Indoor air quality is a concern for every home. Without the right air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times more contaminated over outdoor air. But with different air cleaning methods on the market, how do you recognize 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 built to increase indoor air quality by filtering dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. Some also capture odor-causing molecules for a pleasant scent. Air purifiers are available 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, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, ozone generators, electronic air purifiers, and ionization systems. They all function a little differently, but the goal is the same—to filter out airborne particles. However, once allergens drift down to the floor, purifiers can no longer catch and remove them.
One underlying side-effect with many air purifiers is that they generate ozone. Whether in its pure form or blended with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Being exposed to ozone hampers 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 use 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 approaches of reducing indoor air pollution. These methods include phasing out or controlling pollutant sources, bolstering 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 known as germicidal because it inactivates most viruses and wipes out bacteria and molds. UV lamps have been used as a sterilization instrument in hospitals and food production for many years. When placed in your HVAC system, UV lights can drastically boost indoor air quality.
The process is surprisingly straightforward: an ultraviolet lamp is installed in your air ducts, where it runs constantly. Every time the air conditioner or furnace starts, indoor air containing particulates drifts through the light. Airborne microorganisms are made sterile after just 10 seconds of contact, rendering them unable to reproduce until they die quickly after UVC exposure. It is encouraged that UV lights be installed alongside both high efficiency filtration and ventilation accessories. All three work together to produce the best, most pure indoor air for your home.
Air Purifiers vs. UV Lights – Which is Better?
Orangutan Home Services encourages you to consider installing UV lights for enhanced indoor air quality. This solution can bring relief to people suffering from asthma and allergies, especially in warm, humid climates where microorganisms flourish. Unlike air purifiers, UV lights can:
- Clean the air in your entire home
- Eliminate the majority of viruses, bacteria and mold
- Increase your HVAC system’s lifespan
- Minimize the possibility of creating ozone
If you think a UV germicidal light is right for your home, talk with one of our indoor air quality specialists today. We can recommend the best combination of products based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. Keep in mind, you should still install an HVAC air filtration system to remove dust, pollen and pet dander since UV lights won't affect inorganic allergens. To learn more about these air cleaning methods, or to schedule a free home health consultation, call us at 602-906-0111 now!