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 were you aware that another kind of ultraviolet light can be useful for keeping your house’s air clean?

The sun emits two types of dangerous UV rays, UVA and UVB. These damaging rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles and other types of premature aging.

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

Siloam Springs Heating & AC uses this light in some of our solutions to improve air filtration in Siloam Springs homes.

Applications for Ultraviolet Light

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

This makes UVC light a powerful replacement to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is used in many disinfection uses, including medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also applied to purify drinking water and other liquids made in food processing.

It’s becoming a popular choice to purify air in residences in Siloam Springs. That’s because it can also eliminate common indoor contaminants like mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an additional perk for family members who suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma.

Uses for Germicidal UV Light in Your House

We put a germicidal UV light in your HVAC system’s ductwork. Since the light is set in the ductwork, it makes it compatible with the majority of heating and cooling systems. This also keeps its rays safely confined while providing strong disinfection for your home’s air.

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

This whole-house solution is greater than a portable air purifier, which is limited to cleaning the air in a lone room. Portable air purifiers also can’t freshen your ductwork or the innerworkings of your HVAC equipment. A clean HVAC system is often a more efficient one that can even work for a longer life span. And, the majority of portable air purifiers have a bad reputation for making ozone.

When considering adding a germicidal lamp to your residence, it’s essential to get one that doesn’t create ozone. While ozone is good at wiping out odors and chemicals, it can also irritate your lungs and cause other respiratory symptoms.

If you’re trying to find ways to clean your house’s air, the indoor air quality professionals at Siloam Springs Heating & AC can help. We sell a large range of products to help your household breathe better. Contact us at 479-308-8176 to set up a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate today!