Choosing the best UV air purifiers to clean your indoor air and kill germs is not something like rocket science. However, finding an effective air purifier that works as advertised is a little trickier. This is true, especially when you take into account the increase in brands that use inferior materials. These brands also claim their products are effective while they are not.
This article discusses how UV air purifier works, the 7 best UV air purifiers, including their pros, cons, and a buying guide for UV air purifiers.
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[amazon table=”5145″]How UV-C Light Air Purifiers Works
Airborne transmission of diseases depends on the concentration of pathogens suspended in the air. Such infectious pathogens include viruses, airborne bacteria, and fungi.
They are usually dispersed in the air with drops of moisture after sneezing or coughing from an infected person. These droplet nuclei – are about 1 to 5 nm in diameter. Due to their small size, the droplets can remain suspended in the air for hours.
UV air purifiers use ultraviolet lamps to destroy micro-organisms such as bacteria or viruses. This disinfection technique is also known as Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation or UVGI.
The short-wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C light) penetrates the micro-organism’s outer structure. It then alters their DNA, which causes cell death.
How Effective are UV Air Purifiers?
UV-C light air purifiers are effective in killing airborne micro-organisms such as molds, bacteria, and viruses. Consumer UV air purifiers use low-pressure mercury vapor lamps or LEDs to produce UV-C radiation.
Researchers have found that UV with HEPA filter air purifiers work more effectively when the UV lights are ON.
In a 2018 study, researchers sought to determine if cleaning indoor air with UVGI lessens contact infections. The study took 12 months, where researchers reviewed data from UV-C devices. What they discovered after the study was a reduction of airborne bacteria in the patient rooms by 42 percent.
The effectiveness of UV air purifiers depends on:
- UV-C light intensity – should be high; mercury lamps are better than LEDs.
- Exposure time – should not be the less, proper placement of the light.
- Location of the air purifier – place it a little above the floor in the middle of the room.
Related reviews:
The 7 Best UV Air Purifiers List:
1. GermGuardian AC5250PT Air Purifier
Guardian Technologies is one of the most popular brands in making quality UV-C light air purifiers. As such, many people live healthier and happier lives thanks to their solutions. One of their best air purifiers is the Germ Guardian AC5250PT, an upgrade to the popular AC5000 model.
It has a 3-stage filtration system that includes a composite pre-filter impregnated with activated charcoal, a true HEPA filter, and UV-C light. The pre-filter and charcoal filter traps large particles such as dust and pet hair. It also adsorbs light odors.
The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne contaminants while the UV-C light kills airborne bacteria, mold spores, and viruses. It’s able to do so by working with Titanium dioxide. This air purifier is both AHAM Verified and Energy Star Certified.
Maximum CADR: 116 cfm for Smoke.
Room Coverage: 170 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: ~ $26, lifespan is 10-12 months (check price).
Particle filter: ~ $35 for the true HEPA filter, lifespan is 6-8 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]True HEPA filterIt has an easy to use button interface
8 Watt, 17.5-inch long UV-C bulb
A wide five-level fan speed, sleep mode
Efficient in trapping and killing airborne micro-organisms
AHAM verified, Energy Star Certified, CARB approved
Comes with a 5-year limited warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Has no carry handle
A bit louder[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Check out our top picks >>> The 7 Best GermGuardian Air Purifiers.
2. InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier (IC-5018)
The InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier is a 4-in-1 gadget. It has a carbon pre-filter, True HEPA filter, ionizer, and germ-fighting UV light. These filters work together to trap, remove, and kill micro-organisms and contaminants. They include smoke, dust, mold, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odor.
As an energy-efficient air purifier, it utilizes a low-power motor. As such, it delivers double the air output compared to other air purifiers. Also, it consumes up to 82% less electricity to do so. What you need to know is that the air purifier has a CADR rating of 170 CFM.
Not only can it trap and kill 99.97% of airborne micro-organisms and contaminants. But it can easily cover medium to large rooms of up to 320 square feet.
The air purifier comes in a compact design, but don’t let the size fool you. This powerhouse runs at four speeds, namely low, medium, high, and turbo. It generates a noise of up to 31 dB at low fan speed, while at high and turbo mode, it produces noise of up to 60 dB.
Maximum CADR: 170 cfm
Room Coverage: 250 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: ~ $14, lifespan is ~ 20000 hrs (check price).
Particle filter: ~ $34 for the 3-in-1 HEPA filter, lifespan is 6-12 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]Available in a sleek, compact designIt comes with a 4 stage filtration system including UV-C light
Comparatively high airflow rate (CADR)
Uses up to 82% less electricity
Whisper-quiet operation at the low fan speed
Optional ionizer, CARB approved[/i2pros][i2cons]Less exposure of UV due to the bulb position
Weak odor filter
No child or pet lock[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. TruSens Air Purifier
With smart sensing technology, this purifier can determine room air quality and react. Using a remote air quality sensor known as SensorPod, the air purifier actively monitors air quality in the room. If the air purifier detects a concentration of dust or micro-organisms, it takes action.
