Indoor air quality is a concern 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 on the market, how do you know which one is best for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two quality methods—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 capture odor-causing molecules for a fresh scent. Air purifiers are available in a portable form, which means they can only be used in one room at a time.
There are several 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 filter out airborne particulates. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.
One frequent side-effect with a number of air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Being exposed to ozone affects lung function and intensifies the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, considering that 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 advised to rely on proven techniques of managing indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, bolstering 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 known as germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization system in hospitals and food production for a very long time. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can greatly boost indoor air quality.
The process is quite simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs throughout the day. Each time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing pollutants drifts through the light. Airborne microorganisms are inactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is recommended that UV lights be installed alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation systems. All three work together to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Best?
Comfort Masters Service Experts recommends installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to those dealing with asthma and allergies, particularly in hot, humid climates where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Improve the air in your entire home
- Eliminate the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Increase your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Prevent the possibility of creating ozone
If you think a UV germicidal light is useful for your home, speak with one of our indoor air quality Experts today. We can recommend the best combination of equipment 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 schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 847-250-6729 right away!