Can UV lights kill viruses in your home?
Disinfecting kills viruses. Using a spray with bleach in your kitchen, chlorinating a swimming pool, pasteurizing milk, and UV lights are all types of disinfection. UV light is a safe, non-chemical way to inhibit the growth of viruses and other microorganisms.
How do disinfectants work?
Disinfectants work in various ways. Bleach and chlorine keep viruses from reproducing and destroy their ability to inject their DNA into a host. Pasteurizing uses heat to reduce micro-organisms and prevent them from attaching to a host. A germicidal UV-C light prevents the growth of viruses using both of these methods.
What is UV light?
Ultraviolet light (UV), like all light, is a type of radiation. The sun produces three types of UV light: UVA, UVA, and UVC.
UVA and UVB light can give you a sunburn when you are outside. However, UVC light is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, so you don’t typically encounter it in nature. UVC light has properties that can kill viruses.
How does UV light kill viruses?
The disinfectant properties of UV light have been studied for over 100 years, and it has been used as a cleaning method for a long time. UV light has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than visible light.
These properties let UV light penetrate into and kill viruses in two ways: it triggers chemical reactions that destroy the virus’ DNA so they can’t reproduce in the host, and it breaks the virus protein shell, preventing their ability to inject their DNA into a host.
This allows UV light to help eradicate viruses and other microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and mold in under just a few seconds of exposure. This means that, when used in your HVAC system, UV lights can improve your air quality.
How UV lights work in HVAC systems
Germicidal UV lamps can help sanitize and kill viruses and other microorganisms. These UV lamps can be installed in areas of high risk, like ductwork, beneath sinks, and in the HVAC system itself. As air blows past them, such as when the air conditioner or furnace heats or cools, the UV light inactivates or kills most viruses and microorganisms, which die soon after exposure.
Germicidal UV lamps can kill up to 99.9% of airborne bacteria and other pathogens and reduce your exposure to allergens, all of which can significantly increase your home’s indoor air quality.
Benefits of installing UV lights in your HVAC system in Memphis
While there are other methods of air cleaning available, here are several benefits of installing UV lights in your HVAC system:
Healthier indoor air
UV lights reduce the number of viruses and other microorganisms without affecting airflow.
Cleaner coils
Your HVAC system’s evaporator coil is often moist, especially in summer. Shining UV light on the coils will reduce mold and bacteria on the coils.
Less condensate drain line clogs
Air conditioners and furnaces generate condensate, which drains away through a tube. Algae can grow in this tube over time and fill up the drain line. UV light decreases the chance of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan by preventing algae growth.
Enhanced flow efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping HVAC equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system run more efficiently, decreasing your monthly energy costs.
Longer HVAC system life
Cleaner HVAC equipment runs smoother and needs less maintenance. This means fewer repairs which means fewer costs and a potentially longer lifespan of your system.
Who should install UV lights in their HVAC system in Memphis?
While UV lights can be valuable in any home, they can be especially beneficial if you or someone in your home has any of the below conditions:
- Allergies
- Asthma or other respiratory or lung issues
- Weakened immune system
Why Choose TruClean Home Services To Install A UV-C Light?
Professionally-installed germicidal UV lights in your HVAC system will kill viruses and other microorganisms in your home’s air. This will both improve your interior air quality and help your HVAC system run more smoothly and last longer.
If you are considering installing UV lights in your HVAC system, contact TruClean for a consultation. We will partner with you to help you determine the best UV light system for your home based on your existing HVAC equipment and your indoor air quality needs.
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