The UV lights in air purifiers aren't powerful enough to kill all viruses in one pass. On the other hand, HEPA filters are great for capturing viruses. Data shows that they can capture more than 99.9% of viruses in a single pass. The CDC does not recommend the use of ultraviolet or UV light inside a HEPA filtration system.
1 There is an underlying belief that UV light will eliminate virtually all contaminants and viruses, including COVID-19, and will act as an excellent air purifier. Having UV light inside an air purifier with HEPA filtration can have more disadvantages than benefits and, in fact, become dangerous. You might be wondering which air purifier is better, HEPA vs. UV? In search of the best air purifier, consumers often turn to HEPA-based air purifiers to reduce particulate matter in the air. However, other air purification techniques can help eliminate mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, smoke particles, and other irritants. In addition, a combination of several technologies can work.
Take a look at air purifying filters vs. car filters for additional information on air purifiers. Air purifiers come in many forms, such as regular air purifiers and vacuum purifiers, in addition to including those based on HEPA and those based on ultraviolet rays. HEPA filters are considered by many to be the best in the industry for air filtration because of their high particle reduction rates. However, other types of air filters also reduce particle concentrations; UV-light air purifiers help eliminate bacteria, germs, and viruses.
Therefore, an air purifier with UV and HEPA may be the best option for trapping and eradicating contaminants, which the EPA recommends. You can also consider which is better, an air purifier versus a car filter. A HEPA air purifier uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that removes 99.97% of contaminants that are 0.3 microns in size or larger particles. Each air filter must pass a series of tests to obtain certification. To help consumers evaluate the effectiveness of an air filter, manufacturers assign a MERV rating to each one, and higher ratings indicate better filters.
Look for a high MERV or CADR rating of the filter or air purifier, respectively, for purchase. Ultraviolet air purifiers use short-wave UV-C light to inactivate organic compounds that have been irradiated. This process is also known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). You should combine an air purifier with a fan or your air conditioning system for the best result, as they allow circulation throughout the room. For example, some studies showed that UV lamps in upper rooms reduced the transmission of measles among Philadelphia students in the 1930s and 1940s. Read our SilverOnyx air purifier review of a unit that uses UV technology.
Some air purifiers, such as the Patriot PCO and PureAir, clean the air and eradicate some airborne virus particles. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends using a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher in your HVAC system to reduce virus particles. For room air purifiers, you should only use models that demonstrate their effectiveness and safety. Consult the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) table provided by the Home Appliance Manufacturers Association to find the right air purifier for your room. You should avoid some air purifiers that produce toxic ozone at safe levels, which can build up and cause health problems.
These air purifiers include ozone generators, ionizers, and electrostatic precipitators. While these devices can help reduce certain pollutants with prolonged exposure, they produce ozone that can cause respiratory problems, such as sore throats, coughing, difficulty breathing, and causing asthma. Air purifiers with UV light produce safe levels of ozone, so you may need to ventilate your room with a window or door. You can also check out our comparison of UV air purifiers versus ozone air purifiers to see which one fits your needs. In addition, it's important to know the difference between activated carbon filters and HEPA filters so you can choose the safest and most effective option.
Air purifiers with UV and HEPA light should be used together with each other. Which air purifiers do not contain ozone? Air purifiers based on air filters that have activated carbon or HEPA filters do not produce ozone. However, many other types of air purifiers do, including electrostatic precipitators, ionic air purifiers, ozone generators, and UV disinfectants. What should you do if your air purifier produces ozone? If your air purifier generates ozone at any level you should ventilate the room with an open window or door from time to time. You may also want to use a fan to improve airflow. Does UV light kill bacteria or germs? Air purifiers with UV light can remove viruses, bacteria or germ particles after prolonged exposure.
As a result these air purifiers have helped reduce the spread of viruses in the past. Typically these bulbs emit a special type of ultraviolet light known as UVC which represents the most germicidal range of wavelengths in the UV spectrum. According to a report prepared by an environmental engineer who works for Austin Air and that we have reviewed the addition of a UV bulb increases initial purchase and maintenance costs and important steps must be taken to ensure that airborne microorganisms are exposed to light long enough to neutralize them. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning encourages you to consider installing UV lights for the best possible indoor air quality. UV technology sometimes resides in ventilation ducts but separate air purifiers with UV-C light are also available.
Microbes must be directly exposed to UV light in order to kill them and something as dense as a HEPA filter makes it impossible to guarantee full visibility. But with the different air cleaning methods available on the market how can you know which one is best for your home and family? Here's a comparison of two quality options: air purifiers and UV lights. Currently the Center for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency do not recommend using ultraviolet light inside an HVAC system but they do suggest using it inside separate air cleaning devices such as those mentioned above.So what is better: an Air Purifier with or without UV Light? The answer depends on what type of contaminants you are trying to remove from your home's indoor environment; if you are looking for protection against airborne viruses then an air cleaner , such as those mentioned above that use both HEPA filtration technology along with UVC light may be your best bet.Conclusion: When it comes down to it there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between an air cleaner , such as those mentioned above that use both HEPA filtration technology along with UVC light versus one without UVC light; it really depends on what type of contaminants you are trying to remove from your home's indoor environment. In conclusion we recommend researching different types of air cleaners , such as those mentioned above that use both HEPA filtration technology along with UVC light versus one without UVC light; this way you can make sure you are getting the best possible protection against airborne viruses while still maintaining good indoor air quality.
