Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights: What's Ideal for My Needs?
Indoor air quality is a concern for every homeowner. If you lack the right air quality products, indoor air is frequently two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. But with a large number of air cleaning methods on the market, how do you learn which one is best 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 increase indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also absorb odor-causing molecules for a clean 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, like mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all function somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to capture airborne particles. However, once allergens fall to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.
One consistent byproduct with a number of air purifiers is that they produce ozone. Whether in its raw form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Breathing ozone weakens lung function and enhances the risk of throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation. This is an ironic side effect, since 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 advised to use proven systems of controlling indoor air pollution. These methods include phasing out or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using any proven methods of air cleaning that doesn’t add 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 known as 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 placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically increase indoor air quality.
The process is very uncomplicated: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ventilation system, where it runs constantly. Every time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particulates moves near the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated within 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die shortly after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be utilized in conjunction with both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work in unison to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?
Coastal Service Experts suggest installing UV lights for maximum indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to people suffering from asthma and allergies, namely in hot, humid climates where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Improve the air in your entire home
- Eliminate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Enhance your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Avoid the likelihood of creating ozone
If you feel a UV germicidal light is best for your home, speak with one of our indoor air quality Experts today. We can suggest the perfect combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights can’t affect inorganic allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to request a free home health consultation, call us at 912-208-2399 right away!
