Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights: What’s Ideal for My Home?
Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every homeowner. If your home doesn’t have adequate air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more polluted compared to outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods on the market, how do you learn which one is correct for your home and family? Here’s a comparison of two popular methods—air purifiers and UV lights.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers are designed to enhance indoor air quality by trapping dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers come in a portable form, which means they can only clean the air in one room at a time.
There are several types of air purifiers, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all work slightly differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne particulates. However, once allergens settle 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 raw form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental to health. Breathing ozone hampers lung function and enhances 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 methods of controlling indoor air pollution. These methods include removing or controlling pollutant sources, adding outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t add 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 called germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and eliminates 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 dramatically enhance indoor air quality.
The process is very simple: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs throughout the day. Any time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing pollutants drifts past the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile after just 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be installed alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work together to give you the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Best?
Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts recommends installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to anyone struggling with asthma and allergies, particularly in hot, humid settings where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Clean the air in your entire home
- Destroy the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Prevent the potential of generating ozone
If you think a UV germicidal light is best for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can suggest the ideal combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Keep in mind, you should still use an HVAC air filtration system to dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to request a free home health consultation, call us at 226-773-3357 now!