Although we breathe oxygen, we also breathe in everything else that’s suspended in the air like pet dander, dust, and perfumes. Besides particulate matter and pollution, there are also bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms floating around the room and in our lungs.
Outdoor air may be dirty, but our indoor air is even worse. When you have an efficient HVAC system and keep your filters clean, your indoor air quality will be higher than most. But is it really clean? If there is excessive moisture in or around your unit, it could become a breeding ground for allergies and illness.
One of the most popular solutions is a UV-C LED light installed inside your HVAC system. Yes, they work! For years, hospitals, hotels, offices, and restaurants have used UV air purification systems and now, many households are doing it too.
This is a simple and effective way to kill Covid-19 and other microorganisms in your HVAC system. But how exactly do UV lights in HVAC work?
What is UV-C Light?
There are three different types of ultraviolet light:
- UV-A
- UV-B
- UV-C
All three are produced naturally by the sun, but UV-C is absorbed by the atmosphere and never reaches the earth’s surface. UV-A is responsible for tanning while UV-B causes burns. In recent scientific discoveries, researchers have learned to reproduce UV-C for its disinfectant qualities.
How Does UV-C Light Work to Disinfect?
When UV-C light is emitted, the ultraviolet rays rapidly damage microorganisms on a cellular level, breaking down their DNA and RNA. This directly affects their ability to reproduce.
After a few seconds of exposure, the microorganisms exposed are rendered harmless.
However, because of UV-C’s ability to damage cells, it’s not safe for humans to be exposed to it either. If UV LED light touches your skin it will cause severe burns. Looking at it will also cause eye damage.
This is why it is used in controlled environments to sanitize objects, purify water, or decontaminate air ventilation systems. Only trained professionals should handle and install UV-C LED light devices. Once they are installed properly in your HVAC system, only the air will be exposed to UV-C light, not you.
Do UV Lights in HVAC Work? UV-C Light and Covid-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, people have become more conscientious about the air they breathe and what’s in it. You can wash your hands frequently and sanitize your surfaces, but you can’t scrub your air clean!
But you can come close. Although it’s true that it’s not possible to wash the air, you can disinfect it safely and effectively with ultraviolet light.
For years, the medical field and water sanitization facilities have used UVC light as a tried and true microbial technology. But in recent years, there has been even more reason to focus on and harness this form of disinfectant.
In 2020, Boston University and Signify (formerly Philips) performed a study that found that UV-C light was 99% effective against Covid-19. In just a few seconds of using LED lights that emitted a concentrated amount of UV-C light, the active virus could no longer be found.
Since then, more research has been done that supports these findings. The University of Michigan even proved that it could be used to disinfect N95 masks for hospitals.
The Safer Disinfectant Option
UV-C light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum of light. Electromagnetic light leaves behind absolutely nothing. It is both non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
Unlike disinfectant sprays, there are no chemicals to become airborne. Nothing can pollute your air and irritate your eyes, throat, airways, or lungs. This makes it a fantastic solution for your health, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities.
UV Light Installation in Tampa Bay, Florida
Action Air Conditioning is your source for knowledgeable and skilled heating and cooling technicians in the Tampa Bay area. We highly recommend the use of UV-C to disinfect HVAC systems to help control mold, viruses, algae, and bacteria.
We would love to answer your questions, give you a free quote, and schedule a day and time that’s convenient for you. If you are interested in having a UVC LED light installed in your HVAC system, contact us today!