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

Indoor air quality is important for every household. If your home doesn’t have the proper air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times less healthy compared to outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods available, how do you determine 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 used to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers come 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, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all perform a little differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne particulates. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer capture and remove them.

One common side-effect with many air purifiers is that they produce ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Breathing 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 reminded to take advantage of proven approaches of reducing indoor air pollution. These methods include phasing out or controlling pollutant sources, adding outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t add 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 system in hospitals and food production for a very long time. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically improve indoor air quality.

The process is quite uncomplicated: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs constantly. Each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particulates blows through the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be installed in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation devices. All three work in tandem to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing encourages you to consider installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to those struggling with asthma and allergies, namely in warm, humid climates where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Filter the air in your entire home

• • Eradicate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Reduce the potential of creating ozone

If you believe a UV germicidal light is best for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can suggest the perfect combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to collect dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to request a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 today!