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

Indoor air quality is important for every homeowner. If you lack the right air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more polluted compared to outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you determine which one is best for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two top choices—air purifiers and UV lights.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are used to enhance indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also capture odor-causing molecules for a clean scent. Air purifiers can be found in a portable form, which means they can only be used in one room at a time.

There are different types of air purifiers, such as 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 drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.

One underlying byproduct with several air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental 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, because 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 advised to use proven approaches of controlling 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 add 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 eliminates bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for decades. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically improve indoor air quality.

The process is surprisingly uncomplicated: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs constantly. Any time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particulates blows through the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be used in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work with one another 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 recommends installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to anyone dealing with asthma and allergies, particularly in hot, humid climates where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Clean the air in your entire home

• • Eliminate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Reduce the possibility of generating ozone

If you decide a UV germicidal light is useful for your home, talk with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can point you to the perfect 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 won’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to request a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 right away!