A Glance at the Cleaning Power of UV Air Santiziers and Air Purifiers
In the heat of summer, air quality can be downright unbearable. Muggy air can be uncomfortable by itself, but adding in the plant pollen of allergy season or the invisible germs of flu season often makes the air seem like an enemy.
The good news is that there are tools that can help make the air in the home comfortable and clean without much fuss. In this article, experts explain the benefits and functions of UV air sanitizers and air purifiers.
What’s Exactly Are UV Air Sanitizers and Air Purifiers?
To put it simply, UV air sanitizers and air purifiers are both appliances that clean the air. But each appliance uses different methods to clean the air, and some can attach to the pre-existing HVAC system, while others can operate independently and move from room to room.
- UV Air Sanitizers: This type of air cleaner uses Ultraviolet to sanitize the air. The UV light helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms like mold spores and dust mites from the air. The UV light kills and prevents the microorganisms from reproducing, effectively reducing their presence in the air.
- Air Purifiers: This type of air cleaner uses a series of filters or ions to remove the allergens and other microorganisms from the air. They are divided into two types: passive and active. Passive purifiers use filters to remove the germs and allergens from the air. Active purifiers release negatively charged ions, which causes microorganisms to stick to surfaces, allowing removal of the microorganisms by a thorough cleaning of the surface itself.
What Are the Benefits of One Type Over the Other?
There are benefits to both types of air cleaning technologies.
UV Air Sanitizer Pros:
- Kills germs and inhibits the growth of microorganisms
- Works excellent in humid environments at preventing mold and mildew growth
- A natural method of cleaning the air
- Produces little to no ozone
- Systems can often be added to the pre-existing HVAC system
UV Air Sanitizer Cons:
- Requires good air circulation throughout the whole house to work well
- Does not mitigate dust or allergen collection on surfaces
- Works best with the organisms having prolonged exposure to UV light
- May require an electrical upgrade to use a larger sanitizing machine
Air Purifier Pros:
- Can be very economical
- Can usually be added to the current HVAC system
- Passive methods actually remove pollen, dust, and dander from the air
- Leaves the house with less dust around overall
- A natural method of cleaning the air
Air Purifier Cons:
- Active methods use negatively charged ions and need surfaces cleaned to remove particles fully
- Does not kill mold or mildew, and can only remove the spores in the air
- Does not effectively stop the growth of microorganisms
- Typically requires a fan constantly running in the HVAC system
Why You Need One of These Systems
When it comes to comparing the two systems, the ultimate judge will be the needs of homeowners.
Asthmatics, allergy sufferers, children, seniors, insomniacs, and everyone in between can benefit from these technologies. For those most concerned with killing germs and preventing mildew and mold growth in the house, a UV air sanitizer would be the best way to go. If reducing indoor dander, dust, and pollen allergens are the priority, an air purifier would work best.
Those looking to have cleaner, healthier air quality in a home or business should talk to a qualified HVAC technician about UV air sanitizers and air purifiers.
Trust Local HVAC Experts!
LenAire Inc has over 30 years of experience handling Bossier City’s HVAC needs. Their reliability comes from their quick service and no-nonsense pricing, expert technicians, and desire to provide excellent service to every client. Contact them today to speak with a local professional about indoor air quality in Bossier City.
