Air Scrubbers and UV Lights both purify the air inside our homes. So what’s the difference? Our HVAC contractors address this question a lot. Though both options improve indoor air quality, they are not identical in the way they work or the results they achieve. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the right equipment to address your needs.

UV Lights

When included as part of your HVAC system installation or added to your existing system, UV light purifiers effectively remove harmful household contaminants like  mold spores, bacteria and viruses, smoke, and odors from the air entering your spaces through the ductwork. These purifiers use the UV-C light to harm the microorganisms present in air and their cells by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, which either kills them or leaves them incapacitated. With an air purifier with UV-light technology, air is pulled into the appliance and passes through a fine filter, such as a HEPA filter. The air then passes through a small internal chamber where it is exposed to UV light. After prolonged exposure to UV light, these cells are unable to perform their vital functions thus rendering them harmless to humans. In the entire process, the UV-C light is not released into the room, so you won’t see it nor will you be exposed to it.

Air Scrubber

Air scrubbers are installed in your ductwork, working with your HVAC system to clean the air throughout your home. Aerus air scrubbers dispatch invisible, supercharged submicroscopic particles at tremendous speed into your indoor spaces. These particles collide with viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, neutralizing them and turning them into harmless byproducts. It has been proven by independent FDA compliant lab tests to reduce up to 99.99% of airborne pathogens and contaminants after 60 minutes of treatment. This includes a broad spectrum of clinically significant viruses, bacteria, and fungi, such as:

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)

Avian influenza

Swine flu

E. coli

MRSA

Hepatitis

Legionella

Norovirus

Staph

Candida

Mold

And more.

Our knowledgeable heat repair companies know what truly sets this air scrubbing technology apart, however, is its ability to eliminate 99.9% of surface contaminants as well. Because air scrubbers can continuously clean and protect surfaces and air 24 hours a day, like invisible personal protective equipment (PPE) for you and your family, they are a favorite for remodelers and mold remediation companies, as well as in commercial/industrial settings.

Which is Better – a UV Purifier or an Air Scrubber?

Both UV air purifiers and air scrubbers do an excellent job of improving indoor air quality. However, air scrubbers are capable of removing more contaminants from the air and surfaces faster. UV Air scrubbers are affordable, easy to install, and require little maintenance (catalyst cell needs replacement every two years) They come in portable and whole house built-in units suitable for any space. This makes an air scrubber the optimal choice for those happy to invest a little more in making sure the air within their home is as clean as possible.

Ensure a safe, healthy home with help from the experienced heating and air contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule an indoor air quality test and discuss ways to improve the air quality in your home today.