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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every household. Without adequate air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more polluted compared to outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods on the market, how do you recognize which one is correct 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 built to increase indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a clean 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 several 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 filter out airborne pollutants. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer capture and remove them.

One consistent problem with many air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its natural form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Exposure 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 make it worse! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are encouraged to utilize proven systems of reducing indoor air pollution. These methods include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t intensify 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 many years. When added to your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically improve indoor air quality.

The process is very uncomplicated: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs throughout the day. Each time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing particles blows past the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is recommended that UV lights be utilized alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work together to give you 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 enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to people suffering from asthma and allergies, namely in warm, humid regions where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Eliminate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Avoid the possibility of creating ozone

If you believe a UV germicidal light is useful for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can suggest 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 trap dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect inorganic allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!