UV Light is #1 Solution to Clean Indoor Air: UV Light Air Duct Cleaning

September 19, 2022

uv light air duct cleaning

UV light and/or UV Lamps, do you even know how beneficial it is to have it installed in your office or home, uv light air duct cleaning?

When we talk about air filtration or purification, HEPA filters first come to mind, as they are quite popular among people and most people are familiar with them. Many people prefer HEPA filters as these filters have set the quality benchmark for air purifiers and are the cornerstone of high-quality air cleaning.

HEPA filters have been proven to be one of the most effective technologies for collecting airborne viruses and eliminating them from the indoor air, thereby reducing the transmission of viruses.

However, there are additional technologies that can be effectively used for a variety of air cleaning tasks. To effectively address mold growth and mildew formation, UV light air purifiers aim to sterilize mold and mildew growth for half an hour to 15 minutes of radiation.

There are three types of ultraviolet UV light: UV-A light UV-A light, UV-B light, and UV-C light. Among these types, UV-C light is frequently used to purify the air. This invisible light may safely target and eliminate mold and mildew when used correctly with adequate exposure given.

What are UV light Air Purifiers?

UV light air purifiers essentially inactivate airborne diseases and particles like bacteria, mold, and viruses. They do so by utilizing short-wave ultraviolet light (UV Light). The reduction of indoor air contaminants is their ultimate objective, which is shared by all air purifiers.

UVGI air purifiers or UV germicidal irradiation are other terms for this technology. This technology differs from other UV light based air purification technologies that combat air contaminants indirectly.

UV Light Air Duct Cleaning

UV-C air purifiers are typically provided as standalone, freestanding devices or as systems integrated into already-existing HVAC systems for homes or businesses. The HVAC system pushes air which passes through UV lamps. At this moment, UV lamps make an instant effort to sterilize the air using germicidal radiation.

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How Well Do UV Light Air Purifiers Work?

According to a credible source, in a 2021 comprehensive analysis, UV light air purifiers with a HEPA filter may be efficient at eliminating microorganisms from the air. The researchers do note, however, that more research is needed to determine if UV lightand HEPA air purifiers can offer protection against respiratory infections.

When it comes to inactivating microorganisms present in our environment, UV light turns out to be a useful technology. Several types of rays reach Earth, including UV-A and UV-B. These rays may result in sunburn and early aging.

After UV-A and UV-B, comes UV-C. It can be a useful instrument for deactivating bacteria called pathogens. For more than four decades, UV-C light has been used to perform two main functions: deactivating pathogens and sterilizing air, waste, pharmaceutical products, and drinking water.

How UV Light Helps In Air Purification inside a Building

The air can become stale inside buildings. Multiple UV-C air treatments can be used to help make buildings safer (UV Light Air Duct Cleaning) to work in. One of the most successful approaches to achieving this is to use HVAC systems that mix recirculated air with outdoor air.

Another effective approach to purifying the indoor air is to use UV-C light. You can place the UV-C light below or above the ceiling tiles. An innovative way calls for mixing UV-C light with electrostatic technology in a single filter in an air handling unit. Alternatively, the air can be circulated by an in-room unit through a HEPA or other filter and then exposed to UV-C radiation.

Can Germs Be Destroyed By UV Light?

For many years, UVC lamps have been successfully used to destroy viruses and bacteria. A common method termed “Ultraviolet Germicidal Radiation” has been used to sterilize the air where lamps are installed on the ceilings to purify the air close to the ceiling before it circulates down completely. 

This method of air filtration proved effective in stopping the measles outbreak in Philadelphia schools during the 1930s. Also, there is now a resurgence of interest in UVC due to its ability to eradicate SARS-CoV-2.

How Does A UV Light Air Cleaner Function? (UV Light Air Duct Cleaning)

In your indoor air, particles like pollen, dust, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants circulate. Biologicals are a special target of UVC air cleaning. As a result, neither particles nor gases are being targeted. You’re merely attempting to render microorganisms inactive.

To kill microorganisms found in the air, UVC (UV Light Air Duct Cleaning) alone can be used in hospitals or various facilities. However, when the home’s indoor air quality is concerned, it’s probably going to be used with an air purifier that features a HEPA filter. It might be included in pretty much the entire air purifier that is attached to your HVAC system or a plug-in portable air purifier.

It goes like this: the air passes through the HEPA filter and the UV light shines on it. Before being recirculated into the room, the air from the HEPA filter is instantly exposed to UV light (UV Light Air Duct Cleaning).

