Is UV Light for My AC or Furnace Worth It?

September 08, 2020

Perhaps you realize that the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) is to blame for your painful sunburn. But did you realize that a different type of ultraviolet light can be installed to keep your house’s air clean?

The sun gives off two types of damaging UV rays, UVA and UVB. These dangerous rays can result in sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

There’s another type of UV light, called UVC. While unprotected exposure to this ultraviolet light is bad for your skin or eyes, it can safely be utilized to disinfect air, water and various surfaces.

Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. uses this light in a few of our systems to boost air filtration in the Rio Grande Valley residences.

How Ultraviolet Light is Used

This specific wavelength is called “germicidal” as it destroys the DNA of bacteria and viruses. When pathogens travel through this light, they eventually cease to exist because they can’t reproduce.

This makes UVC light a potent alternative to chemical disinfection. Germicidal light is applied in lots of disinfection uses, like medical laboratories and hospitals. It’s also applied to purify drinking water and other liquids produced in food processing.

It’s growing in popularity to disinfect air in residences in the Rio Grande Valley. That’s because it can also wipe out typical indoor contaminants including mold, mildew and bacteria. This is an added advantage if someone in your household has seasonal allergies or asthma.

Uses for Germicidal UV Light in Your Residence

We put a germicidal UV light within your HVAC system’s ductwork. As the light is put within the ductwork, it makes it compatible with the majority of heating and cooling units. This also keeps its rays securely confined while providing strong disinfection for your home’s air.

Contaminated air is cleaned in a two-step process, first flowing through your air filter and then the UV light before flowing throughout your house. Even when your heat or air conditioning isn’t operating, these lights still work to keep your air, ductwork and home comfort equipment clean.

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

When thinking about getting a germicidal lamp for your home, it’s critical to buy one that doesn’t make ozone. While ozone is good at eliminating odors and chemicals, it can also irritate your lungs and lead to other respiratory problems.

If you’re seeking ways to clean your home’s air, the indoor air quality experts at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help. We sell a wide range of options to help your family breathe more easily. Contact us at 956-630-3522 to request a free, no-obligation home comfort analysis and estimate now!