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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every homeowner. If you lack the proper air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times less healthy than outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you recognize which one is right 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 capture odor-causing molecules for a fresh 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 capture airborne particles. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.

One frequent byproduct with a number of air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its natural form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Being exposed to ozone decreases lung function and increases the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, because a homeowner would only use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instructions, homeowners are encouraged to utilize proven systems of controlling 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 add or generate 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 wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization method in hospitals and food production for many years. When added to your HVAC system, UV lights can greatly improve indoor air quality.

The process is quite straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs continuously. Each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particulates moves through the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated after just 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is encouraged that UV lights be installed in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work with one another to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Best?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing recommends installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to anyone suffering from asthma and allergies, namely in hot, humid climates where microorganisms thrive. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Eradicate most viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Prevent the possibility of creating ozone

If you believe a UV germicidal light is best for your home, talk with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can suggest the best combination of products based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still have an HVAC air filtration system to collect dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights don’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about different air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!