Do UVC Air Purifiers Work?

September 08, 2020

Perhaps you realize that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) results in painful sunburn. But were you aware that another kind of ultraviolet light can be used to keep your house’s air clean?

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

There’s another variety of UV light, referred to as UVC. While direct exposure to this ultraviolet light is bad for your skin or eyes, it can safely be utilized to purify air, water and certain surfaces.

Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. uses this light in a few of our products to enhance air filtration in Manassas homes.

What is an Ultraviolet Light Used For?

This precise wavelength is called “germicidal” as it wipes out the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens travel through this light, they eventually die since they can’t multiply.

This makes UVC light a mighty alternative to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is employed in a lot of disinfection applications, such as medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also applied to sterilize drinking water and other liquids produced in food processing.

It’s growing in popularity to freshen air in homes in Manassas. That’s since it can also wipe out frequent indoor contaminants including mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an extra perk if someone in your household has seasonal allergies or asthma.

How to Use Germicidal UV Light in Your Home

We place a germicidal UV light within your HVAC system’s ductwork. Because the light is installed within the ductwork, it makes it compatible with many heating and cooling units. This also keeps its light securely contained while providing powerful disinfection for your home’s air.

Filthy air is purified in a two-step process, first flowing through your air filter and then the UV light prior to circulating across your home. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t on, these lights still operate to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort equipment clean.

This whole-house product is greater than a portable air purifier, which can only clean the air in a single space. Portable air purifiers also can’t freshen your ductwork or the inside of your HVAC system. A clean HVAC system is often a more efficient one that could even last for a longer life span. And, many portable air purifiers have a bad reputation for making ozone.

When thinking over getting a germicidal lamp for your home, it’s important to buy one that doesn’t create ozone. While ozone is fantastic at eliminating odors and chemicals, it can also irritate your lungs and lead to other respiratory symptoms.

If you’re looking for approaches to freshen your house’s air, the indoor air quality professionals at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. can help. We have a large range of products to help your household breathe easier. Contact us at 703-260-1148 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate today!