Comparison of germicidal lamps with HEPA filters: which is more effective?

• Introduction
• What are HEPA filters?
• Advantages and disadvantages of HEPA filters
• What are bactericidal irradiators?
• Advantages and disadvantages of bactericidal irradiators
• Comparison results
• Why choose Bactosfera products

Air quality is very important for human health, so special attention must be paid to its filtration. This is especially true for institutions where many people are present at the same time. Modern air disinfection systems help get rid of harmful viruses and bacteria and eliminate threats. Bactericidal irradiators and HEPA filters are particularly popular - which one should you choose? Let's take a closer look.

What are HEPA filters?

HEPA filters are effective air purifiers. The name comes from "High Efficiency Particulate Air" which means "highly effective at removing particles from the air."

The main feature of a HEPA filter is that it can trap approximately 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger at a specific airflow rate measured in cubic meters per hour.

A HEPA filter consists of bends placed in a frame. The bends are made of filter materials — dense fibers arranged randomly. Particles from the air that enter the filter stick to the fibers and no longer move. The filters work based on three processes. Diffusion captures the smallest particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 microns, which move randomly. Inertia helps dust particles as small as 0.3 microns settle on the fibers. Larger particles cling to the fibers as they pass through the filter and cannot break away. Then others stick to them. All these processes occur simultaneously.

HEPA filters can be disposable or reusable. The former are made of glass fiber or paper with an antimicrobial impregnation. They are more affordable but have a shorter service life. Reusable filters are made of fluoroplastic with a porous activated carbon filler. These filters last longer.

HEPA filters are divided into classes (e.g., 13 or 14). The higher the class, the better the filter traps particles.

Advantages and disadvantages of HEPA filters

The main advantages of HEPA filters are:

1. Exceptionally high cleaning efficiency. Thanks to these filters, even the smallest particles can be removed from the air, which is not possible with conventional filters. This includes not only ordinary dust, but also microscopic allergens such as plant pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and even some viruses.
2. Improved air quality. Such a device is indispensable for people suffering from asthma, as the filter removes irritants that can trigger an attack. Allergy sufferers also feel significant relief, especially during the flowering season when the concentration of pollen in the air is at its highest.
3. Safety of use. HEPA filters do not contain any chemicals, ultraviolet rays, or ozone that could be harmful to health. They simply trap particles mechanically in their structure, making them completely safe even for children and pregnant women.
4. Versatile application. Filters are used in various devices, from home air purifiers to industrial ventilation systems. Many modern vacuum cleaners are also equipped with HEPA filters.
5. Odor reduction. Although the filters themselves are not designed to combat odors, many models contain activated carbon, which traps unpleasant odors from the air.

The durability and reliability of these filters have been proven over time. HEPA technology was developed back in the 1940s to prevent the spread of radioactive contamination. Since then, it has been continuously improved and has proven its effectiveness in a wide variety of conditions.  In the research article, you can read about the study of the effectiveness of HVAC systems with HEPA filters irradiated by UV-C, which are used in hospital environments.

HEPA filters have few disadvantages. The main one is their sensitivity to moisture and the need for regular replacement or cleaning, as dust, allergens, and bacteria accumulate in the filter over time. The latter can even start to multiply, especially if the filter is wet. Due to their high air resistance, systems with HEPA filters sometimes operate more loudly, especially at high fan speeds. These purifiers are also more expensive than conventional ones.

What are bactericidal irradiators?

Bactericidal irradiators are devices for disinfecting air and surfaces. The principle of operation of a recirculator is based on ultraviolet radiation of a certain wavelength, which destroys the genetic material of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogenic microorganisms. This causes them to die or lose their ability to reproduce.

There are two types of bactericidal lamps: open and closed. The former are used to disinfect rooms in the absence of people and animals, as the radiation can be harmful. Closed lamps operate in a closed cycle. They pass air through the device, where it is disinfected, allowing the lamps to be used in the presence of people. For disinfection to be effective, it is important to consider the air flow that recirculates inside the device and the volume of the room in cubic meters.

