How Does Germicidal UV Light Work?

September 08, 2020

You likely are aware that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) results in painful sunburn. But did you know that a different type of ultraviolet light can be useful for keeping your house’s air clean?

The sun gives off two types of harmful UV rays, UVA and UVB. These harmful rays can result in sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles and other types of premature aging.

There’s another variety of UV light, known as UVC. While direct exposure to this ultraviolet light is bad for your skin or eyes, it can safely be used to purify air, water and certain surfaces.

Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc uses this light in several of our products to boost air filtration in Heflin residences.

How Ultraviolet Light is Used

This distinct wavelength is referred to as “germicidal” since it wipes out the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens move through this light, they eventually perish since they can’t multiply.

This makes UVC light a powerful replacement to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is applied in a lot of disinfection applications, like medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also employed to purify drinking water and other liquids created in food processing.

It’s growing in popularity to purify air in homes in Heflin. That’s due to the fact it can also eradicate frequent indoor contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an additional advantage if someone in your household has seasonal allergies or asthma.

How to Use Germicidal UV Light in Your Residence

We put a germicidal UV light inside your HVAC system’s ductwork. As the light is set within the ductwork, it makes it compatible with the majority of heating and cooling systems. This also keeps its beams carefully confined while providing great disinfection for your home’s air.

Filthy air is purified in a two-step process, first traveling through your air filter and then the UV light before circulating across your house. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t operating, these lights still run to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort system clean.

This whole-house option is superior to a portable air purifier, which is limited to cleaning the air in one space. Portable air purifiers also can’t freshen your ductwork or the inside of your HVAC unit. A clean HVAC system is often a more efficient one that may even run for a longer life span. And, many portable air purifiers are known for creating ozone.

When thinking about buying a germicidal lamp for your home, it’s important to look for one that doesn’t create ozone. While ozone is good at eradicating odors and chemicals, it may also irritate your lungs and lead to other respiratory troubles.

If you’re looking for methods to purify your residence’s air, the indoor air quality experts at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can help. We sell a wide range of products to help your loved ones breathe more easily. Contact us at 256-270-1196 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate now!