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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every home. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more polluted over outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you learn 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 used to improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers can be found in a portable form, which means they can only work in one room at a time.

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

One common problem with a number of air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its natural form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental to health. Exposure to ozone decreases 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 use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are reminded to stick to 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 increase 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 known as 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 many years. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically enhance indoor air quality.

The process is quite straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs throughout the day. Every time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particulates blows through the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated after just 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is recommended that UV lights be utilized in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. 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 the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to anyone struggling with asthma and allergies, especially in warm, humid climates where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Clean the air in your entire home

• • Eliminate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Minimize the potential of producing ozone

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