Cleaning Your Air With UV Technology
When your heating and cooling system is running, it acts as the catalyst for recirculating the air throughout your home – the air that can contain allergens and contaminants like pet dander, mold, dust, gases, and odors. It can also contain illness causing bacteria and viruses.
Unfortunately, washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze isn’t always enough to keep you healthy, especially if family members in your home are sick. If you’re breathing air that is contaminated with the cold and flu virus or bacterial pneumonia, your chances for infection are significantly increased.
So what can you do?
The best way to keep the air clear is to stop the germs from spreading. Outside in nature, this happens through ionization and UV energy from the sun. UV light has been proven for decades to effectively disinfect air, surfaces and water. Understanding the benefits of UV energy has made it possible to apply this same principal for use in hospitals, labs, nursing homes, schools, office buildings and even residential settings.
By installing biocide chambers, also known as UV germicidal lamps, in your central HVAC system you can reduce your risk of getting sick. Biocide chambers eliminate the germs that traditional and HEPA air filtration cannot. Microorganisms like the cold and flu virus are too small to be trapped by these methods of filtration. Ultraviolet energy, at the right wavelength, is lethal to viruses, bacteria and mold spores of any size.
As they pass by the light, microorganisms are exposed to the UV energy produced by the lamp and their genetic structure is compromised. Essentially, when the microorganisms are exposed to the light, the genetic material of the microorganism is deconstructed and prevents them from reproducing – rendering it harmless.
What are the benefits of using a germicidal UV lamp?
When a germicidal UV lamp is properly installed, your indoor air quality will be better and you will be healthier. Using ultraviolet technology is a safe and effective non-chemical approach to air purification. Once the lamp is installed, it requires very low maintenance.
UV lights are also great because unlike other sanitary methods, the pathogens and microorganisms cannot develop a resistance to the light. This means the UV light will always be an effective method of sterilizing the air in your home.
While UV lamps are certainly effective, it is still important to continue using an air filter with your HVAC system. They are important for trapping larger particulates like dust and pet hair that can trigger allergy and/or asthma symptoms and significantly affect the efficiency of your heating or cooling unit.
To learn more about UV germicidal lamps or other methods and products for improving your indoor air quality, contact Service Champions online today. Do you have questions for us? Contact an expert online now!