Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights: What’s Best for My Needs? 

Indoor air quality is important for every home. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more contaminated over outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you recognize which one is ideal for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two quality options—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are designed to increase indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a fresh scent. Air purifiers come in a portable form, which means they can only clean the air in one room at a time.

There are many types of air purifiers, including mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all perform slightly differently, but the goal is the same—to filter out airborne substances. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.

One frequent problem with a number of air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental to health. Breathing ozone affects lung function and increases the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, considering that a homeowner would only use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, homeowners are encouraged to utilize proven techniques of managing indoor air pollution. These methods include phasing out or controlling pollutant sources, bolstering outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t increase or create ozone.

How Do UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) rays are the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum. This type of light is considered germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and eliminates bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization method in hospitals and food production for a very long time. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically boost indoor air quality.

The process is surprisingly simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs continuously. Every time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing pollutants drifts through the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be utilized alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work in unison to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing suggest installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can provide relief to anyone dealing with asthma and allergies, especially in hot, humid climates where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Filter the air in your entire home

• • Eradicate most viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Prevent the potential of creating ozone

If you decide a UV germicidal light is useful for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can walk you through the perfect combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Keep in mind, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to trap dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights don’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about different air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!