Good indoor air quality is more important than ever, especially in this era of social distancing and lockdowns. When it comes to quality air cleaning, you’ve probably heard about high efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA filters for short. But we want you to know that air cleaning processes aren’t just limited to air filters. As trusted specialists in cooling and furnace repair, here we’ll discuss how UV light is commonly used for air purification. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of UV light.
What Is UV Light?
Ultraviolet light, or UV light, is an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation, much like X-rays and radio waves. This type of light radiation rests just outside our visual spectrum, and it’s found naturally in sunlight. But UV light can also be created artificially, and it’s been historically used to disinfect water, surfaces and the air.
How Do UV-C Light Air Purifiers Work?
Usually, air purifiers are designed to use short wave ultraviolet light, or UV-C light for short. This type of UV-light deactivates airborne pathogens and microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. This is also referred to as germicidal irradiation, or UVGI. Air purifiers with this type of light are sold either as stand-alone devices or as systems installed in pre-existing air conditioning systems. When an HVAC unit pumps air, it goes through the air purifier and passes the UV lamps. The air is directly exposed to the UV-C radiation, which disinfects it through germicidal irradiation.
How Are UV Light Air Purifiers Effective?
Typically, mold reproduces via spores that are released in the air, which is similar to how flowers release their pollen. The mold spores float along in the air until they land in any part of the home where they can grow into new mold. Germicidal UV-C light prevents this growth from happening right from the start, as soon as the air moves past the purifier’s UV lamps and shortly before its pumped through the ducts. UV light air purifiers are also used to reduce the amount of viruses and bacteria in the air. Since UV light is effective at killing cells, it’s also effective at killing airborne organisms and contaminants such as mold and mildew.
When you want to upgrade your indoor air quality at home, Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning offers the quality services needed to get the job done. Schedule your upgrade today and call us at (630) 372-7640. You can also fill out our online request form. We serve Bloomingdale, Elgin, and surrounding areas in IL.
