How Germicidal UV Light Works

September 08, 2020

Perhaps you realize that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) results in painful sunburn. But did you realize 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 harmful rays can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

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

Marcos AC & Heating uses this light in several of our systems to boost air filtration in Houston houses.

Applications for Ultraviolet Light

This distinct wavelength is classified as “germicidal” because it eradicates the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens move through this light, they eventually cease to exist because they can’t spread.

This makes UVC light a mighty substitute to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is employed in lots of disinfection uses, such as medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also employed to sterilize drinking water and other liquids made in food processing.

It’s growing in popularity to disinfect air in residences in Houston. That’s because it can also eliminate common indoor contaminants including mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an added benefit for loved ones who deal with seasonal allergies or asthma.

How to Use Germicidal UV Light in Your House

We place a germicidal UV light inside your HVAC system’s ductwork. Since the light is set in the ductwork, it makes it compatible with many heating and cooling systems. This also keeps its light carefully housed while giving strong cleaning for your residence’s air.

Filthy air is freshened in a two-step process, first traveling through your air filter and then the UV light prior to flowing throughout your residence. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t working, these lights still operate to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort unit clean.

This whole-house option is greater than a portable air purifier, which is restricted to cleaning the air in one area. Portable air purifiers also can’t clean your ductwork or the interior of your HVAC equipment. A clean HVAC system is usually a more efficient one that can even work for a longer life span. And, many portable air purifiers have a bad reputation for making ozone.

When considering adding a germicidal lamp to your residence, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t create ozone. While ozone is good at getting rid of odors and chemicals, it may also irritate your lungs and cause other respiratory issues.

If you’re seeking approaches to freshen your house’s air, the indoor air quality pros at Marcos AC & Heating can help. We sell a large range of products to help your family breathe more easily. Contact us at 713-469-3357 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate now!