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

Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every homeowner. Without the right air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more contaminated over outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods on the market, how do you learn which one is best for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two quality choices—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are designed to improve indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers are available in a portable form, which means they can only clean the air 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 function somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to capture airborne particles. However, once allergens settle to the floor, purifiers can no longer capture and remove them.

One frequent byproduct with a number of air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its pure form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Being exposed to ozone affects lung function and increases the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, since a homeowner would only purchase an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not hurt it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instructions, homeowners are encouraged to use proven techniques of controlling 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 wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization instrument in hospitals and food production for many years. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can greatly boost indoor air quality.

The process is surprisingly straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs throughout the day. Any time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, 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 shortly after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be installed in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work with one another 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 offer relief to anyone dealing with asthma and allergies, especially in sunny, humid settings where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Destroy the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Avoid the potential of producing ozone

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