UV Light Up My Life

UV light stands for ultraviolet light and the name literally means "beyond violet." It is so effective is purifying your air, it should be called "beyond amazing." In scientific terms, UV light has a shorter wavelength than that of violet light. In layman's terms-it means that a natural phenomenon has the power to destroy your household problems safely, efficiently and effectively.

What is it used for?

UV-C, or short wave ultraviolet radiation, is used to destroy bacteria, mold, viruses and other contaminants that could be lingering in the air, liquids, or on surfaces in your home. UV-C has been used in hospitals for decades to sterilize surgical instruments, water, and the air in operating rooms. Many food and drug companies use the germicidal UV-C lamps to disinfect the storage containers of some products along with the products themselves. So, if you decide to install one in your home, you can rest assured that you are using a product that has successfully stood the test of time.

Prevention is key when it comes to pesky little nuisances like mold, bacteria and viruses. They tend to collect and thrive inside your home's ductwork. How does that affect you? Mold spores and bacteria cause many people's allergic reactions and sicknesses, but UV-C destroys common allergens that are found in your home-like molds, mildews, and fungi. Using a UV-C lamp in central HVAC systems can safely and effectively prevent bacterial growth, and thereby improve your health and even reduce your risk of getting Sick Building Syndrome. It also works to fight many airborne diseases, including tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses and smallpox. Allergy sufferers in particular will feel the sweet relief brought on by their use.

Bacteria-The Uninvited Guest

The warm, wet climate of air conditioning coils and ductwork create an inviting home for any number of bacteria and disease. As a thank-you for welcoming the disease into your home, it will often pay you back by emitting a foul, lingering odor determined to reside in your home. If you install basic UV lamps next to drip pans and along A/C coils you can destroy and prevent mold and other microorganism growth. It only takes a small UV lamp system to really improve the inside of your air conditioning systems, but their effect is limited to controlling the spread of microorganisms from the ductwork.

If you have a bigger problem, you may need a bigger solution. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) can be part of a larger system set up in your home, designed to expose water tanks, sealed rooms and forced air systems to germicidal UV. It will sterilize air that passes through UV lamps via forced air. They can be freestanding units or installed into your existing central air system.

How does it work?

UV light kills cells by damaging their DNA. The light initiates the chemical reaction. The most effective sterilizing range for UV is within the C bandwidth (UV-C). This range is called the germicidal bandwidth.

The contaminants that pollute your indoor air are largely organic or carbon compounds. These compounds break down when exposed to high-intensity UV, destroying the DNA in living microorganisms by shutting down their ability to reproduce and essentially cleaning up your air.

Since UV light is natural and available to us in the form of free sunshine, why should you purchase UV equipment for your home? For one, Ultraviolet germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated effect of ultraviolet energy than can be found naturally. They sanitize air that is passed directly in their path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the UV rays.

Are there any cons? While ozone is a natural byproduct of UV lamps, lamps do exist that prevent the ozone from being emitted from the lamp. Lamps having special quartz keep ozone within the lamp, preventing ozone leakage. Ozone emission is therefore not necessarily inherent in all UV lamps. You can respect the environment and clean your home at the same time. Just call the professionals at Air Now to determine the best unit that suits the needs of your home.

AirNow, Inc.
190 Atlantic Ave.
Garden City Park, NY 11040
Phone: (516) 355-0032
Fax: (516) 248-4308