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

Indoor air quality is important for every home. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more contaminated compared to outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods on the market, how do you learn which one is ideal 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 used to enhance indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a clean scent. Air purifiers are available in a portable form, which means they can only work in one room at a time. 

There are different types of air purifiers, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all work somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to trap airborne particles. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them. 

One consistent side-effect with many air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Exposure to ozone affects 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 install an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not make it worse! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are encouraged to rely on proven systems of reducing indoor air pollution. These methods include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t intensify or create 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 wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization system in hospitals and food production for many years. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically enhance indoor air quality. 

The process is very straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs constantly. Any time the air conditioner or furnace activates, indoor air containing particles moves past the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die soon after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be used in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work in tandem to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home. 

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Recommended?

Levy & Son Service Experts suggest installing UV lights for the highest possible indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to those suffering from asthma and allergies, particularly in warm, humid settings where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can: 

• Filter the air in your entire home 
• Destroy the bulk of viruses, bacteria and mold 
• Lengthen your HVAC system’s lifespan 
• Reduce the possibility of producing ozone 

If you feel a UV germicidal light is beneficial for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can suggest the perfect combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Don’t forget, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to trap dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won’t affect non-living allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 469-250-0932 now!