People often mention stepping outside for a bit of fresh air. But did you know just how fresh that outdoor air is? Almost always, indoor air is much more contaminated than outdoor air. In your home, the air you breathe is full of all kinds of particles, microbes, dust, and mess. But it doesn’t have to be! Let’s talk about air purifiers.
Filtration vs. Purification
Filtering air is a straightforward, mechanical process. The air passes through something which won’t allow larger particles through. Filters are usually made of folded, layered materials such as cloth, paper, cellulose, fiberglass, or carbon. If something doesn’t make it through the layers, it won’t be in your air any longer.
Purification is a different process, though it does begin with filtering. UV air purifiers use a frequency of ultraviolet light to destroy the microbes that make it through the filter. These tiny irritants, allergens, and germs are single cells, capable of causing serious illness to you, but very vulnerable to purifying UV light, which penetrates their outer membranes and scrambles them like microscopic eggs.
Portable vs. Whole Home Air Purification
Portable UV air purifiers use motors and fans to pull air from the surrounding area through the purifier’s contained zone of UV light. They’re great for small spaces: studio apartments, dorm rooms, single offices. But they can only access the air closest to them, and they can only process a very limited amount of air.
A whole home air purifier integrates into your existing HVAC system. A technician installs it into your ducts. Tucked away in there, it processes every bit of air that flows through your ductwork. All year long, whether you’re heating or using AC, all the air that comes out of your vents will have passed through that field of UV light and been cleansed of germs and pathogens.
UV Safety
If this type of light is so dangerous to single-celled bacteria and other tiny monsters, can it pose a threat to the people and pets in the home? The simple answer is no, but we’ll explain in more detail. First, this light is the same type of radiation emitted by the sun. You don’t want to bask in it all day every day, for the same reason you should wear sunscreen at the beach, but it’s not extremely dangerous.
Second, you won’t be exposed to it at all! In a portable air purifier, the light is housed in a solid case. With a whole home system, the light is contained within your ductwork. No light will be shining on you or your family members. All that cleansing power is directed straight where it needs to be: on the bacteria, viruses, mold spores, pollen grains, and other dangerous microbes that pass through your HVAC system.
For fresher-smelling air, fewer illnesses, and improved respiratory wellbeing, talk to us about indoor air purifier installation in Lubbock, TX!
JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Lubbock area. Contact us for all your air quality needs.