Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners took a serious interest in the air quality of their living space. While there are many products that claim to clean the air of viruses, allergens and bacteria, only a few truly make a difference. UV lights have been used for many years as a germicidal and sanitizer in hospitals, restaurants and grocery stores. Now, the technology has been redesigned in a size that’s suitable for residential use.
Isn’t UV Light Dangerous?
No, the type of UV light used in the HVAC industry is safe for home use. The ultraviolet light used in whole house air cleansing is called Far-UVC. This is not the conventional germicidal UV light that hospitals use to sanitize unoccupied rooms. The innovative technology available for residential applications acts like a whole house air purifier. While studies have shown that using UVC lights in occupied indoor areas is safe, your kit is typically located inside the air handler or duct work where you or family would not be exposed to it.
How Does Ultraviolet-C Purify My Indoor Air?
Whether your UV light kit is installed in the air duct or on the evaporator coil, it works the same to prevent microbials. As the air passes the light, it eliminates bacteria, pathogens, mold, dust and allergens. In simple terms, the light breaks up harmful particulates and turns them into a harmless airborne hydrogen peroxide. Because air filters are unable to filter everything, adding a whole house UV light can help combat indoor air pollution.
Can UV Lights Eliminate COVID-19?
According to a study being done at Columbia University, the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) can safely be eliminated with the use of indoor UVC lights. The researchers tested the airborne coronavirus and found that 99.9% of the live pathogens had been neutralized. This is good news for homeowners and businesses that are wanting to sanitize the air they are breathing.
Other Benefits to Using HVAC UVC Lights
Ultraviolet lights for air conditioning systems can help keep your evaporator coils clean. This means no dust and mold build up in your system. Not only is this excellent news for your health, it’s great for your AC because when the coils are clean, it runs more efficiently and uses less energy. Use of a UV air purifier also eliminates the need to clean the coils with harsh chemicals that could end up circulating in your indoor air.
UV Light Options for your HVAC System
These innovative air sanitizers are also known as purifying lights, germicidal lights, sanitizing or sterilization lights. Since we’ve already mentioned the 2 different application types for UV lights, we’ll further explain them here:
Coil UV Lights
Indoor coils are a mold and bacteria hotspot because as air passes over it, dust, pet dander and other particles stick to the wet surface. This makes it ideal for mold and bacteria to grow and circulate through the air in your home. Coil Sanitizing lights come in single or dual lamp models. They are installed facing the coil surface and the light shines on it continuously to eliminate unhealthy particles.
In-Duct Air Purifying Lights
This type of UV light’s application is described right in the name. TThey are installed in the ductwork that returns air to the system. As the air passes the stick or U-shaped UV lamps, airborne germs and mold is killed. Some sterilizing HVAC lights are hardwired into your air handler to turn on and off in conjunction with the blower motor.
Whole-House Air Purifier with UV Light Sales & Installation
First Degree Air Conditioning believes that reducing indoor air pollution is the key to having a healthy house and healthy occupants. Air filters that are changed every 1-3 months cannot trap everything. Smaller particles, mold, odors and germs can pass right through your filter. Installing a UV light purifier neutralizes the contaminants that slipped through before they end up in the air you and your family are breathing.
We offer top of the line UV products from companies such as Fresh-Aire UV and REME HALO® Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifiers. Both are successful at providing air disinfection for residential HVAC applications. Detox your indoor air today by calling us to discuss which UV light is best for your home and air conditioning system.