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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every household. If you lack the proper air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more contaminated compared to outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you learn which one is right 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 improve indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also capture odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers can be found 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, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all perform somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to filter out airborne substances. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.

One consistent side-effect with several air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Breathing ozone hampers lung function and enhances the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, since a homeowner would only use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, homeowners are reminded to stick to proven systems of managing 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 add 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 considered germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and kills bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization system in hospitals and food production for decades. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically improve indoor air quality.

The process is very straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs throughout the day. Any time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing particulates blows near the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be installed in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work in tandem to give you the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Best?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing encourages you to consider installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to anyone suffering from asthma and allergies, especially in hot, humid settings where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Eliminate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Lengthen your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Avoid the potential of generating ozone

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