Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights: What They Are and How They Work
Even the best air filtration device cannot eliminate germs and biological contaminants lurking in your ductwork—a cool, damp environment perfect for the development of mold and mildew. An ultraviolet (UV) light, however, installed by professionals into your HVAC system, can make your family less prone to illnesses and improve the overall indoor air quality.
But is it harmful? After all, if you go to the beach and are exposed to the sun for too long, you can get sunburned. Not to worry! UV germicidal lights carry much lower amounts of UV rays. In fact, you’ve probably seen them used at concert venues and amusement parks to make your white clothes glow and create other cool effects.
At this level, it’s harmless to humans and pets—even your goldfish will be safe! For microscopic, one-celled organisms such as germs, bacteria, mold and mildew, however, it’s a different scenario. Their exposure to UV light will either kill them instantly or render them incapable of reproducing, effectively keeping your indoor air clean and free of these harmful microorganisms.
So, Where Do I Install UV Lights?
Of course, you can’t cover your home with UV lights to rid it of germs. However, your central AC system makes effective use of UV lights. When you run your air conditioner, the air cycles through the system, passing through the apex of your ducts before being distributed throughout your home. The UV germicidal lights shine UV rays in a sheet across the width of the ducts, forcing air through it.
During this process, all the germs and bacteria are sterilized. UV germicidal lights are effective in large part because they work every time you turn on your cooling system, ensuring that new germs brought in from the outside get treated in the same manner that existing germs do. Over time, you’ll notice big differences in your family’s health, as well as the comfort of your indoor air.