Most UV-C Air Purifiers Operate In The Following Ways:
  • An electric motor drives a fan that draws air into the purifier while also moving air that is filled with airborne contaminants.
  • If the UV-C light is turned on, it strikes the bacteria and viruses with light that impacts by disabling them as the air goes through the purifier.
  • The air continues to move while passing through the HEPA filter and a pre-filter (additional). The principal airborne pollutants, such as pet dander, dust, and smoke particles, are captured in this way. One important thing to note is that nonorganic particles like dust and smoke are not impacted in any way by UVC light.

UV Light Air Purification and Filtration

Maintaining clean indoor air that is devoid of germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms as well as particle pollution is considered by health professionals to be one of the best strategies to improve long-term health.

Today, people have many options available for air purification systems, which enables them to choose the air purification system that meets their needs. The latest air filter technology effectively handles microorganisms as compared to the previous models.

When you are looking for an air purification and filtration system, go for the one that offers UV light purification since the combination of a filtration system and UV light purification proves to be effective in inactivating and removing allergens and other airborne contaminants.

The Fundamentals of Ultraviolet UV Light Air Cleaning

In contrast to other air filtration systems that rely on HEPA filters or other devices to catch dust and other particles, UV light air filtration uses the latest technology of ultraviolet light to stop viruses and microorganisms from multiplying and contaminating a building, office, or other indoor environments. 

After exposure to UV light, these organisms are unable to reproduce because ultraviolet radiation harms the genetic material that regulates their reproduction. This halts the spread of these disease-causing microorganisms and stops many diseases and other issues in their tracks.

UV lamp technology helps with bacteria inactivation. However, for the removal of particulate matter, you need a good conventional filter system just like HEPA. This is why a well-functioning air purification system uses the combination of conventional filters and UV lamp technology to effectively clean the air and give you pollutant-free indoor breathable air.

UV light purification works well when the microorganisms are exposed to it for a long time. A virus or other organism will suffer more DNA destruction and lose the capacity to multiply itself the longer it is exposed to UV light radiation.

UV light air duct cleaning

Even though UV air purification can be effective in limiting the transmission of viruses and other bacteria, air purifiers using ultraviolet technology should be used in conjunction with some other precautionary measures for stopping disease spread.

As we know, COVID-19 has made our lives difficult in many ways. For some of us, it has been miserable to deal with this pandemic. Good quality indoor air has become crucially important after COVID-19 spread. 

Though many homeowners use traditional air purifiers to purify indoor air, it is better to use the combination of a regular filter with UV light technology to ensure that only the contaminated particles are removed, and that they are also stopped from regeneration. CoV-2 mutations are quickly rendered inactive by UV air purifiers

Therefore, UV lights have a long lifespan; therefore, maintenance is minimal.

Using UV Light to Combat Allergies

Allergies are included in the list of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Allergens like mold, dust, pet dander, and pollen attack the human body while the immunity system attempts to protect the human body by using a defense mechanism.

Your heating and cooling systems work well in providing you with clean, breathable air (provided that the air ducts are not clogged). Another emerging way to improve indoor air quality is to add UV lamps to your HVAC system. You can install UV light lamps in ducts.

Do UV light In Air Ducts Pose Any Risks?

Allergies can be prevented a great deal with the effective use of UV lamps. They function by releasing UV rays that damage cell DNA while also obliterating the proteins that keep the cell alive. This mechanism prevents the organisms from replicating.

The UV lamp should be installed where it can most effectively impact the organisms. Typically, the evaporator coil should receive the maximum light from the UV lamp. Install your UV lamp where it will beam in the most critical location if mold has already developed in your HVAC system.

UV light can be quite successful at preventing mold growth and mildew accumulation, but they are inefficient when it comes to tiny particles like dust and dirt. You should have the understanding that UV light do not drive any objects towards them. 

They are fixed objects, and for an organism to be impacted, it must move through them. And just as we said, using a combination of a UV light purifier and a HEPA filter is the best way to have clean, breathable air free from all allergens.

Are UV Light for HVAC Systems Worth the Money?

A premium UV light filtration system for your HVAC system is definitely worthwhile if you or a family member has respiratory problems. A wide range of viruses, bacteria, and other dangerous microbes, including mold, can be rendered inactive by UV light filtration systems. In addition to keeping dangerous airborne particles out of your home, this can also help your HVAC system last longer.

