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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every home. If your home doesn’t have adequate air quality products, indoor air is frequently two to five times less healthy than outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods on the market, how do you know which one is right for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two top methods—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are built to enhance indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a fresher scent. Air purifiers are available in a portable form, which means they can only be used in one room at a time.

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

One common problem with many air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its raw form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Being exposed to ozone decreases lung function and increases the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, because a homeowner would only install an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are advised to utilize proven approaches of reducing 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 produce 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 known as 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 added to your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically increase indoor air quality.

The process is very straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs continuously. Every time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particles blows 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 encouraged that UV lights be utilized in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation systems. All three work with one another to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Recommended?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing suggest installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to anyone suffering from asthma and allergies, especially in sunny, humid settings where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Clean the air in your entire home

• • Eliminate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Lengthen your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Prevent the potential of generating ozone

If you think a UV germicidal light is beneficial for your home, speak with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can recommend the perfect combination of products based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still use an HVAC air filtration system to remove dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights can’t affect inanimate allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to arrange a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!