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

Indoor air quality is important for every home. If you lack adequate air quality products, indoor air is frequently 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 determine 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 collect 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 perform 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 produce ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous 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, since a homeowner would only install an air purifier to improve indoor air quality, not weaken it! Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, homeowners are encouraged to rely on proven approaches 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 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 known as germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and kills bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization system in hospitals and food production for decades. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically enhance indoor air quality. 

The process is surprisingly straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs continuously. Any time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing particles moves through the light. Airborne microorganisms are deactivated in under 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is advised that UV lights be utilized alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation equipment. All three work in tandem to give you the best, most pure indoor air for your home. 

Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Recommended?

Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air suggest installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can offer relief to those suffering from asthma and allergies, particularly in sunny, humid climates where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can: 

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

If you feel a UV germicidal light is beneficial for your home, chat with one of our indoor air quality technicians today. We can suggest the best combination of equipment based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Remember, you should still have an HVAC air filtration system to trap dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights can’t affect inorganic allergens. To learn more about available air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 210-404-4233 right away!