FRESH-AIRE UV® APCO® TUV-APCO-ER2 Air Purifier System, 18 - 32 VAC, 5.8
DESCRIPTION
APCO is the award-winning air cleaning technology that combines the power of UV-C light with activated carbon and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). APCO eliminates odors, toxic VOCs, and microbial contaminants from the air and air system.
FRESH-AIRE UV® APCO® Air Purifier System, 0.68 A, 18 - 32 VAC, 60 Hz, 16 V-A VA, 5.8 in W, 3-1/4 in H, 13.2 in D
SPECIFICATIONS
| Amperage Rating | : | 0.68 A |
| Voltage Rating | : | 18 - 32 VAC |
| Frequency Rating | : | 60 Hz |
| VA Rating | : | 16 V-A |
| Width | : | 5.8 in |
| Height | : | 3-1/4 in |
| Depth | : | 13.2 in |
FEATURES
- 2 years life efficiency
- Duct-mounting
- Easy to install
- Life time carbon cells
- Ozone-free
- Life time warranty
- Whole house air purification
- Neutralizes odors and toxic VOCs
- Sterilizes mold, bacteria, viruses, allergens
- Improves indoor air quality
- Inhibits mold growth in HVAC system
- UV lamp 254 NM germicidal UVC, quartz hot filament
- Pressure drop less than 0.01 in WC at 400 ft/min
- Made in USA
Understanding APCO Technology: Three Purification Methods in One Device
Why APCO Combines Multiple Technologies
Many air purification systems rely on a single method — UV-C light alone, or carbon filtration alone. The APCO (Advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation) system takes a layered approach, combining three distinct mechanisms into one compact, duct-mounted unit:
- UV-C germicidal light (254nm) — inactivates mold, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms as they pass through your ductwork
- Activated carbon — physically adsorbs odors and gaseous pollutants from the air stream
- Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) — occurs when UV-C light interacts with a catalytic surface, breaking down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor molecules at a molecular level rather than simply masking or trapping them
This combination is what allows APCO to address a broader range of air quality issues — microbial contamination, chemical odors, and VOCs — than a single-technology system typically can.
Why "Ozone-Free" Matters
Some older or lower-quality UV air purification systems can produce ozone as a byproduct, which is itself a respiratory irritant and air quality concern. The APCO system is specifically engineered to be ozone-free, meaning it improves air quality without introducing a new pollutant in the process — an important distinction to understand when comparing UV air purification products.
Lifetime Carbon Cells: A Practical Cost Consideration
Unlike systems that require periodic replacement of carbon filter media (an ongoing cost many homeowners don't anticipate), the APCO's lifetime carbon cells are designed to last for the system's operational life, reducing long-term maintenance costs. The UV-C lamp itself still requires periodic replacement — but the carbon component does not add to that maintenance burden.
Minimal Airflow Impact
With a pressure drop of less than 0.01 in WC at 400 ft/min, the APCO unit is engineered to have a negligible effect on your HVAC system's airflow — meaning it purifies air without meaningfully increasing strain on your blower motor or reducing overall system efficiency, a legitimate concern with some in-duct add-on devices.
Where This Fits in Your Whole-Home Air Quality Strategy
The APCO system pairs naturally with:
- Humidity control equipment — such as an AprilAire whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, since balanced humidity helps limit the mold and mildew growth APCO's UV-C component is designed to combat
- Fresh air ventilation systems — such as the AprilAire 8145 or an ERV/HRV system, which introduce fresh outdoor air that APCO can help keep free of pollutants once inside your ductwork
How APCO Compares to Other UV Purification Options
| TUV-APCO-ER2 | Pure Air UV R-18D (replacement bulb) | HALO-LED / REME-HALO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | UV-C + carbon + PCO | UV-C only (bulb replacement) | Advanced oxidation / LED UV |
| Odor/VOC removal | Yes (carbon + PCO) | No | Varies by model |
| Lifetime warranty | Yes | No | Varies by model |
| Best for | Comprehensive whole-home odor, VOC, and microbial control | Replacing existing BIO MED HI TECH fixtures | Alternative advanced oxidation approaches |
Our technicians can help you compare these systems side by side based on your specific air quality concerns — whether that's persistent odors, mold sensitivity, VOC exposure, or general microbial control.
Professional Installation Matters
Because this is a duct-mounted electrical device requiring proper voltage supply (18–32 VAC) and correct placement within your ductwork for maximum effectiveness, professional installation ensures both safety and performance. Our licensed HVAC technicians will:
- Identify the optimal duct location for UV-C exposure and airflow treatment
- Complete electrical wiring per the unit's voltage and amperage specifications
- Mount the unit securely with attention to the stated pressure drop tolerances
- Verify safe operation without direct UV-C exposure risk during and after installation
- Explain the lifetime warranty terms and future UV lamp replacement schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the UV lamp need to be replaced?
While the carbon cells and unit itself carry a lifetime warranty, the UV-C lamp has its own service life (typically around 2 years of efficiency, per the product's stated lifespan) and will need periodic replacement to maintain full germicidal and PCO effectiveness.
Will this eliminate all odors from my home?
APCO is effective against many common odors and VOCs via its combined carbon and photocatalytic oxidation process, but severe or ongoing odor sources (such as active mold growth or a specific contamination issue) may require addressing the root cause in addition to air purification.
Does this replace the need for regular HVAC filter changes?
No — APCO complements your existing HVAC filtration rather than replacing it; regular filter changes are still necessary for particulate control and overall system health.