Risks Posed By Harmful Indoor Pollutants

Without an air filtration system, people who live in homes, offices, schools, or other buildings will breathe in a lot of microorganisms. Both immediate illness and long-term harm may result from this. Respiratory problems are only a few of the unpleasant repercussions of breathing dirty air. Heart disease or cancer risks can rise with prolonged exposure. Below are a few other consequences of poor indoor air quality:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Headaches
  • Coughing
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Asthma attacks

These kinds of risks are particularly alarming for people who already have asthma, allergies, respiratory problems, compromised immune systems, or heart disease. But this doesn’t mean healthy people won’t have any effect. Healthy people experience the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution.

Because of these health dangers, proper air duct cleaning and having air filters are essential. Poor indoor air quality causes health issues that have further consequences. For instance, if we talk about the workplace, if any employee falls sick due to poor indoor air, they will be left with less energy to work. 

Similarly, children will find it difficult to concentrate on their studies if they feel sick due to inhaling indoor air at school.

The best approaches to purifying your air include:

  • Professional air duct cleaning
  • UV light air cleaning in home
Viruses: Can UV Light Systems Kill Them?

Viruses that are exposed to UV light radiation can be killed by the light beams. The types of bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microbes that a UV light purification system can eliminate will depend on the particular model. A UV light filtration system can disable microbes, including:

  • Fungi
  • The flu and cold viruses
  • Mold spores
  • Contagious bacteria, for instance, MRSA

Two basic categories of UV light purification systems exist:

Air Cleaning

These UV lights are typically installed close to the return ducting opening to clean the air before it enters your air conditioning unit to be cooled.

Coil-Cleaning

Placement of Coil-cleaning UV light purification systems is close to the evaporator coil. Since your AC system dehumidifies your home through the evaporator coil, this is a perfect location for a UV light. 

The evaporator coil offers great conditions for mold growth to appear, as it is mostly surrounded by moisture. A UV light will keep the evaporator coil safe from all sorts of bacteria, mold, and viruses.

Depending on your system or the UV purification system you want to install, UV lights may be installed in either of these areas. It’s always a good idea to consult professionals, so you should talk to any credible air duct cleaning company to help you with UV light installation.

UV Air Purifier vs. HEPA Air Purifier with UV Light

UV light air purifiers are purification systems that use UV light to clean air. The other air purifiers use filters to eliminate airborne impurities like dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Filter-based purifiers are the most common, with UV light systems gaining popularity in the near future.

A UV light purifier circulates the air in an area and inactivates viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. On the other hand, air purifiers with HEPA filters trap and eliminate particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, etc.

This is why it is recommended to use a combination of HEPA filters and UV light to get the best results. You will be able to breathe much cleaner air if you use this combination.

Are The Bacteria In My HVAC System A Real Health Risk?

It’s easy to ignore something that cannot be seen. Since we don’t see bacteria buildup, many of us fail to realize the fact that bacteria is detrimental to human health. Dirty air ducts contaminate the indoor air and cause severe asthma and respiratory issues in people. If you don’t prioritize your indoor air maintenance, then you and your family members may be breathing air filled with harmful particulate matter.

As per the EPA, indoor air is 7 times more contaminated than outdoor air. So, to keep yourself and your family protected, take special care of your indoor air quality maintenance. Schedule regular air duct cleaning with air duct cleaning services that can not only help in cleaning your HVAC system but also inform you about any other pressing HVAC issues that need to be addressed. 

UV light air cleaning in home is another effective approach for having cleaner, breathable air. Install UV light in air ducts and use the combination of HEPA filters and UV lamps to maximize the benefits of both air purification systems.

The Advantages of UV Light for Your HVAC System

The benefits of ultraviolet air purifiers go beyond those of health and security. In actuality, these systems can make your HVAC system work better. UV light in HVAC systems has several advantages, including:

  • It improves airflow by removing pollutants that have accumulated.
  • It reduces energy bills through effective air circulation.
  • It minimizes HVAC maintenance by maintaining the system’s cleanliness.
  • It enhances the system’s functionality.

Installing a UV light air purifier is significant for having cleaner breathing air. These technologies, however, are useful in a variety of different ways as well. They make your system more efficient and increase its life span.

Final Thoughts

Ultraviolet technology is effective in inactivating airborne diseases and particles like bacteria, mold, and viruses. UV light air purifiers use short-wave ultraviolet light for this purpose. A virus or other organism will suffer more DNA destruction and lose the capacity to multiply itself the longer it is exposed to UV radiation.

Poor indoor air quality causes health issues that can be prevented by using UV light in air ducts. They make your HVAC system more efficient and extend its life span.

When you are looking for an air purification and filtration system, go for the one that offers UV light purification since the combination of a filtration system and UV light purification proves to be effective in inactivating and removing allergens and other airborne contaminants.

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