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

Indoor air quality is important for every household. If you lack the right air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more polluted over outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you find out which one is ideal 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 built to enhance indoor air quality by trapping dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a clean 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 filter out airborne particulates. However, once allergens fall to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.

One common problem with many air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its raw form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Being exposed to ozone hampers 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 purchase an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not hurt it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instructions, homeowners are encouraged to use proven methods of managing indoor air pollution. These methods include phasing out or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t add 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 called germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and eliminates bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for decades. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically increase indoor air quality.

The process is surprisingly simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs constantly. Any time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particles drifts near the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be utilized alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work in tandem to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing encourages you to consider installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to those dealing with asthma and allergies, particularly in hot, humid climates where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Clean the air in your entire home

• • Eradicate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Avoid the likelihood of creating ozone

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