UV Air Scrubbers: How They Work & Why We Include One Free With Every HVAC Installation

What Is a UV Air Scrubber?

A UV air scrubber is an advanced air purification system that installs directly inside your HVAC ductwork. Unlike passive air filters that simply trap particles, air scrubbers actively destroy contaminants using a combination of UV-C light and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology.

Think of it this way: your standard air filter is like a net catching debris. An air scrubber is more like a cleaning crew that eliminates pollutants at the molecular level—and it works 24/7, treating every cubic foot of air that passes through your heating and cooling system.

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How UV Air Scrubbers Work

The Science Behind the Clean

UV air scrubbers use two powerful technologies working together:

1. UV-C Germicidal Light

UV-C light (wavelength 254 nanometers) has been used for decades in hospitals, laboratories, and water treatment facilities to kill microorganisms. When bacteria, viruses, and mold spores pass by the UV-C lamp inside your ductwork, the light damages their DNA, rendering them unable to reproduce and effectively neutralizing them.

2. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

This is where air scrubbers go beyond simple UV lights. A titanium dioxide catalyst, when activated by UV light, creates oxidizers—including hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. These oxidizers:

• Travel through your ductwork into every room
• Break down organic compounds on contact
• Destroy odors, VOCs, and surface contaminants
• Continue working even after air leaves the ductwork

The result? Not just cleaner air passing through your system, but actively purified air and surfaces throughout your entire home.

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What UV Air Scrubbers Remove

Air scrubbers are effective against a wide range of indoor pollutants:

Biological Contaminants

• Bacteria and viruses (including cold and flu viruses)
• Mold and mildew spores
• Dust mite allergens
• Pet dander proteins

Chemical Pollutants

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaners, and furnishings
• Formaldehyde from building materials
• Cooking odors and smoke
• Chemical fumes and off-gassing

Odors

• Pet odors
• Tobacco smoke residue
• Musty basement smells
• Cooking smells
• Garbage and bathroom odors

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Benefits of Installing a UV Air Scrubber

1. Whole-Home Air Purification

Unlike portable air purifiers that only clean one room, your HVAC system circulates all the air in your home multiple times per day. An air scrubber treats every bit of that air, providing consistent purification throughout your entire living space.

2. Reduced Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

By destroying allergens, mold spores, and irritants, air scrubbers can significantly reduce triggers for allergy and asthma sufferers. Many Bay Area homeowners report breathing easier within days of installation.

3. Odor Elimination

Air scrubbers don't just mask odors—they destroy odor-causing molecules. This is particularly valuable for homes with pets, smokers (current or previous), or persistent cooking odors.

4. Mold Prevention

The Bay Area's fog and coastal moisture create ideal conditions for mold growth. Air scrubbers help prevent mold by killing airborne spores before they can settle and colonize surfaces in your home.

5. Cleaner HVAC System

By neutralizing biological growth inside your ductwork, air scrubbers help keep your evaporator coil, blower, and ducts cleaner. This can improve system efficiency and extend equipment life.

6. Low Maintenance

Once installed, air scrubbers require minimal attention. The UV bulb typically needs replacement every 1-2 years (about $50-100 for the bulb). There are no filters to change or clean.

7. Silent Operation

Air scrubbers have no moving parts and produce no noise. You won't even know it's working—except for the noticeably fresher air.

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UV Air Scrubber Installation Process

Installing a UV air scrubber is straightforward for experienced HVAC technicians:

Step 1: Assessment

We evaluate your existing HVAC system to determine the optimal placement for the air scrubber. The ideal location is typically in the supply ductwork, just after the indoor air handler or furnace, where treated air will flow to all rooms.

Step 2: Mounting

A small section of your ductwork is prepared for the air scrubber housing. The unit mounts directly to the duct, with the UV lamp and catalyst positioned inside the airflow path.

Step 3: Electrical Connection

The air scrubber connects to a standard electrical outlet or can be wired directly to your HVAC system. When wired to the system, the air scrubber activates automatically whenever your blower runs.

Step 4: Testing and Calibration

We verify proper operation, check UV light output, and ensure the unit is functioning at full capacity.

Total Installation Time: 1-2 hours for most systems.

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Air Scrubber vs. Other Air Purification Options

How do UV air scrubbers compare to other indoor air quality solutions?