How you may ask. The SensorPod communicates to the air purifier, which begins to clean the air. With the 4 stage filtration system, the HEPA-UVGI air purifier sucks air via the 360-degree air intake. The air goes through the washable pre-filter, followed by the carbon filter and HEPA filter.
The last stage is the UV-C light. As air flows through the filtration system, airborne pollutants get captured. Such pollutants include VOC gases, allergens, and micro-organisms. In the last stage, UV sterilization destroys bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
What we liked about the air purifier is the dual flow technology. It splits clean air into two streams delivering purified air faster into the room. It has detailed digital control giving you the ability to control the air purifier with ease. You can select fan speed, UV mode, and auto timer functions.
Maximum CADR: 200 cfm (Z-3000 model).
Room Coverage: 300 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: ~ $19 (medium), lifespan is 2-3 years (check price on TruSens).
Particle filter: ~ $39 (medium) for the HEPA Drum filter, lifespan is 12-15 months (check price on Amazon, TruSens).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]360-degree air intakeHas dual flow for better air circulation
Remote air quality sensor
UV bulb placed inside the cartridge filter for higher exposure time
Replacement indicator for UV bulb, long lifespan
Modern design, easy carry handle[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not have the capability of sensing VOCs
Slightly expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
In-depth review >>> TruSens Z-3000 Air Purifier.
4. EnviroKlenz Mobile UV (Air System Plus) Air Purifier
The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Air Purifier has advanced EnviroKlenz technology. This technology combines the HEPA filter, earth mineral-based odor neutralizer, and UVGI. As such, the air purifier can kill airborne micro-organisms, allergens, and particulates. It can also remove harmful and toxic chemicals and odors.
The UV-C lamps are on the collection side of the HEPA filter. They radiate continuously on the micro-organisms collected in the filter, killing them efficiently.
As one of the best UV air purifiers, it has four fan speeds – whisper, low, medium, and high. It can suck in dirty air and distribute purified air faster. What you need to know is that it cleans rooms of up to 1,000 square feet.
Maximum CADR: 250 cfm.
Room Coverage: 375 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: ~ $39 for two bulbs set, lifespan is 18-24 months (check price).
Particle filter: ~ $150 for the HEPA filter, lifespan is 18-24 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]Its equipped with a medical-grade HEPA filterHigh airflow rate, 85 to 250 CFM
Effective for VOCs and odors
Dual high-intensity 254 nm UV-C lamps
Long-lasting UV bulbs, up to two years
Particle filters have a life span of 18 to 24 months
Durable powder-coated metal housing
CARB certified, 5 years warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Less features, industrial design[/i2cons][/i2pc]
In-depth review >>> EnviroKlenz UV-C Air Purifier.
** Get an additional 15% off + Free Shipping on EnviroKlenz using the coupon code: ROAP
5. Airthereal APH260 Air Purifier
Do you live in a location where wildfires are common? Every year, wildfires release smoke and dust into the air. Not only does this cause air pollution, but it will affect your health, that of your family and pets.
To protect your family, this air purifier has a 3-filtration stage. The filtration system includes a True HEPA filter, pre-filter, and activated carbon filter. This system can trap, remove, and kill 99.97% of micro-organisms and pollutants.
Besides mechanical filtration, it is equipped with UV-C light and an ionizer for electronic filtration. The UV-C LED light has a lifespan of 50000 hours, which is approximately 5 years. So, you can use it without the hassle of replacement.
The air purifier has a CADR rating of 152 CFM. Not only is it perfect for use in your living room, bedrooms, and offices. But it can purify rooms of up to 220 square feet 5 times per hour, effectively capturing all air pollutants.
This air purifier has a particle (PM 2.5) sensor. It detects particulate pollutants and informs you if the air quality is good, moderate, or poor in real-time.
Maximum CADR: 150 cfm.
Room Coverage: 220 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: Permanent and non-replaceable UV-C LED, lifespan >50000 hrs.
Particle filter: ~ $29 for the 3-in-1 HEPA filter, lifespan is 6 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]Sleek design, touch control, LED display3-stage physical filters including True HEPA
Two electronic filters: UV-C and ionizer
Long-lasting UV-C LED light, no need to replace
Has PM 2.5 sensor with air quality indicator
Comparatively large room coverage
CARB and ETL Certified[/i2pros][i2cons]Low power UV-C LED light is less effective than mercury-based UV-C lamps[/i2cons][/i2pc]
In-depth review >>> Airthereal APH260 Review.
6. Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite Air Purifier
If you are searching for a UVGI air purifier with HEPA and ionizer, this is for you. What we liked about the filtration system is its capability to sanitize and clean your air. The filtration system removes 99.97% of contaminants such as smoke, odors, and pet dander.
