Of all the indoor contaminants in your home, bacteria are one of the most irritating. They can come from several different places and cause or worsen illnesses such as the common cold. One of the best ways you can fight off the bacteria in your air is to install a UV light. So how can you use a UV light to kill or sterilize bacteria in your home?
Why bacteria become a problem in homes
Before we get into how a UV light kills and sterilizes bacteria, it’s important to understand how they get into your home’s air in the first place. Bacteria can come from several different sources, such as your pets, your water, and pests around the house. They can also enter the air anytime somebody coughs or sneezes in your home.
In the air outside, bacteria are controlled by the sun. The sun gives off rays at different wavelengths, some of which (UVC) can kill or sterilize bacteria. The air in our tightly constructed homes isn’t so lucky. Because we don’t have the sun’s rays to help control bacteria indoors, bacteria can roam free unless you do something to control it.
How to use a UV light to kill bacteria
A UV light is an air purifying device that gives off light of the same wavelength as the sun. When your home’s air passes the device, the UV rays shine on the bacteria in the air and either kill or sterilize them. To get the most out of a UV light, it can be installed on the supply duct. This kills bacteria or mold that might be present on your a-coil (evaporator coil) so that it doesn’t get sent back into the air that’s circulating in your home. What’s the result? The fresh air that’s free from problematic bacteria and a clean HVAC system in your home.
If you have any questions about using a UV light to kill bacteria in your home’s air, or if you’d like an HVAC system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, your St. Louis area heating and cooling company.