Advanced UV-C Germicidal Sterilization & Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Air Purification
The TUV APCO-ER2 (Fresh-Aire APCO-ER2) is an award-winning, professional-grade air purification system that combines germicidal ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light with advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology. While standard UV lamps only kill biological contaminants on contact, the APCO-ER2 actively neutralizes toxic chemical vapors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), household odors, and microbial pollutants circulating through your home's ductwork. As air passes over the titanium dioxide-infused carbon matrix activated by the UV-C light, odors and chemical gases are safely broken down into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. Call our certified HVAC and indoor air quality specialists at (224) 754-1984 for expert APCO-ER2 installation, bulb replacement, or system upgrades:
Dual-Action Air Purification: Combines germicidal UV-C light sterilization with advanced PCO carbon matrix technology for complete indoor air decontamination.
Destroys VOCs & Chemical Vapors: Eliminates harmful odors from cleaning products, paint fumes, pet smells, cooking vapors, and formaldehyde.
Kills Mold, Bacteria & Viruses: Neutralizes biological pathogens and prevents bio-slime buildup on your HVAC evaporator coils.
Chemical-Free & Ozone-Free Operation: Safely purifies your indoor atmosphere without releasing harmful ozone or artificial chemical masking agents.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Design: Features a long-lasting UVC lamp and a permanent, maintenance-free carbon matrix core designed for continuous 24/7 protection.
TUV APCO-ER2 Technical Specifications & Capabilities
Designed for professional installation inside residential furnace and air handler duct systems:
Technical Parameter Feature & Specification Details Operational Advantage Manufacturer & Model Fresh-Aire APCO-ER2 (TUV APCO-ER2) Premium UV-C and Photocatalytic Oxidation air purifier. Purification Technology UV-C Germicidal Light + PCO Carbon Matrix Destroys biological pathogens and chemical VOC gases simultaneously. Application Focus Duct air sterilization & Whole-home odor/VOC elimination Keeps evaporator coils spotless and indoor air exceptionally fresh. Power Supply Multi-voltage electronic power supply (120-277 VAC) Reliable electrical integration with any standard residential furnace. Lamp Lifecycle High-output UVC quartz lamp (Approx. 9,000 hours / 1 year) Sustains maximum germicidal and catalytic activation output. Safety Certifications UL, ETL, and CE certified compliance Ensures safe, dependable residential mechanical operation.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to a TUV APCO-ER2 System
Integrating an APCO-ER2 purification system into your home infrastructure delivers immediate health and environmental rewards:
Breathtaking Indoor Freshness: Eradicates stubborn household odors and chemical smells at the molecular level rather than masking them.
Protects Respiratory Health: Drastically reduces airborne allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses that trigger allergies and asthma.
Optimizes HVAC Efficiency: Keeps cooling evaporator coils free of insulating mold and bio-film, ensuring maximum heat-transfer and lower utility bills.
Whole-Home Coverage: Purifies the air continuously every time your furnace or air handler blower runs, treating every room in the house.
Our Step-by-Step TUV APCO-ER2 Installation Process
Duct & Air Handler Inspection: Evaluating the furnace plenum layout to determine the ideal mounting position overlooking the evaporator coil and main airstream.
Plenum Core-Drilling & Securing: Cutting a precise access port in the sheet metal ductwork and mounting the APCO-ER2 baseplate with airtight gasketing.
PCO Matrix & UV Lamp Assembly: Inserting the titanium-infused carbon matrix insert and high-output quartz UV-C lamp securely into the housing.
Electrical Ballast Wiring: Connecting the electronic power supply transformer to a reliable 120V power source with safe inline fusing.
System Test & Verification: Verifying proper UV illumination, checking safety viewports, and confirming complete operational readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions: TUV APCO-ER2 System
Q: What makes the TUV APCO-ER2 different from a standard UV lamp?
A: While a standard UV lamp only kills germs on contact, the APCO-ER2 adds a Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) carbon matrix. This advanced technology actively destroys chemical vapors, odors, and VOCs that UV light alone cannot eliminate.
Q: Does the APCO-ER2 produce harmful ozone?
A: No. The APCO-ER2 is engineered to be 100% ozone-free, utilizing safe catalytic reactions to break down pollutants into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Q: How often do I need to replace the bulb in the APCO-ER2?
A: The UVC lamp should be replaced once a year (approximately every 9,000 hours of operation) to maintain peak germicidal intensity and catalytic activation. The PCO carbon matrix itself is permanent and does not need replacement.
Q: Can this system eliminate pet odors and cooking smells?
A: Yes. The PCO technology is exceptionally effective at breaking down organic chemical compounds responsible for pet odors, stale smoke, and lingering cooking smells.
With multiple locations throughout North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Emergency Plumbing offers promt and professional plumbing services.
Are you looking for a reliable plumber near me in the Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Barrington, or surrounding areas?
Our local plumbing company offers expert services, catering to all your needs. Whether you're in the heart of Buffalo Grove, the serene streets of Deerfield, or require an emergency plumber in Des Plaines or Elk Grove Village, we are here to help. Our plumbing contractors are well-versed in the unique plumbing systems of Glencoe, Glenview, Hawthorn Woods, and Highland Park.
For those in Highwood, Hoffman Estates, or the quaint town of India Creek, our team guarantees prompt and efficient service.
Residents of Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and Lake Zurich can also rely on our expertise. We extend our services to Long Grove, Mettawa, Lincolnshire, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Northbrook, and Palatine.
Need a plumber in Prospect Heights, Ravinia, RiverWoods, Rolling Meadows, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Wheeling, Wilmette, or Winnetka? Look no further! As a trusted plumbing contractor, we ensure that your plumbing issues are solved quickly and efficiently, keeping your home or business running smoothly.
