A disturbing figure: the average carpet contains 100,000 dust mites per square yard. That's like a packed Rose Bowl of legged irritants partying inside your rug, leaving a disturbing mess of mite poop and eggs hidden inside the weave of your floor covering. And although our HEPA vac does a very good at trapping most dust and particles, miniscule critters like fleas, mold, bacteria, viruses and dust mites, mostly survive traditional vacuum cleaning. The newly announced Halo UV-ST Ultraviolet Vacuum sports a unique feature to its cleaning arsenal that sets it apart from the pack: ultraviolet light.
We received a test unit from Halo about two weeks ago, straight from their assembly line, and we've used the new UV-ST on our FLOR carpet tiles, our area shag rug and across our hardwood and tile flooring, putting it through a battery of household duties. First off, the vacuum is a handsomely designed product, with a notably unique looking HEPA filtration case that reminds us of sporty luggage, and has a front fascia of a rugged rubberized front bumper which we've learned to appreciate (plays nice with furniture). Inside is a very well constructed HEPA bag that is certified to trap 99.97% of pollen, dust mites and other fine particles. Nothing new, since our Hoover Constellation is rated for the same cleaning efficiency, but the quality of the contaminant trap seems of higher quality upon inspection of the interior structure.
Where the Halo UV-ST sets itself apart is underneath its cleaning unit. The UV-ST has a two UV-C UV bulbs that expose surfaces to a germicidal light, deadly to allergens such as dust mites and bacteria. Activated with the push of a button, the UV features quickly takes a "DeathRay of Justice" appeal that makes vacuuming less of a chore than without. The LED headlights shine up above, while the UV-C light underneath visibly lights up below, indicating it's UV-C spectrum rays are deactivating "the DNA of bacteria, viruses, germs, molds, fungal spores, and other pathogens and micro-organisms, and thus destroys their ability to multiply." We can't verify whether our rugs contain less live contaminants, since we didn't take samples to create cultures, but visual and tactile testing showed positive results.
There's something admittedly extremely pleasurable vacuuming knowing you're not only cleaning, but also eradicating uninvited microscopic house guests, and so it hasn't taken much for us to use the UV-ST regularly. So how does it measure up? First off, the vacuum is powerful, with multiple surface height settings, and there's not much lacking in terms of it's ability to clean whatever surface it's being used upon. The oscillating brushes greedily swallow dirt and dust without spraying it around like our old Dirt Devil or even our floating canister vacuum we currently own; pushing the vacuum is assisted by this action, so there's not too much physical effort in using this upright (the Dirt Devil we owned for 8+ years was practically a certified upper body workout). We do note that this vacuum is best suited for carpeted or rug covered areas; flat, hard surfaces are an Achille's heel for most uprights; the UV-ST did do well, just not as well as our hard floor specific canister unit. But on our rugs, the UV-ST really shines. We don't know if the effect was merely psychological, but our rugs felt and looked cleaner after repeated use. Our short shag rug was notably softer and fluffier after a single cleaning, and the LED headlights ontop were a welcome feature for hunting out errant cat hair hidden underneath our furniture.
The 17lbs sucker is fairly light, but a bit loud, with it's powerful motor drowning out most conversation. We don't do much chatting while vacuuming, but it's worth noting about the noise level if you like to vacuum early in the morning or late at night without worries about disturbing neighbors. The UV-ST has no belts to worry about nor change, thanks to a gear driven motor (perhaps the source of the louder operating noise). A 31' cord allowed us to vacuum from one room all the way into another without problem, and the telescoping handle is a welcome feature for proper ergonomic height while in use. The UV-ST distinguishes itself from it's previous incarnation with the inclusion of a 13 ft. detachable hose, with a crevice tool and dusting brush, used to clean stairs, furniture and fabrics. We hope in a future model Halo is able to include a UV-C light to the hose unit attachment, so we can apply the same UV hurt on germs on non-floor surfaces.
At $499, the Halo UV-ST Ultraviolet Vacuum is not a cheap purchase. But it's also not a basic model vacuum, and competitively priced when matched up to mid-tier vacuums. The UV-C feature is an industry unique feature that sets it apart from it's other upright counterparts, and for households with allergy sufferers the UV-ST seems a worthy consideration, since the UV light has been tested as an effective way to kill unseen and unwanted pests without the use of chemicals. No, it doesn't look like a Transformer like a Dyson, but it's more sedate looks hide a more thorough cleaning option, and ultimately, that's what we want from our vacuums.
UPDATE: the Halo UV-C has proven to have one glaring design flaw that we've experienced numerous times since getting the vac fixed after discovering a non-working oscillating brush. The gear driven motors has a tendency to derail off regularly when vacuuming rugs and carpets. It can be reattached easily, but then as easily falls off after several minutes of use. Without the oscillation, the vacuum's rug and carpet cleaning efficiency is weak. We hope to see Halo fix this issue in future versions.
Why do people even HAVE wall-to-wall carpeting? Long, long ago it was a status symbol. But is someone wanted to design an item of home decor that was a filth (germ, tiny critter, allergen,and disgusting stain) collector, they couldn't do better than carpeting. Rugs can be cleaned more easily and even rolled up and taken outside to be shaken and aired. Well, anyway, I just don't get why people want carpeting. . . .
view Aulaire's profile
I can understand the allure of w/w capreting in that it feels good under the feet if barefooted and many people see it as a luxurious item even though it's found often in the least expensive of homes, both old and new.
