Is UV Light for My AC or Furnace Worth It?

September 08, 2020

You likely are aware that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) causes painful sunburn. But were you aware that another variety of ultraviolet light can be useful for keeping your residence’s air clean?

The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays, UVA and UVB. These harmful rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

There’s another kind of UV light, referred to as UVC. While direct exposure to this ultraviolet light isn’t good for your skin or eyes, it can safely be applied to clean air, water and various surfaces.

Western Mechanical, Inc. uses this light in some of our products to better air filtration in Logan residences.

How Ultraviolet Light is Used

This distinct wavelength is classified as “germicidal” because it wipes out the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens pass through this light, they eventually perish as they can’t multiply.

This makes UVC light a mighty substitute to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is employed in a lot of disinfection uses, including medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also used to purify drinking water and other liquids produced in food processing.

It’s becoming a popular choice to disinfect air in homes in Logan. That’s because it can also eliminate typical indoor contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an added benefit for family members who suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma.

Uses for Germicidal UV Light in Your House

We place a germicidal UV light inside your HVAC system’s ductwork. Since the light is placed within the ductwork, it makes it compatible with the majority of heating and cooling equipment. This also keeps its light securely restricted while delivering strong cleaning for your home’s air.

Dirty air is cleaned in a two-step process, first moving through your air filter and then the UV light in advance of moving across your residence. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t running, these lights still run to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort system clean.

This whole-house product is superior to a portable air purifier, which is restricted to cleaning the air in a lone space. Portable air purifiers also can’t purify your ductwork or the inside of your HVAC unit. A clean HVAC system is often a more efficient one that can even last for an extended period of time. And, some portable air purifiers are known for making ozone.

When thinking over buying a germicidal lamp for your home, it’s important to select one that doesn’t produce ozone. While ozone is fantastic at wiping out odors and chemicals, it could also irritate your lungs and lead to other respiratory issues.

If you’re trying to find ways to freshen your home’s air, the indoor air quality professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. can help. We offer a broad range of solutions to help your family breathe more easily. Contact us at 435-753-5515 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate now!