The first stage of the filtration system is the activated carbon pre-filter. It traps large pollutants such as pet hair, dust, and pollen. However, this composite pre-filter is less effective for odor control.
The second stage is the True HEPA filter. It helps in removing 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns. It includes fine particles, including smoke.
The third stage is the UV-C light plus the photocatalyst filter. This system deactivates airborne pathogens that trapped in the filter. The UV-C light acts as a mini death ray. The last stage is the ionizer, which releases negative ions which freshen the air.
It also comes with an air quality sensor to adjust the fan speed automatically.
Maximum CADR: 120 cfm.
Room Coverage: 180 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: ~ $19, lifespan is ~ 9000 hours or 12 months (check price).
Particle filter: ~ $29 for 2-in-1 HEPA filter, lifespan is 6 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]4 stage filtration including True HEPA as the main filterCan clean a cover room of 180 square feet 5 times per hour
Built-in air quality Monitor
It comes with a filter reset indicator
CARB approved[/i2pros][i2cons]Not effective for odor removal[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. SilverOnyx Air Purifier
With five filtration levels, the purifier provides the cleanest air in your home. The filtration system traps large particles such as dust and pet dander. It also filters ultra-fine particles and neutralizes odors. The reason it works so efficiently is that it has a medical-grade HEPA filter.
Besides the HEPA filter, it has a built-in ionizer and UV sanitizer. Both help to remove mold spores, airborne bacteria, and germs. The air purifier comes in a lightweight and compact design. As such, it’s ideal for pet owners and smokers.
It has a PM 2.5 sensor, which can detect air quality and inform you if the air quality is good, moderate, or poor. What you need to know is that it comes with an easy-to-use touch interface. As such, you can select settings like sleep mode, on/off timer, and fan speed.
Maximum CADR: 85 cfm.
Room Coverage: 120 sq ft five times per hour.
Filter Replacement Costs:
UV-C Light: Permanent and non-replaceable UV-C LED.
Particle filter: ~ $36 for the 4-in-1 HEPA filter, lifespan is 6 months (check price).
Pros & Cons:
[i2pc][i2pros]Has a 5-level filtration systemH13 HEPA filter, activated carbon to eliminate odors
Permanent UV-C light
PM2.5 sensor and particle count display
Compact design, Easy to use[/i2pros][i2cons]Low intensity UV-C LED light
Low airflow rate
Not approved by CARB[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Buying Guide of UV Air Purifiers:
There are several important things to keep in mind before buying the best UV air purifiers for your home or office.
Here are the top 3 factors to consider before getting a UV air purifier.
1. Longer Exposure to UV
One of the key factors that make a UV air purifier effective in deactivating airborne micro-organisms is exposure time or dwell time. The UV-C lamps kill pathogens as the air moves through the chamber.
For an efficient inactivation process, the dwell time should be longer. Clever placement of the UV-C lamps can ensure longer exposure to ultraviolet light. Don’t forget to check the location of the lights inside the air purifier.
Also, by running the air purifier at lower speeds, the exposure will increase slightly.
2. UV Light Intensity
UVGI purifiers use both UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C wavelengths. Experts noted that the exposure of UV-C at a wavelength of 254 nm has germicidal effects. As such, the purifier can kill airborne contaminants such as mold spores and viruses.
To kill micro-organisms, the purifier must provide sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. By doing so, UV radiation neutralizes bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA.
Mercury-based UV lamps generate a more intense ultraviolet wavelength than UV LED lights. Some manufacturers use more than one UV lamp to increase the ultraviolet light intensity.
3. Ozone Safety
One of the disadvantages of UVGI air purifiers is they often produce ozone as byproducts. Ozone is a lung irritant and can be harmful to asthmatic people or someone with breathing difficulties.
Make sure the UV air purifier is CARB-approved for ozone safety.
UV-C Lamps for HVAC Ducts:
Also, you can install UV-C lamps in your HVAC in addition to disinfecting the indoor air.
[amazon box=”B0155NFB78, B078MMJZ74″ template=”list”]Final Thoughts
UVGI and HEPA are the air filtration technologies that use in airplane cabins for disinfecting and cleaning. With these household HEPA-UVGI air purifiers, you can create almost the same healthy environment in your home or office. We hope this guide will help you to find the best UV air purifier.
Cheers!
For many of those units the UV-C dosage is too low to be effective. The units have too high an air flow, and the lamps are too weak, or poorly positioned. UV-C can be effective, but the units have too be properly designed.
In that sense, you are absolutely right and that is why it should be reported what is really achieved, such as the reduction of the environmental viral load, not as an end the sterilization, filtration or disinfection of an area at 99.99%.
Finally, it is useful in the case of reducing the environmental viral load in aerosols containing SARS-Cov-2 and thus achieving some protection by exposing ourselves to a lower dose of infection and reducing the pathogenicity or severity of COVID-19.