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

Indoor air quality is important for every homeowner. Without the proper air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods on the market, how do you find out which one is best 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 designed to enhance 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 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, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all function a little differently, but the goal is the same—to capture airborne substances. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.

One consistent side-effect with many air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous 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 use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not make it worse! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, homeowners are reminded to take advantage of proven ways of controlling indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, bolstering 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 decades. When added to your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically increase indoor air quality.

The process is surprisingly simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs throughout the day. Each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particulates blows past the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is encouraged that UV lights be used alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. 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 suggest installing UV lights for maximum indoor air quality. This solution can provide relief to those struggling with asthma and allergies, especially in warm, humid settings where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Destroy the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Increase your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Prevent the potential of producing ozone

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