Air Purification vs. Coronavirus
By now, we all know the US, like the whole world, is under siege from the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, or, as it’s more popularly known, the coronavirus. You’ve probably heard the alarming prediction from the White House task force that as many as 240,000 Americans may die before the illness runs its course. High-risk populations like seniors and individuals with preexisting health issues are the most vulnerable, but the disease can prove fatal even for young and seemingly robust individuals as well.
Given the seriousness of the situation, we at 24-7 Plumbing hope our Westfield, IN neighbors are taking all the precautions knowledgeable physicians have recommended. Don’t leave home unless it’s essential, don’t leave home at all if you’re sick, maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wash your hands frequently for at least twenty seconds each time, and don’t touch your face. Beyond these measures, though, is there anything else you can do to protect your family and yourself? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is yes. There’s evidence that an air purification system with UV light can help fight COVID-19.
Protection Via Air Purification with UV Light
Scientists have known for quite a while now that broad-spectrum UV (ultraviolet) light is germicidal. That means it kills viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and other potentially harmful microorganisms. (Just as you would assume from the name, the coronavirus is one form of virus.)
Regular UV kills germs by breaking down their DNA and does it so well that doctors use it to decontaminate surgical equipment. Its potency, however, also makes prolonged exposure dangerous. It can produce skin cancers and cataracts. That why UV lights are prohibited in public places and why you wouldn’t want them operating frequently or for long periods inside your home.
Fortunately, there’s a special kind of UV called Far-UVC that can kill germs without hurting human beings, especially if they take common-sense precautions. It’s not strong enough to readily penetrate the outer layer of our skins or the tear layers of our eyes, but because microbes are so much smaller than we are, Far-UVC can still reach and damage their DNA.
To create a whole house UV air purifier system, technicians typically install UV lights inside the ductwork or near the primary AC coil. There, the UV won’t shine on you, but it will most definitely shine on microbes and destroy them, ridding the home of viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and mildew. (Guidelines from the National Health Commission suggest that COVID-19 specifically is vulnerable to light and heat just like other viruses.)
Technicians usually mouth the UV lights with magnets while positioning them for maximum effectives. The bulbs last about a year, after which homeowners can replace them themselves, and on average they only add about two dollars a month to the electric bill.
Features and Overall Benefits of Air Purification with UV Light
To summarize, in addition to providing one more precaution against coronavirus, a whole house air purifier with UV lights offers the following features and ongoing benefits:
- It’s safe.
- It’s chemical- and ozone-free. Thus, there’s no odor.
- The air inside the home will be 99% cleaner with 99% of irritants eliminated in just 24 hours.
- Your air filter system with UV lights is energy efficient.
- The UV lights require little or no maintenance other than infrequent bulb replacement.
- An air purification system with UV lights is energy efficient.
- Because the HVAC system stays cleaner longer, a home air purification system with UV lights makes it last longer.
If you’re interested in an air purification system with UV light, either as an additional safeguard against coronavirus or for any other reason, we invite you to contact the professionals at 24-7 Plumbing. We’ll be happy to help you.