It’s becoming increasingly common to find UV light systems included in commercial and residential HVAC systems. UV light has been used as a disinfectant since 1908 and is still used in laboratories and hospitals to help disinfect equipment and surfaces. When included in an HVAC system, UV light can help those systems purify the air.
What Is UV Light?
Light is electromagnetic radiation with a vast range of wavelengths, only a tiny amount of which is visible to the human eye. Infrared light waves are too big for our eyes to detect, while UV light waves are much too small for our eyes to see. Most UV light is trapped in the upper atmosphere, in the ozone layer, and never reaches the planet’s surface.
How Does UV Light Disinfect?
The UV light that does reach us we notice as sunburns. UV light waves are small enough to damage cells. Specifically, the DNA strands inside of cells, killing them or making them inert. Single-cell organisms such as bacteria have no defense against UV light, and once the bacteria’s DNA is damaged, the organism will become inert.
UV-Light and HVAC Systems
While a UV light system won’t kill 100% of the microorganisms that pass through it, it will improve the overall effectiveness of your HVAC system’s indoor air quality setup. It can add another layer of defense, when used with a HEPA filter. In fact UV, light is effective against several common viruses and bacteria including:
- Influenza (flu viruses)
- Rhinoviruses (cold viruses)
- Streptococcal pharyngitis (causes strep throat)
- Salmonella enteritidis
Having a UV light as part of your indoor air quality system will help keep your home free of airborne pathogens. It is important to consult a professional to pair the correct UV light product with your HVAC system. Once installed, it requires regular maintenance.
To get more information on UV light systems or to have one installed, contact [company name] today! We’ve been serving the Lake Geneva area for years, and we offer a full range of heating and cooling services.
Tags: IAQ, UV lights