holds a germ guard filter and germ guard carbon filter with their models FLT4825 and FLT22CB4 respectively. It also holds a UV-C bulb of the LB4000 model.
The GermGuardian AC4825 air purifier is even lighter, about 7 lbs.’ than the 9.45-lbs-weighing CDAP4500BCA. The GermGuardian AC4825 is lightweight with a fairly small size and therefore easy to carry anywhere in your house.
True HEPA air filter removes up to 99.97 percent of dangerous germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and other allergens as low as .3 microns of air UV-C light helps destroy infectious viruses such as influenza, staph, rhinovirus and operates with titanium dioxide to eliminate volatile organic compounds. Its effective air filter collects dust, pet hair, and other large particles thus prolonging the HEPA filter’s existence. Activated charcoal filters help to minimize unpleasant odors from dogs, smoke, cooking fumes, and more.
Using the same 3 fan speeds as its bigger sibling, the noise level of the GermGuardian AC4825 is higher than the conventional equipment that typically comes with 5 fan speeds. A smaller size also tends to reduce the strength of the engine, eliminating noise, but only at the maximum speed of the engine. The GermGuardian AC4825’s lowest noise level remains at 40 decibels, which is higher than most of the standard air purifiers on the market. However, when you turn to the maximum environment, GermGuardian AC4825’s noise level is just 55 decibels (dB).
But this air purifier’s noise level doesn’t function too well in quiet areas, you’ll still hear a clear sound, particularly while running at the highest setting. Therefore, we assume GermGuardian AC4825 is not yet appropriate for your office or bedroom.
The power consumption of GermGuardian AC4825 is 53 watts, using a 5-watt UV-C bulb. This is higher still on the market than many other energy-saving air purifiers.
FAQs:
Are Air Purifiers safe for babies?
Yes, these air purifiers provide the perfect indoor environment for newborn babies. They are true HEPA filters, with UV-C light instead of ozone, hence safe for kids.
Does it improve sleep?
An air purifier is an excellent device for maintaining good air quality in your apartment. Breathing fresh air will help to make you sleep quicker and keep you sleeping well.
The air purifier can also release the white noise, which can contribute as a sleeping aid. Most sleepers sleep with white noise, a term for static frequencies that combine to produce calming ambient noises.
Does it dry out the air?
An air purifier is simply a fan machine or an ionizer that does not change the moisture level in your air. The polluting particles like dust, dust mites, pet hair, pet dander, mold, pollen are captured by the air purifier only. It is unable to reduce air moisture.
Do I need an air purifier? Are they worth it?
Yes, they are worth it as an air purifier acts as a filter for all pollutant particles in your home air, effectively improving the air quality.
Whatever sort of air purifier you buy, they’ll help clean up the air around you. You will no longer breathe dirty air with toxic particles coming from the soil. The less you inhale harmful stuff, the safer you are.
Buyer’s Guide:
Price of replacement filters:
Generally speaking, you must replace filters (or clean those that can be cleaned) with pleated filters every six to 12 months, and activated carbon filters every three months. Filter costs vary widely, but mostly they range from $20 to over $200.
Certifications:
There are a couple of labels on the packaging you might want to look for. The first logo is the Energy Star. To be efficient, air purifiers will work around the clock and you should be factoring in energy costs while shopping. Energy Star platinum purifiers are more energy-efficient than regular versions by 40 percent. You may even see an AHAM Verified seal which means the model has been tested by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
Room coverage:
When an air purifier has an AHAM Verified seal, you can trust that the device would be able to handle the recommended size of the room specified on the seal. Be cautious about representations by manufacturers, though.
Noise:
Test an air purifier not only by how well it is working but also by how well you can live with it. Such devices should always run ideally, and hopefully, they should be quiet as well. Until you purchase, you can find out how many decibels a model functions on the labeling or website listing.