Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights: What’s Right for My Home? 

Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every household. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is frequently two to five times more polluted over outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods available, how do you know which one is ideal for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two quality methods—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are designed to enhance indoor air quality by trapping dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a clean 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, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all function somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to capture airborne substances. However, once allergens settle to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.

One consistent problem with several air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Exposure to ozone affects lung function and enhances the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, because a homeowner would only purchase an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not make it worse! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are encouraged to use proven techniques of controlling indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t increase or generate 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 called germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and eliminates bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for a very long time. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can greatly boost indoor air quality.

The process is very simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs continuously. Each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particles blows past the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated after just 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be installed alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work in unison to provide 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 bring relief to anyone struggling with asthma and allergies, namely in warm, humid settings where microorganisms thrive. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Eradicate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Lengthen your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Minimize the potential of creating ozone

If you think a UV germicidal light is best for your home, talk with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can suggest the ideal combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Don’t forget, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights don’t affect inanimate allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 right away!