Today’s homes and building materials are more energy-efficient than ever. Take windows and doors, for example. Made to keep conditioned air in while keeping drafts out, reducing energy consumption and utility costs. Ironically, the same construction materials that keep our homes energy-efficient result in poor ventilation and more polluted indoor air. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside American homes has two to five times as many pollutants as the air outdoors. It’s no wonder air filtration systems have continued to grow in popularity in Brookline, Dover, and surrounding communities.

Types of Air Filtration Systems

When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, two popular options stand out: whole-house air filtration systems and whole-house UV air filtration systems. Both serve to purify the air, but they operate differently and target different types of pollutants. Let’s take a closer look at both of them.

Whole-House Air Filter

A whole-house air filtration system is typically integrated into your home’s HVAC system. It filters the air as it passes through your ductwork, capturing a variety of airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even smoke. Most such systems use high-efficiency filters, such as HEPA, which can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.

These filters work by physically trapping pollutants, preventing them from circulating through your home. By continuously filtering the air, it ensures that clean air is being distributed throughout the space. This provides consistent relief from allergens and particulate matter.

Whole-House UV Air Filtration

In contrast, whole-house UV (Ultraviolet) air filtration systems use ultraviolet light to eliminate or neutralize harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi. UV air purifiers are usually installed in the HVAC system, just like traditional air filters. However, instead of using physical filters to capture particles, they expose the air to UV-C light as it passes through the system.

The UV light disrupts the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, making them unable to reproduce or cause harm. UV air filtration systems are particularly effective at disinfecting the air and surfaces within your HVAC system. However, UV filters do not remove particles like dust or pet dander. Instead, they focus on biological contaminants, offering protection against airborne pathogens.

Types of Pollutants Addressed

The main difference between the two systems lies in the types of pollutants they address.

• Whole-house air filtration systems are best at removing physical pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. These particles are large enough to be trapped by the filters, and the system offers relief to people suffering from allergies and asthma.

• Whole-house UV air filtration systems focus on eliminating biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. While they won’t remove dust or pet dander, they are highly effective in creating a more sanitized and pathogen-free environment.

Which System Is Right For You?

Choosing between a whole-house air filtration system and a whole-house UV air filtration system depends on your specific needs. In many cases, homeowners choose to install both systems together, as they complement each other. The air filter handles the particulate matter, while the UV system disinfects the air, providing a broader range of protection.