Indoor air quality is something to keep in mind for every home. If you lack the proper air quality products, indoor air is often two to five times more contaminated compared to outdoor air. But with so many air cleaning methods to choose from, how do you learn which one is correct 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 used to increase indoor air quality by trapping dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also collect odor-causing molecules for a fresh scent. Air purifiers can be found in a portable form, which means they can only clean the air 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 perform somewhat differently, but the goal is the same—to capture airborne particulates. However, once allergens settle to the floor, purifiers can no longer capture and remove them.
One common problem with a number of air purifiers is that they create ozone. Whether in its natural form or combined with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. Being exposed to ozone hampers lung function and increases 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) guidance, homeowners are advised to use proven systems 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 intensify or generate 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 considered germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization mechanism in hospitals and food production for decades. When added to your HVAC system, UV lights can dramatically increase indoor air quality.
The process is quite straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your ductwork, where it runs constantly. Every time the air conditioner or furnace turns on, indoor air containing particles blows through the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile 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 used in addition to both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work with one another to provide the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Recommended?
Rolf Griffin Service Experts encourages you to consider installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can provide relief to those struggling with asthma and allergies, especially in hot, humid climates where microorganisms prosper. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Improve the air in your entire home
- Eradicate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Minimize the possibility of generating 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 walk you through the best 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 remove dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights can’t affect inorganic allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to arrange a free home health consultation, call us at 260-557-1275 today!