However, I'm like you, I do prefer hardwood flooring over wall to wall because if nothing else, it's much easier to keep clean and to clean when needed than carpeting..
view ciddyguy's profile
I wrote a question about this earlier I bought one from them online and it was SOOOOO loud, my 7 year old ran screaming to the kitchen to complain and she is hardly the quiet type.
I couldn't believe how loud it was.
I sent it back to make sure it wasn't just a defective model, which is what I'm hoping for. As someone with alleriges and mild germphobia I am there target market and really wanted to love it.
But after two calls to customer service, their "'warehouse is backed up" so two weeks later I still don't have a vacuum or an answer.
I would say it's pricy, loud and so far not very good customer service in place if there's an issue with your 499
PLUS purchase!
I love the concept but I wish I had bought the dyson and could have a clean house right now!
They are supposed to start selling them at bed bath and best buy soon, so maybe if people wait and get it there it would be easier to return if they don't like it.
Hope this is helpful for those contemplating buying this.
view stacey's profile
stacey: I'm hoping the Halo rep that originally posted a comment will see your feedback and expedite your return. If not, hopefully I can poke and prod them to address the issue.
I'm curious to compare the operational noise of the previous unit to the newer model. The model I have is loud, but no louder than most powerful uprights (and this was partially the reason I keep a smaller canister model).
view gregory's profile
Hi there everybody -
First and foremost, thank you Gregory for the fantastic and thorough review.
Secondly, if anyone does read this and has specific questions about the vacuum, please feel free to email me directly at amchenry@halocompany.com. I am happy to field any questions you may have.
Thirdly, regarding Stacey's comment: We have accepted your return and are inspecting your unit. Stacey purchased our other model, the Halo UVX, and felt it was loud so we accepted her return without question, as she was participating in our 30-day risk-free trial. It was our understanding (and recorded in our records) that she simply wanted to return the vacuum and would consider the UV-ST once it came out in stores because she was interested in attachments. It was our understanding that the transaction was complete and we sincerely apologize for any confusion.
As a newer company, it is our utmost concern and goal to ensure our customer's satisfaction. Stacey, if you are dissatisfied in any way, please let us know and we will be happy to rectify the situation. If there was any miscommunication, we certainly apologize and hope to keep you as a member of the Halo Family.
Thank you,
Ashleigh
view AshleighHalo's profile
Why do people even HAVE wall-to-wall carpeting?
If you want an unbroken expanse of a single color, builder-grade carpet is less expensive than a hard surface floor, plus it installs cooperatively without requiring the subfloor to be perfectly even and level. That's why every rental apartment and tract home is swathed in wall-to-wall carpet.
While I don't like the stuff, there was at least one occasion when we were pricing rehab costs if we bought a building with rental units back East in the snow belt, and carpet was pretty much the only way we could afford to do something pleasant with the basement unit. (We didn't buy that building for other reasons.)
view wende in the twin cities's profile
UV-C has been used for years for waste-water purification, but in those systems the water is recirculated numerous times in thin tubes so the UV hits the organisms numerous times in a small cross-section. The efficacy of UV depends on the wavelength of the UV, the time of incidence, and the thickness of the material. In our biological hoods in the lab, we turn on the UV after each use for at least a couple of hours.
When vacuuming, the thickness of your carpet and how long you stay in one spot will determine the kill rate and efficiency. So, either get thin carpet or plan on vacuuming for a longer period of time.
view dakman's profile
Why do people even HAVE wall-to-wall carpeting?
Because most management companies who own apartment complexes don't know a THING about homes, except that they want to spend as little money as possible.
I would absolutely LOVE to have hardwood floors, but I rent, and thus I'm stuck with slate blue carpeting. SLATE BLUE! You see what I mean now?
Not everyone is so fortunate as to own their home.
view sparkle's profile
asthma & firedust... welcome to southern california...
Hello all- first I am blessed that were we live in SoCal (inbetween all the fires, but not close enough to worry)
Our biggest problem is asthma. My heart (as will my hands) goes out to all the families who have lost their homes.
I just wanted to note re:dakman.. standing w/ a vacuum on a mattress or spending time on a carpet w/UVC light takes up much less time than a trip to the emergency room... endless nights sitting upright so your child (on 4 medications) can breath, humidifiers, airpurifiers, breathing treatments, vomiting from too much mucus... you get the idea...
The more I use this vacuum, I feel the less time I need to spend "Lighting Up"... In the beginning, especially where your face lays on your mattress you do want to spend time (following the directions of course). And the carpets do seem cleaner with each use. My daughter was able to go off of all or her daily medications for the first time in 7 years ... (w/the fires she is back on meds.)
SO Thank You Halo.
Stacy, I was sorry to read about your experience with Halo,
but I must say It was great to see a company (Ashleigh)
TAKE RESPONSABILITY for a mistake or error in this day and age.
view cgb's profile
sparkle -
Word. When I apartment-hunted this last time, my #1 criterion was the unit had to have hardwood floors. Sure, I pay a little more, but it's so much prettier, more sanitary, and easy to clean. I prefer sweeping over vacuuming, anyway. To think that my beautiful hardwood floors were covered by carpet at some point...shudder.
view mmadden's profile