There’s been quite a lot of research coming out lately about the power of UV light and its disinfecting properties. This is something that we’ve known for a while, which is why we install UV-C air cleaners in our customer’s homes… 

If you’ve been interested in experiencing cleaner, fresher, and healthier air, you might have started researching UV light air cleaners. If so, you’ve likely noticed many products are out there. A simple Google search will lead you to pages upon pages of shopping options, from tabletop UV lamps to heavy-duty air purifiers that sit in the corner of a room, whirring loudly and taking up space. So with so many options to choose from, how do you know what the best type of air cleaner is for your home? When you narrow it down, there are two types: portable and whole-home air cleaners. Here are a few pros and cons to help you choose the right UV air cleaner for you!

Portable UV Air Cleaners

Portable air cleaners have their benefits but have some pretty strong drawbacks! Take a look at the pros and cons of these purifiers:

Pros:

Budget Friendly: Variety of price points, from $16 to $800, you’re sure to find some type of portable system that is in your price range.

Convenience: It’s all in the name; these portable machines are simple to use, just plug in and place on a tabletop, or in a corner, depending on the size.

Travel Options: Depending on what you purchase and your travel plans, portable options allow you to get fresher air wherever you call “home” during a trip. 

Cons:

Small-Space Effects: These portable machines are made to purify the air surrounding them. While they can certainly provide some cleaning within a small room or confined space, the air will always be in danger of contamination since the rest of the house is still filled with dirty air. Essentially, they are less effective than a Whole-Home system.

Noisy: These machines can get noisy. Depending on the type you purchase, you could be in for a distracting new appliance. 

Buyer’s Remorse: It’s hard to know what system will actually work. When you purchase a system from a reputable HVAC company, you have certain guarantees that your system will do what it says; when making a purchase on your own, you’re left to hope that your purchase will do the trick. Remember, you get what you pay for. 

Whole-Home UV-C Air Cleaners

Whole-Home air cleaners are a popular option, but it’s important to know the facts. Doing your research on any home comfort investment is important.

Pros:

True Whole-Home Purification: When you have an EnviroAire indoor air quality UV-C Whole-Home In-Duct Air Purifier installed, you’re eliminating 99.9% of odors, 99.03% of viruses, 98.85% of bacteria, and 78.85 of mold…throughout the entire home. Since it filters the air as it’s passing through the ducts, the air is cleaned before it’s ever dispersed into your home. That means there’s no chance of contaminants getting into your lungs. It improves your entire home’s indoor air quality, not just one area.

Backed By Science: UV-C light is utilized in the air purification systems we install, that’s because it’s scientifically proven to be the most powerful form of UV light. Its entire job is to target and eliminate harmful pollutants in the most effective format. 

Extends The Life Of Your HVAC System: Since it’s clearing out the air in a dramatic way, your HVAC system pumps the air with less effort. This smooth functioning allows it to have fewer breakdowns and a longer system life. 

Cons:

Price: As one of the best residential air cleaners on the market, EnviroAire indoor air quality UV air cleaners will cost more than a $20 UV lamp. Determine if cleaner air and improved health are worth the investment to you.

Installation: Because the system is located in your ducts, it needs to be installed by professionals. While this is generally a quick and simple process, and many view the system’s invisibility as a benefit, it can be inconvenient if you’re looking for a plug-and-play system. 

You’ll Be Spoiled: Alright, we admit, there aren’t a lot of cons to a Whole Home air cleaner, but once your home is pumping fresh air for the first time, you’ll notice the difference when you stay someplace else for vacation or an overnight visit. 

While we at F.H. Furr recommend Whole Home UV air cleaners for our customers, especially people with allergies or severe health issues, it’s up to each individual to make their decision based on what’s best for them. If you have questions about how an EnviroAire indoor air quality UV system could clean the air in your home, check out the video below, and remember to call on us when you’re ready to install your air cleaner!