Everyone knows that ultraviolet (UV) light can be harmful to your skin if you get too much of it, but what most people don’t know that if you apply UV light to a different purpose, it can be beneficial to your lungs.
When short-wavelength ultraviolet light is used in either long-term or repeated exposure, it kills micro-organisms. This method has been used for the past fifty years to purify water, food, and air.
It seems like a science-fiction story, but the concept is simple: The UV rays damage the DNA of the micro-organism and shut down its cellular functions, such as growth and reproduction. The rays aren’t harmful to humans or pets, just micro-organisms such as viruses and molds that cause illness. The trick is maximum exposure to the correct type of UV light.
When used in air filtration, the germicidal UV light is placed in the home’s air handler. The air is circulated over the UV light constantly as the air handler works. This ensures that any contaminants receive adequate doses of UV to cause cellular breakdown. As the micro-organisms die, they are trapped by the air filter and removed when the filter is changed.
So why would you need a germicidal UV light in your home? According to the EPA, indoor air is more polluted than the outdoor air, mainly due to a lack of ventilation that allows indoor air contaminants to escape to the outdoors. Modern, weatherproofed homes are built to keep the elements out but also to keep air indoors. This air can contain fungi, viruses, molds, and pollen that are brought in from outdoors, just to name a few.
A germicidal light can help control the levels of these contaminants.
Installation is simple. The light is placed in your air handler and plugged in. That’s it. It starts working immediately both to purify the air and sanitize the interior surfaces of your equipment. Unlike some other “air cleaners” on the market today, it will not emit ozone into your home’s air.
The benefits for your family include:
- Drastic reduction in the contaminants that can cause colds and flu
- Reduction in particles that can aggravate asthma and allergies
- Reduction of contaminant buildup means your home comfort system will be more efficient and can have a longer lifespan
- Elimination of mold and mildew on the air handler’s coil will also eliminate the odors associated with them
UV lights are a good idea in every home, but are especially beneficial for those who have breathing difficulties such as asthma and allergies. If you are concerned about the air quality inside your home and would like an expert to give you ideas to improve it, contact us today.