Irradiators can also be stationary or portable.

Advantages and disadvantages of bactericidal irradiators

The main advantages of bactericidal irradiators are:

1. High efficiency. Proper use of ultraviolet equipment can destroy 99.9% of harmful microorganisms.
2. Prevention of infectious diseases. UV irradiators can reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections, such as COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis in medical and childcare facilities, offices, schools, and beauty salons.
3. Instant action. When exposed directly, ultraviolet light acts almost instantly — no need to wait, as is the case with filtration.
4. Versatility. Irradiators are suitable for both air disinfection in rooms and for treating objects, tools, walls, floors, etc. They are used in medicine, agriculture, the food industry, and for water disinfection.
5. Safety. UV irradiators leave no toxic residues and do not cause allergic reactions. Closed recirculators can even be used in the presence of people.

There is also no odor when the lamp is in use.

Bactericidal irradiators also have certain disadvantages:

1. Open lamps must not be switched on in the presence of people or animals.
2. UV rays do not penetrate obstacles (walls, furniture, fabrics) — only surfaces directly exposed to the lamp are disinfected.
3. Irradiators do not filter dust particles and allergens, but only kill microorganisms.
4. Some UV lamps emit waves below 240 nm, which leads to the formation of ozone, which in high concentrations is harmful to the respiratory tract.
5. The lamps have a limited operating life (often 6,000–9,000 hours). Over time, the intensity of radiation decreases and the effectiveness of disinfection declines.
6. High-quality bactericidal irradiators (especially recirculators) are quite expensive.

It should be noted that the disadvantages do not apply to all models, so it is possible to choose a good and safe option.

Comparison results

It is difficult to compare HEPA filters and germicidal irradiators because they have different mechanisms of action and purposes:

HEPA filters are very effective at removing solid particles from the air. They trap dust, pollen, animal hair, mold spores, and some bacteria.

1. Bactericidal UV lamps specialize in destroying living microorganisms by destroying their DNA. This means that HEPA filters are better at dealing with dust and allergens, while UV lamps are better at dealing with viruses and bacteria.
2. The key difference lies in the mechanism of action. HEPA filters physically trap particles in their structure, while UV lamps destroy microorganisms but do not remove them from the air.
3. In terms of speed, UV lamps have an advantage because disinfection is instantaneous. It takes longer to pump air through HEPA filters.
4. In terms of safety, HEPA filters are completely safe for humans, while UV lamps can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
5. HEPA filters need to be replaced regularly, which can be quite expensive. UV lamps have a longer service life, but these devices consume electricity during operation.

For home use, more practical HEPA filters are usually recommended, as they remove a wide range of pollutants and are safe to use. UV lamps are better suited for medical facilities, laboratories, and other places where it is critical to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. However, you can purchase a device for home use if necessary.

Why choose Bactosfera products

BactoSfera is a Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of patented products for domestic, industrial, and medical use. The company has been operating since 2011.

Our main focus is the development, production, and sale of products designed to disinfect the air and surfaces in rooms from viruses and bacteria. We strive to provide the business and medical sectors with high-quality and highly effective products. Another of our goals is to ensure the safety, accessibility, and ease of use of our devices in everyday life.

We also have the following advantages:

1. All Bactosfera products comply with Ukrainian and international standards (have sanitary and epidemiological conclusions and certificates), which guarantees the safety and effectiveness of our devices.
2. We use parts from well-known brands in the production of our lamps, which ensures high radiation intensity and long service life.
3. Compared to imported analogues, our products are cheaper, but the quality is just as good.
4. We provide a warranty for our products and ensure maintenance.
5. If necessary, qualified managers will advise customers on products and the specifics of their use.

By purchasing our products, you support Ukrainian business and the economy.