5 Benefits of UV Light Disinfection
March 16, 2021
Ultraviolet or UV light is invisible to human eyes but beneficial in disinfecting surfaces, water, and food. Exposure to high-intensity UVC (a type of UV light) between 240 nm to 280 nm can kill or deactivate indoor carbon-based environmental contaminants. UVC LEDs are also beneficial in the sterilization, disinfection, and treatment of wastewater and municipal drinking water.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a safe and highly effective method to disinfect air and prevent various airborne infections. Here we share five benefits of UV light disinfection.
1. It isn’t toxic
Unlike harsh chemicals and unpleasant odors in various cleaning and sanitization products, UV light is environmentally friendly. It’s a physical process that cleans the air without chemicals. Though excessive UV exposure can harm human beings, moderate exposure makes it a safe and non-toxic disinfection method for homes, restaurants, hospitals, and medical industries.
2. Reduces mold and mildew
Fungal contamination in HVAC unit vents can spread allergic rhinitis, infectious diseases, asthma-inducing organisms, and other air-borne diseases. In HVAC cooling vents, UV lamps offer robust air purification by eliminating fungi, germs, bacteria, pathogens, and viruses.
3. Eliminates odors
It’s not uncommon for HVAC systems to spread smells of tobacco, paint, burned food, and other contaminants. Most odors are annoying, but some can be dangerous to your health. UV lights can help eliminate these pungent organic compounds from the air and help you breathe easy.
4. Improves air quality
According to the EPA, about a dozen common organic pollutants are found 2 to 5 more inside homes than outside. UV lights improve air quality by killing contaminants in air-handling units, fiberglass insulation, and airborne fungi.
Light in the UV-C wavelength eliminates and prevents the buildup of organic material on the surfaces of cooling coils, drain pans, and interior duct surfaces, improving airflow and maintaining the heat-transfer levels of cooling coils. According to ASHRAE, UVC has an inactivation and/or killing rate of 90% depending on intensity and length of exposure.
5. Boosts airflow and efficiency
A strained airflow because of debris in vents puts excessive pressure on your HVAC system. Dust and various organic matter like fungi, bacteria, and mold become debris, clogging your system and affecting airflow. If you have to run the cooling system longer than usual to achieve the desired temperature, it's because of the accumulation of microorganisms on the HVAC coil. UV lights on your coil can help destroy the microorganisms inhibiting smooth airflow and improve the system’s overall efficiency.
About J & J Heating, Air & Plumbing
To fix faulty or clogged plumbing, get in touch with J & J Heating, Air & Plumbing. We offer a wide range of household installation, repair, maintenance, and upgrade services, including plumbing, sheet metal fabrication, air duct cleaning, sealing, and commercial HVAC. We also offer a complete line of indoor comfort equipment, including air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, programmable thermostats, humidifiers, ductless split systems, geothermal systems, boilers, air cleaners, and ultraviolet lights. You can call us at 478-955-4457 for an inspection or email us at info@jjsavestheday.com to know more.