Air Sterilizer Vs. Air Purifier | With Comparison Table

Do you know the difference between an air sterilizer and an air purifier?

Many people don’t, and they end up purchasing the wrong product.

In this blog post, we will compare an air sterilizer vs an air purifier and will break down the differences between these two products, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Air Sterilizer Vs. Air Purifier

The main difference between an Air sterilizer and an Air purifier is that an air sterilizer works to destroy pathogens, bacteria, and viruses by using ultraviolet light while an air purifier removes pollutants in the air by using a HEPA or activated carbon filters.

Air Sterilizer	Air Purifier
Uses ionization	Uses filters
Quiet operation	Can be noisy
No maintenance requires	Filter replacement required
No effective for mold, dust, smoke, and other pollutants	Effective for pollutant removal
Produces Ozone	Not all air purifiers produce ozone

What Does An Air Purifier Do And How Do They Work?

An air purifier is a device that uses filters to remove contaminants from the air. The most common type of air purifier is a mechanical filter, which works by trapping particles in the filter media.

Some air purifiers also use activated carbon filters, which adsorb gases and odors.

Most air purifiers come with multiple filters. The filters are arranged such that the air is purified in different stages.

The first stage filter usually traps the largest particles, such as dust and pet dander. The second stage filter removes smaller particles, such as pollen and mold spores. The final stage filter is designed to remove the smallest particles.

The most effective filters used in air purifiers are the True HEPA filters. These filters can remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.03 microns in size.

Some air purifiers also have ionization chambers. These chambers generate negative ions, which attach to positively charged particles in the air. The ions make the particles heavier, so they fall to the ground.

When Does A Home Need A Purification System?

Your home needs an air purification system if there is one or more of the following:

Pets: Pet dander and hair can be a major problem for people with allergies. If you have pets, you will need an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Smokers: Cigarette smoke is made up of tiny particles that can be difficult to remove from the air. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are the most effective at removing cigarette smoke from the air.

Allergies: If you have allergies, an air purifier can help to remove the allergens from the air. This will help to reduce your symptoms.

Dust: Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in dust. They are a major cause of asthma and allergies. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove the dust mites from the air.

Mold: Mold spores can cause respiratory problems in some people. If you are susceptible to mold, you will need an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Chemicals: Some people are sensitive to chemicals and perfumes. An air purifier with a carbon filter can remove these chemicals from the air.

Types Of Air Purifiers

There are various types of air purifiers on the market today. They include the following among others:

Ionic Air Purifiers

This type of air purifier uses electricity to generate negative ions. The ions attach to positively charged particles in the air and make them heavier. This causes the particles to fall to the ground, where they can be vacuumed up.

Activated Carbon Air Purifiers

This type of air purifier uses activated carbon to adsorb gases and odors. The carbon traps the gas or odor particles and removes them from the air.

UV Air Purifiers

A UV air purifier uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. They come with a UV Light bulb that needs to be replaced every few months.

HEPA Air Purifiers

A HEPA air purifier uses a high-efficiency particulate air filter(HEPA) to remove particles from the air. A HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of all particles that are 0.03 microns in size.

Pros Of Air Purifiers

• They eliminate allergens, dust mites, smoke, and other pollutants from the air.
• They are relatively inexpensive to operate.
• Can help relieve asthma symptoms
• They help eliminate odors in the home.
• They help improve sleep

Cons Of Air Purifiers

• They can be noisy.
• The filters need to be replaced regularly.
• Not all air purifiers are effective at removing all types of pollutants from the air.

What Does An Air Sterilizer Do?

An air sterilizer uses ultraviolet light or an ionizer to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. They are effective at reducing the spread of illness.

Air sterilizers work by releasing negative ions into the air. The ions attach to positively charged particles in the air, such as bacteria and viruses. This makes the particles heavier so they fall to the ground, where you can vacuum them.

Most air sterilizers only need to be plugged into a wall outlet to work. They do not require any replacement filters.

Air sterilizers are effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but they are not as effective at removing particles from the air as an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Types of Air Sanitizers

There are two major types of air sanitizers: ultraviolet light air sanitizers and ionizer air sanitizers.

Ultraviolet light air sanitizers use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

When turned on they come with UV Light produces negative ions that attach to positively charged bacteria and viruses. The pollutants become heavier and fall.

Ionizer air sanitizers also use negative ions to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

These devices create charged particles that attach to pollutants in the air. The ions make the particles heavier so they fall, where you can vacuum them.

Pros of Air Sanitizers

• They are effective at reducing the spread of illness.
• They are relatively inexpensive to operate.
• Quiet operation
• Low energy operation
• No maintenance requires

Cons Of Air Sanitizers

• They are not as effective at removing particles from the air.
• They produce ozone, which can be harmful to your health.

What Is the Difference Between An Air Sanitizer And Air Purifier?

There are many differences between air sanitizers and air purifiers. Air purifiers typically use a filter to remove particles from the air, while an air sanitizer uses UV light or an ionizer to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

Air purifiers are more effective at removing allergens, dust mites, smoke, and other pollutants from the air.

They are also relatively inexpensive to operate on and can help relieve asthma symptoms.

On the other hand, air sanitizers are more effective at reducing the spread of illness.

Air sterilizers are quiet while air purifiers can be noisy. The filters in air purifiers also need to be replaced regularly, while the UV light or ionizer in an air sanitizer needs no maintenance.

Air purifiers are great for rooms or spaces that have people regularly, while air sanitizers are often recommended for use in transient spaces, like hotel rooms.

Which Is Better Air Purifier Or Air Sterilizer?

Deciding which is the better device between these two largely depends on what you are trying to achieve.

If you’re looking for something that can remove allergens, dust mites, smoke, and other pollutants from the air an air purifier is your best bet.

However, if you want to reduce disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses, then an air sanitizer is a better option.

Ozone levels should also be considered when deciding whether to buy an air purifier or air sanitizer as ozone can be harmful to your health.

Air purifiers are great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Air sanitizers can be used in hospital settings to help prevent the spread of illness.

Ultimately, the decision between an air purifier or an air sterilizer depends on your needs and preferences.

Can I Use an Air Purifier And Air Sterilizer At The Same Time?

Yes, you can use an air purifier and air sterilizer at the same time. In fact, using both of these devices together can be very effective in cleaning and purifying indoor air.

Final Thoughts

Both air purifiers and air sanitizers are great for improving indoor air quality, but they have different strengths. It is important to decide what you want to achieve before purchasing one of these devices.

Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand the difference between air purifiers and air sanitizers. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

Looking For Air Purifier Guides?

If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.

• Air Purifier Vs Diffuser (Breaking Down The Differences)
• Are air purifiers good for sleep apnea?
• What Is The Difference Between Xiaomi 3H And 3C?
• Best Hospital Grade Whole House Air Purifiers

References: Air purifier study, What is an air purifier Wikipedia