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

Indoor air quality is a concern for every home. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is frequently two to five times less healthy compared to outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods available, how do you determine 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 filtering 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 work in one room at a time.

There are many types of air purifiers, including 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 pollutants. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer trap and remove them.

One common byproduct with many air purifiers is that they produce ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Being exposed to ozone affects lung function and increases the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, considering that a homeowner would only purchase an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, homeowners are advised to use proven ways of managing indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, increasing 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 kills bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization method in hospitals and food production for decades. When placed 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 constantly. Any time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particles drifts past the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile 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 utilized in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work in tandem to give you 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 the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can provide relief to those struggling with asthma and allergies, particularly in warm, humid regions where microorganisms thrive. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:

• • Improve the air in your entire home

• • Destroy the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold

• • Increase your HVAC system’s lifespan

• • Minimize the likelihood of producing ozone

If you decide a UV germicidal light is right for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality Experts today. We can walk you through the ideal combination of systems based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Don’t forget, you should still have an HVAC air filtration system to remove dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect inanimate 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!