How Germicidal UV Light Works

September 08, 2020

You probably know that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) causes painful sunburn. But did you realize that another kind of ultraviolet light can be installed to keep your house’s air clean?

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

There’s another concentration of UV light, called UVC. While direct exposure to this ultraviolet light isn’t good for your skin or eyes, it can safely be used to disinfect air, water and certain surfaces.

Phelps Heating & Cooling uses this light in a few of our systems to enhance air filtration in Hodgenville homes.

Applications for Ultraviolet Light

This distinct wavelength is called “germicidal” as it destroys the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens pass through this light, they eventually die because they can’t spread.

This makes UVC light a strong replacement to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is applied in many disinfection applications, such as medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also employed to sterilize drinking water and other liquids produced in food processing.

It’s becoming a popular choice to purify air in homes in Hodgenville. That’s due to the fact it can also wipe out common indoor contaminants including mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an added benefit for loved ones who deal with seasonal allergies or asthma.

Uses for Germicidal UV Light in Your Residence

We place a germicidal UV light in your HVAC system’s ductwork. Because the light is set inside the ductwork, it makes it compatible with the majority of heating and cooling units. This also keeps its beams carefully contained while giving strong cleaning for your house’s air.

Dirty air is freshened in a two-step process, first moving through your air filter and then the UV light prior to moving around your residence. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t operating, these lights still run to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort equipment clean.

This whole-house solution is superior to a portable air purifier, which is limited to cleaning the air in one room. Portable air purifiers also can’t purify your ductwork or the innerworkings of your HVAC equipment. A clean HVAC system is often a more efficient one that can even run for an extended period of time. And, many portable air purifiers are notorious for producing ozone.

When thinking over buying a germicidal lamp for your residence, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t create ozone. While ozone is fantastic at eliminating odors and chemicals, it can also irritate your lungs and cause other respiratory issues.

If you’re trying to find ways to purify your residence’s air, the indoor air quality pros at Phelps Heating & Cooling can help. We offer a broad range of products to help your family breathe easier. Contact us at 270-358-3167 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate today!