Frequently Asked Questions

common questions about air purification and our firm.

What is ultra-violet light?

Ultraviolet germicidal light (UV-C) is a wavelength of light in the 254 nm range that is effective in mold, bacteria and virus control. UV-C has been used since 1936 in many different applications: water treatment, hospitals, laboratories, aquariums, meat packing plants, dairies, etc.

What is photo-catalytic oxidation?

The photo-catalytic oxidation process in air purifiers is created using high energy ultra-violet light and a catalyst. When the ultra-violet shines on the catalyst a reaction takes place that releases an oxygen and hydrogen molecule, called hydroxyl radicals. These hydroxyl radicals aid in the reduction of odors, fumes, and gas phase contaminates.

How do Combo Air Purifiers work?

Three Stage Combo Air Purifiers use ultraviolet germicidal light, particulate filters and photo-catalytic oxidation to address indoor air pollution. A combo Air Purifier can reduce mold, bacteria, viruses, odors, dust, pollen and off-gases in the indoor air.

Two Stage Combo Air Purifiers use ultraviolet germicidal light and photo-catalytic oxidation to address indoor air pollution. A combo Air Purifier can reduce mold, bacteria, viruses, odors and off-gases in the indoor air.

Why do I need a filter?

A filter will address the particulate in the air, but does not have an effect on molds, bacteria, odors and off-gases. The World Health Organization and CDC break indoor air contamination into 3 categories. Particulates which is the dust and dirt introduced into the air is what a filter will remove. Bioaerosols which are living micro-organisms like mold, bacteria and viruses, which can be addressed with ultraviolet germicidal light disinfection. Also, volatile organic compounds like odors, fumes, off-gases, can be neutralized using photo-catalytic oxidation. Combo Air Purifiers can enhance an existing filter by addressing things the filter will miss.

Are air purifiers safe?

Combo Air Purifiers have been tested independently, by universities and privately to prove their effectiveness.

Why are Second Wind Air Purifiers recommended?

Second Wind units, highly recommended by Air Quality Direct, use a high intensity ultraviolet germicidal lamp using 2/3 more UV output than standard UV lamps. Second Wind units also use photo-catalytic oxidation to reduce odors and off-gasses. Second Wind uses high output ballasts designed specifically for the UV lamps. Second Wind understands that the proper ballast design also ensures optimal performance of the lamp/ballast combination.

Can Air Purifiers help to reduce allergens or asthma triggers?

Yes, Combination Air Purifiers help to reduce dust, dirt, mold, bacteria, odors and off-gases. There are 10s of thousands of people who have purchased a unit and benefited by the clean indoor air they have received. Consumers should be aware than non-combination filters may reduce one irritant such as particles in the air, and leave bioaerosols or VOCs which may continue to aggravate the allergy or asthma sufferer. This is why Air Quality Direct highly recommends a combination product so no allergy or asthma trigger is left unaddressed.

What are the costs to operate an Air Purifier?

An air purifier often pays for itself within a few months with better health and increased efficiency. A residential air purifier costs pennies a day to operate, using no more energy than a 40-75 watt light bulb. A commercial air purifier would use more energy depending on the unit.

Does the unit need to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

In order to address any indoor air quality concerns in a home the fan needs to run. If the air in your ducts does not pass through a filter, across an air purifier, mix with a humidifier or outside air, it can not be cleaned. The fan in your home does not have to run all the time, but it is recommended.

What about the warranty?

All our products come with full manufacturer's warranty. You register your warranty with the factory for the products we sell, and should your unit require service, you will deal with the factory directly. We select only top units and manufacturers to offer you the best service. For instance, Second Wind residential units have a limited lifetime warranty on the unit, 5 year warranty on the ballast, and a 1 year warranty on the lamp. Second Wind commercial units have a limited lifetime warranty on the unit, 3 year warranty on the ballast, and a 1 year warranty on the lamp. You can compare warranty information under each product we sell.