Air Scrubber vs. UV Light Only

Basic UV lights installed in ductwork only kill organisms that pass directly in front of the light. Air scrubbers add photocatalytic oxidation, which creates oxidizers that actively hunt down and destroy pollutants throughout your home—including on surfaces.

Winner: Air scrubbers provide more comprehensive purification.

Air Scrubber vs. HEPA Filters

HEPA filters excel at trapping particles but do nothing against gases, odors, or VOCs. They also create more airflow resistance, which can strain your HVAC system. Air scrubbers destroy contaminants without restricting airflow.

Winner: Air scrubbers for overall air quality; HEPA for specific particle concerns.

Air Scrubber vs. Portable Air Purifiers

Portable units only clean the room they're in and require you to buy multiple units for whole-home coverage. A single air scrubber in your ductwork treats your entire home.

Winner: Air scrubbers for whole-home coverage and convenience.

Air Scrubber vs. Electronic Air Cleaners

Electronic air cleaners use charged plates to trap particles. They require regular cleaning and can produce ozone as a byproduct. Air scrubbers require less maintenance and are ozone-free (when properly designed).

Winner: Air scrubbers for lower maintenance and safety.

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Who Benefits Most from UV Air Scrubbers?

While any home can benefit from improved air quality, air scrubbers are especially valuable for:

• Allergy and asthma sufferers – Reduced airborne triggers
• Families with young children – Healthier environment for developing immune systems
• Pet owners – Elimination of pet odors and dander
• Seniors – Improved respiratory comfort
• Anyone working from home – Cleaner air in your workspace
• Homes with smokers – Active smoke and odor elimination
• Coastal Bay Area homes – Mold prevention in high-humidity environments
• Older homes – Addresses dust, mustiness, and aging building material off-gassing

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Current Promotion: Free Air Scrubber With HVAC Installation

At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe every Bay Area home deserves clean, healthy air.

That's why we're currently including a UV air scrubber ($800 value) FREE with every qualifying HVAC system installation. This applies to:

• Heat pump installations
• Air conditioner + furnace installations
• Complete system replacements

Note: Air scrubbers require ductwork for installation and are not compatible with ductless mini-split systems.

Why Are We Doing This?

After installing thousands of HVAC systems throughout the Bay Area, we've seen firsthand how much air scrubbers improve our customers' comfort and health. We want every new system to deliver not just heating and cooling, but genuinely healthy indoor air.

What's Included

• Professional-grade UV air scrubber unit
• Complete installation in your ductwork
• Integration with your new HVAC system
• Initial testing and calibration
• Operating instructions and maintenance guidance

How to Get Your Free Air Scrubber

Simply schedule a consultation for your HVAC installation project. When you move forward with a complete system installation, your air scrubber is included at no additional cost.

Call (925) 578-3293 or request a free estimate online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do UV air scrubber bulbs last?

Most UV bulbs maintain effective germicidal output for 12-24 months. We recommend annual bulb replacement to ensure optimal performance. Replacement bulbs cost approximately $50-100.

Will an air scrubber increase my energy bills?

Air scrubbers consume very little electricity—typically 15-50 watts, similar to a light bulb. Annual operating cost is usually under $20.

Can I install an air scrubber in my existing HVAC system?

Yes! Air scrubbers can be added to virtually any ducted HVAC system. If you're not ready for a full system replacement, we can install an air scrubber as a standalone upgrade.

Are UV air scrubbers safe?

Absolutely. The UV light is contained inside your ductwork where no one is exposed to it. The oxidizers produced are at safe, low concentrations—similar to levels found naturally outdoors.

Do air scrubbers produce ozone?

Quality air scrubbers (like those we install) use UV-C light, which does not produce ozone. Some older or cheaper units use UV-V light, which can create ozone. We only install ozone-free, CARB-certified units.

How do I know if my air scrubber is working?

Most units have an indicator light showing the UV bulb is functioning. You'll also notice fresher-smelling air and potentially reduced allergy symptoms. Some customers report the difference within 24-48 hours.

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The Bottom Line

UV air scrubbers represent one of the most effective ways to improve your home's indoor air quality. By actively destroying pollutants throughout your entire home, they go far beyond what filters and portable purifiers can achieve.

And right now, with our current promotion, Bay Area homeowners can get this $800 upgrade included free with any complete HVAC system installation.

Ready to breathe easier?

Contact Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about air scrubbers or to schedule your free HVAC consultation.

Call (925) 578-3293 | Serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area

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