Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights: What’s Best for My Needs?
Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every household. Without adequate air quality products, indoor air is frequently two to five times less healthy compared to outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods available, how do you find out which one is right for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two popular options—air purifiers and UV lights.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers are designed 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 be used 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 perform somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne pollutants. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer capture and remove them.
One underlying byproduct with several air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Exposure to ozone hampers lung function and escalates 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 utilize proven ways of reducing indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, adding outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t increase 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 mechanism in hospitals and food production for a very long time. When added to your HVAC system, UV lights can greatly improve indoor air quality.
The process is surprisingly straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs continuously. Each time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing particles drifts through the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is recommended that UV lights be installed in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation systems. All three work with one another to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Best?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning encourages you to consider installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to people suffering from asthma and allergies, particularly in hot, humid climates where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Clean the air in your entire home
- Destroy the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Prevent the potential of producing ozone
If you think a UV germicidal light is best for your home, discuss it with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can recommend the perfect combination of systems based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still use an HVAC air filtration system to dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect inanimate allergens. To learn more about different air cleaning methods, or to arrange a free home health consultation, call us at 954-736-4314 right away!
