The air inside a home has two to five times more pollutants than outside air. Given that Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, it’s little wonder that people are investing in whole house air purifiers to remove pathogens, odors and respiratory droplets that can spread viruses into your home’s air.
Types of Air Purifiers
There are two types of air purifiers: ionic air purifiers and UV air purifiers.
Ionic air purifiers use electricity to create negative ions in the air. These ions attract allergens such as dust, bacteria, pollen and smoke, creating a charged particle that cycles back to the ionizer where it is contained.
UV air purifiers are installed in your ductwork and use short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) to eliminate pathogens and microorganisms such as mold, bacteria and viruses.
Here are the pros and cons of each:
Ionic Air Purifiers
Pros
- Easier to set up and use
- Portable products available for each movement
- Can include HEPA or carbon filters to improve air quality
- May be less expensive
Cons
- Contains but does not eliminate particles
- Might emit ozone
- May be noisy
- Lower-end models may not be as effective
UV Air Purifiers
Pros
- Newer and generally more effective
- Not visible since installed in ducts
- Kills airborne allergens like mold spores and viruses
- Emits less ozone
Cons
- Installation cost
- Requires annual UV lamp replacement
- May be more expensive
UV air purifiers are generally considered better because they kill biological particles. They also emit less ozone and can be quieter. However, ionic purifiers may be less expensive and require no installation.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Air Purifiers
If you are interested in cleaner indoor air quality, contact Ravinia Plumbing’s HVAC technicians. We can help you select and, if necessary, install the right whole-house air purifier for your home. We’ve been in business since 1928 (95 years!), and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
