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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every household. Without the right air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times less healthy over outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods available, how do you find out which one is ideal 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 capture odor-causing molecules for a fresh scent. Air purifiers can be found in a portable form, which means they can only clean the air in one room at a time.

There are many types of air purifiers, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all perform slightly differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne pollutants. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.

One frequent problem with many air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its raw form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental to health. Breathing ozone weakens 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 make it worse! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, homeowners are advised to take advantage of proven systems of managing indoor air pollution. These methods include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources, adding outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t intensify 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 called germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and kills bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization instrument in hospitals and food production for decades. When installed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically enhance indoor air quality.

The process is quite simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs throughout the day. Each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing pollutants blows near the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is suggested that UV lights be used in conjunction with 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 Recommended?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing recommends installing UV lights for maximum indoor air quality. This solution can provide relief to those dealing with asthma and allergies, especially in hot, humid regions where microorganisms are in abundance. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Destroy most viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Avoid the possibility of producing ozone

If you believe a UV germicidal light is right for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can recommend the ideal combination of equipment 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 won’t affect inanimate allergens. To learn more about different air cleaning methods, or to request a free home health consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!