How Germicidal UV Light Works

September 08, 2020

You probably know that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) results in painful sunburn. But were you aware that another kind of ultraviolet light can be used to keep your residence’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 types of premature aging.

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

H & H Service Company uses this light in a few of our systems to boost air filtration in Mechanicsburg homes.

How Ultraviolet Light is Used

This distinct wavelength is called “germicidal” since it kills the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens move through this light, they eventually perish because they can’t reproduce.

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

It’s growing in popularity to disinfect air in residences in Mechanicsburg. That’s because it can also eradicate frequent indoor contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an additional benefit if someone in your household has seasonal allergies or asthma.

Using Germicidal UV Light in Your Home

We put a germicidal UV light inside your HVAC system’s ductwork. Because the light is put within the ductwork, it makes it compatible with many heating and cooling equipment. This also keeps its light securely confined while providing great cleaning for your residence’s air.

Filthy air is cleaned in a two-step process, first traveling through your air filter and then the UV light before flowing throughout your residence. 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 restricted to cleaning the air in a single room. Portable air purifiers also can’t freshen your ductwork or the interior of your HVAC unit. A clean HVAC system is typically a more efficient one that may even run for a longer life span. And, the majority of portable air purifiers are known for producing ozone.

When considering buying a germicidal lamp for your home, it’s critical to look for one that doesn’t produce ozone. While ozone is fantastic at eliminating odors and chemicals, it could also irritate your lungs and create other respiratory issues.

If you’re looking for approaches to purify your house’s air, the indoor air quality specialists at H & H Service Company can help. We offer a broad range of solutions to help your household breathe more easily. Contact us at 717-220-4502 to schedule a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate right away!