Indoor air quality can affect our health. While you have the power to control the room temperature indoors for comfort, the presence of air pollutants, if not controlled, can still make your home a not exactly great spot to be in. Fortunately, today, there are already numerous ways you can do to battle low indoor air quality such as mechanical air filtration and UV air filters. Both play out a similarly fundamental role, yet they vary in ways and impacts.
In this article, we will determine the differences between mechanical air filtration and UV air filters and which is best for achieving good indoor air quality.
What is a Mechanical Air Filtration?
It is a type of physical device installed in the airflow system for your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. When the indoor air flows through the filter, it removes harmful air particles that can affect our health. Mechanical filters have several MERV ratings—some are even HEPA filters that can trap up to 99.97% of contaminants as small as 0.3 microns.
These types of air filters are highly effective in protecting you from harmful particles that can trigger allergies and other health issues.
What are the Differences Between Mechanical and UV Air Filters?
Though created to perform the same purpose—to protect you against harmful particles and other contaminants—mechanical air filtration and UV air filters have a lot of differences including their form, how it works, and of course, the result of effectivity.
Mechanical Air Filtration
Most HVAC systems have a built-in mechanical air filtration where you can put a replaceable air filter. They’re not difficult to utilize and can be traded in and out without the assistance of an expert. You can likewise get extra mechanical air filtration systems added to trap even smaller particles and further improve your air quality indoors. However, unless you clean or replace air filters regularly, it will be less efficient because mechanical air filters work by capturing air particulates such as pet dander, pollen, dust, molds, virus, bacteria, etc. in the filter material.
UV Air Filters
This type of filter uses ultraviolet light to fight against contaminants like bacteria and germs. It works differently compared to mechanical air filtration. If the latter collects or traps particles, UV air filters destroy them. However, they are not highly effective in removing dust and all other non-living particles.
Although some people would think of it negatively, these are safe for everyone including you, your family, pets, and many more.
In Conclusion
Mechanical air filtration and UV air filters are effective in their own ways. However, if your focus is to have better indoor air quality, a mechanical air filter is the best for you. It can help you keep everyone safe and healthy indoors.
In need of mechanical air filtration? Buoyant got you covered! We have a wide range of quality products ranging from air filter consumables to air purifiers and more. Get in touch with us, our team of experts will help you get exactly what you need for better and healthier indoor air quality.
