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

Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every home. If your home doesn’t have the right air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods available, how do you learn which one is correct for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two popular methods—air purifiers and UV lights. 

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

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

There are several types of air purifiers, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all work somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne substances. However, once allergens settle to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them. 

One common byproduct with many air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined 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, considering that 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) instructions, homeowners are reminded to utilize proven ways of reducing 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 intensify or create 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 wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for many years. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically improve indoor air quality. 

The process is quite simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs continuously. Any time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing pollutants drifts through the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is encouraged that UV lights be used in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work with one another to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home. 

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing recommends installing UV lights for maximum indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to anyone struggling with asthma and allergies, especially in warm, humid climates where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can: 

  • Filter the air in your entire home 
  • Eradicate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold 
  • Increase your HVAC system’s lifespan 
  • Avoid the potential of generating ozone 

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

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