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

Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every home. If your home doesn’t have the proper air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more polluted over outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods available, how do you learn which one is right 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 used to improve indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a fresher scent. Air purifiers are available in a portable form, which means they can only work in one room at a time.

There are many types of air purifiers, including 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 capture airborne substances. However, once allergens fall to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.

One common problem with many air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its pure form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Breathing ozone weakens 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) instructions, homeowners are advised to stick to proven techniques of controlling 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 increase 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 known as germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and kills bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for decades. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically boost indoor air quality.

The process is very straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs throughout the day. Each time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particulates moves near the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be utilized in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation systems. All three work with one another to give you 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 enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to anyone suffering from asthma and allergies, namely in hot, humid settings where microorganisms thrive. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Filter the air in your entire home

• • Destroy the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Reduce the likelihood of creating ozone

If you believe a UV germicidal light is beneficial for your home, discuss it with one of our indoor air quality Experts today. We can walk you through the perfect combination of systems based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still have an HVAC air filtration system to remove dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights don’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about different air cleaning methods, or to arrange a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!