UV light (UVC) is an essential feature in most modern homes. UV light is used to reduce the number of microbes in your home and in the ductwork. UV light can kill viruses, bacteria, and germs in your home. Since 1916, UV light has been used to treat water. The light provides a blanket around the passages in your home and lamps, killing all air pollutants. Today, UV light treats drinking water and indoor air. Here are some FAQs about UV light and indoor air quality.
How Do UV Air Purifiers and Air Filtration Contrast?
UV air purifiers and air filters help in removing harmful elements from your home. However, UV air purifiers are used in removing airborne germs, bacteria, and mold. Air filtration, on the other hand, removes harmful particulates that later become airborne.
What Care and Maintenance Can Be Given to a UV Light Purifier?
A UV light air purifier requires minimal maintenance. Depending on the model you are using, replace the bulb once a year or once every two years.
Is There an Increase in Airborne Contaminants?
Yes, there has been an increase in airborne contaminants. There have been changes in your home that accelerates the growth of microorganisms. Self-defrost refrigerators and air-conditioned homes provide breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Airborne house dust comes from dead skin, hair, and dust mite feces. Additionally, since you spend more than 95% of your time indoors, there is an increase in interior dust.
Is UVC Similar to Ozone?
No, these two products are different. UVC is electromagnetic energy or rays. Ozone is a chemical that can mix with air and travel to your indoor air. Ozone changes the structure of any material that it comes into contact with. UVC travels through wave energy, and the energy needs to be in the line of sight. Once introduced to a light source, UVC degrades.
Do Microorganisms Need to Be Within the UVC to Get Killed?
If you are using UVC in your home, you need to ensure that the microorganisms are irradiated directly. Although germs can be affected by reflected UVC, it takes longer, and they need to be closer to the reflected light source. Polished aluminum and magnesium chloride can be used to reflect UVC. A common mirror is not effective.
Where Can You Place UVC in Your Home?
To effectively clean your indoor air, the UVC must be placed where the indoor air is cleaned regularly. The HVAC system of your house ensures that the air you breathe at home is clean. If you need to clean and purify the air you breathe at home even further, place the UVC within the HVAC unit. Placing the UVC lamp in the unit ensures that you take advantage of the only place where air passes to your room.
How Does a UV Air Cleaner Work?
An air cleaner is installed on the supply side of the air return of your HVAC system. The lamp emits UV light that eliminates fungi, mold, bacteria, and viruses that can be otherwise circulated by the HVAC unit. To effectively kill germs, the lamp emits powerful UVC rays at the optimum level. For the strongest germicidal lamp in the market, contact Controlled Climate Services.
Is UV Light Harmful to People?
UVC is harmful to people just like the sun’s UV light when you are exposed for a long time. Ensure that you and your family members are not exposed to the UVC for long periods. Fortunately, when the UV light system is installed in the HVAC unit, the risk of direct exposure is reduced. Further, before replacing the lamps, power off the purifier.
Why Not Use Ozone-Generating Cleaners?
Indoor use of ozone is discouraged by the EPA and the American Lung Association. Ozone is corrosive to the lung tissues. Additionally, ozone is also corrosive to certain materials and could damage your HVAC unit.
Do Air Filters Eliminate Germs?
The role of air filters is to trap microbes. However, they do not trap 100% of all germs. Microorganisms cannot be trapped in the filters. Additionally, microorganisms reproduce very quickly, making it easy to contaminate the indoor environment. Mostly, air filters become breeding grounds for microorganisms.
Controlled Climate Services offers experts in maintaining your indoor air quality. We also offer heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair services in Denver and Boulder. Call us to book an appointment.
