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

Indoor air quality is important for every household. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times less healthy than outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods on the market, how do you find out which one is ideal for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two quality options—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are used to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a clean scent. Air purifiers are available 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, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all perform slightly differently, but the goal is the same—to filter out 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 produce ozone. Whether in its pure form or combined 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 install an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not hurt it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are reminded to take advantage of proven ways 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 intensify or produce 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 method in hospitals and food production for many years. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically improve indoor air quality.

The process is quite straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs continuously. Every time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particles moves near the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is encouraged that UV lights be used in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work together to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Recommended?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing encourages you to consider installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to people dealing with asthma and allergies, namely in sunny, humid climates where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Filter the air in your entire home

• • Destroy most viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Lengthen your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Minimize the possibility of creating ozone

If you feel a UV germicidal light is useful for your home, discuss it with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can recommend the perfect combination of equipment 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 can’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 right away!