Air Purifier: HEPA vs. UV

You may wonder what air purifier, HEPA vs. UV, seems right for you. Searching for the best air purifier, consumers often turn to HEPA-based air cleaners to reduce particulate matter in the air. However, other air purification techniques may help eliminate mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, smoke particles, and other irritants. Additionally, a combination of multiple technologies may work. Check out air purifier filters vs. car filters for additional air purifier information.

HEPA vs. UV Air Purifiers

Air purifiers come in many forms, such as regular air purifiers and vacuum purifiers, as well as including HEPA-based and ultraviolet-based. Many consider HEPA filters the best in the business for air filtration because of their high particle reduction rates. However, other types of air cleaners also reduce concentrations of particulates—air purifiers with UV light help eliminate bacteria, germs, and viruses. Therefore, an air purifier with UV and HEPA may be the best option for trapping and eradicating pollutants, which the EPA recommends. You may also want to consider which is better, an air purifier vs. an air exchanger.

How Does a HEPA Air Purifier Work?

A HEPA air purifier utilizes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that eliminates 99.97% of contaminants 0.3 microns in size or larger particles. Each air filter must pass a range of tests to become certified. “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-style” filters do not meet the requirements, so brands include words alongside HEPA to have the keyword HEPA, but a HEPA filter will be called either just “HEPA” or “true HEPA.” To aid consumers in judging the effectiveness of an air filter, manufacturers assign a MERV rating to each, and higher ratings indicate better filters.

How Does UV Light Work?

Ultraviolet light air purifiers feature short-wave UV-C light to inactivate organic compounds that have been irradiated. This process is also referred to as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI.) UV technology sometimes resides in the ventilation ducts, but free-standing air purifiers with UV-C light are also available. You should combine an air purifier with a fan or your HVAC system for the best result because they enable full-room circulation. For example, some studies showed that upper-room UV fixtures reduced measles transmission among students in Philadelphia in the 1930 and 1940s.

Read our SilverOnyx air purifier review for a unit that utilizes UV technology.

Can Air Purifiers Kill Viruses?

Some air purifiers, like the Patriot PCO and PureAir, clean the air, eradicating some virus particles present in the air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends using a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher in your HVAC system to reduce virus particles. For in-room air cleaners, you should use only models that have evidence of effectiveness and safety. Check the clean air delivery rate (CADR) chart the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers provided to find the right air purifier for your room.

What Purifiers Create Ozone?

You want to avoid some air purifiers that produce toxic ozone at safe levels, which can build up and cause health issues. These air purifiers include ozone generators, ionizers, and electrostatic precipitators. Although these devices may help reduce certain pollutants with extended exposure, they produce ozone that can cause respiratory problems, including sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, and triggering asthma. UV light air purifiers produce safe ozone levels, so you may need to ventilate your room using a window or door. You can also check out our UV vs ozone air purifier comparison to see which suits your needs. Additionally, it is important to know the difference between activated carbon filters vs HEPA filters, so you can choose the safest and most effective option.

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