What’s the Difference Between an Electronic Air Cleaner and a UV Air Purifier?

Indoor air quality is a serious concern, and while your heater or air conditioner can set your household temperature exactly the way you’d like it, the presence of dust and other contaminants can still make your home a less-than-pleasant place to be. Here in Austin, TX, you can adopt numerous means to combat low indoor air quality, including electronic air cleaners and UV air filters. Both perform the same basic task, but they do so in different ways and have slightly different effects. We’ve broken down the difference below to help you make an informed choice as to which one best meets your needs.

WHAT IS AN ELECTRONIC AIR CLEANER?

An electronic air cleaner creates a field of static electricity at the apex of your centralized heating and air conditioning system. Particles which pass through it become ionized, which causes them to stick to nearby surfaces. Cheaper electronic air filters simply allow the dust to stick to the walls and furnishings of your home, which keep them out of the air and allow you to clean them up more quickly. 

Electronic air cleaners are highly effective at eliminating all types of common airborne contaminants, including:

• Harmful bacteria and germs
• Mold particles
• Pet dander
• Dust

Electronic air cleaners can also an effective way to rid your home of lingering odors.

It is important to choose a quality electronic air cleaner with a high-efficiency filter (preferably with a MERV rating of 10 or higher) for best results. Higher-end models collect the dust in a chamber in the cleaner itself, which keeps it out of your home completely.

UV AIR FILTERS

UV air filters use ultra-violet light to kill biological contaminants, making them better in terms of bacteria and germs, but less effective than electronic air cleaners as far as non-organic dust goes. The UV light is extremely effective, not only killing germs but preventing them from replicating, all while remaining perfectly safe for your family members (including any and all types of pets). If anyone in your household suffers from asthma, allergies, or chronic illness, it is well worth it to consider adding a UV air filter to your home

Generally speaking, UV air filters work better if illnesses are a specific concern, while electronic air cleaners work better if you want more general cleaning services. Contact the experts at Intelligent Air Services today to find out more!