Can Germicidal UV Lights Help Protect Me from COVID-19
What Are Germicidal Lights?
Germicidal UV lights are a common tool used to improve a home or business’ indoor air quality. They have also been used to purify water and disinfect surfaces. They have become very popular in residential settings because they do not require the use of harsh chemicals. When installed in your home, they can help you improve the overall cleanliness of your home.
Germicidal UV lights can help eliminate:
- Bacteria
- Fungus
- Mold
- Viruses
- Smells and odors
The two most common types of UV lights installed in homes are coil sterilization systems and air sterilization systems. Both are installed in your air ducts. Coil sterilization systems run all the time and are very cost-effective. Air sterilization systems are a little more expensive, but they provide more aggressive results than a coil sterilization system.
Do Germicidal UV Lights Really Work?
Ultraviolet lights utilize specific wavelengths on the UV spectrum to kill or inactivate microorganisms. More specifically, germicidal lights use UV-C wavelengths (the sun emits UV-A and UV-B). The UV lights affect the microorganisms’ DNA and RNA (such as bacteria and viruses) and inhibit them from reproducing. Germicidal UV lights have been found to be 99.9% effective in killing pathogens. Because they are so effective, these lights are often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Are UV Light Systems Safe?
Yes. While it is true that exposure to UV light can damage your skin and eyes, because germicidal UV lights are installed in your air ducts, you will not be exposed to the UV rays. Therefore, they are safe to use in your home or office. However, you must work with a trained installation technician, like ours at Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating. Our specialists will make sure that your system is installed correctly and safely. We can also help you with routine maintenance and any repair issues you may have.
Germicidal UV Lights and COVID-19
It has been found in laboratory settings that germicidal UV lights are effective against the COVID-19 virus. Because the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) can travel through the air, installing germicidal UV lights in your home or office can help eliminate the virus if it makes its way into your home. However, it is important to remember that these lights are not a replacement for other equally important methods of combating the COVID-19 virus.
For your UV light system to kill the virus, the virus must be present in your home. This means that it was somehow brought in (most likely in you or a visitor’s lungs). You also must remember that the COVID-19 virus can live for several days on surfaces, and your germicidal UV lights only disinfect the air in your home. Therefore, it remains of paramount importance that you continue to wash your hands regularly, disinfect high-touch surfaces, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when out, and continue to follow CDC-recommended social-distancing practices.
To learn more about how germicidal UV lights improve indoor air quality, review our blog here.
Need Air Conditioning Maintenance? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.
