If you’ve recently played with the idea of replacing your old air conditioner with a new model, you’ve probably noticed that many modern ACs are equipped with ultraviolet lights that the manufacturers claim will help keep your indoor air free of organic and chemical pollutants.
This is by no means an unusual claim. For decades, ultraviolet radiation has been used to disinfect air, water, and nonporous surfaces and reduce the spread of bacteria and other pollutants. In fact, it’s been so effective in this capacity that UVC lamps have gained the nickname “germicidal lamps”.
But what about molds? Can UV filters keep mold spores and other airborne fungi out of your home? Can they stop mold from growing inside your ductwork and even your air conditioner, therefore preventing unnecessary air conditioning repair in Cherry Hill, NJ or beyond? Read on to find out.
Does ultraviolet kill mold?
When properly installed, an ultraviolet filter will make short work of 99% of the mold spores that pass through it. It will not only kill mold that would’ve otherwise ended up in your home, it’ll also keep mold from taking root inside the air vents or the air conditioner unit itself.
In fact, an UV filter will also destroy bacteria, viruses, mildew, and can even help reduce the spread of COVID-19. All of this makes them an extremely valuable addition to your air conditioning system, especially if you suffer from allergies, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions that can be aggravated by poor indoor air quality.
Other advantages of UV filters include:
They’re extremely efficient compared to other types of filters because they clean the air constantly, even when your AC isn’t actively pushing the air through.
They don’t require cleaning nearly as often as traditional cleaners do. Occasionally, you may be required to clean the lamp itself, but there’s very little risk of the UV filter getting completely clogged.
They’re silent. You’ll never even notice your UV filters are running and, after a while, you’ll likely forget they’re even there.
How long does it take for UV light to kill mold?
Ultraviolet filters use electromagnetic waves to penetrate through microscopic organisms such as airborne germs and mold spores. These germicidal UV-C wavelengths can have different sizes (from 255 to 280nm) and vary in their capacity to irradiate the immediate environment in which they’re placed.
When molds pass through these germicidal waves, the waves penetrate into their nuclei and damage the nucleic acids within. This disables the molds and even damages their DNA, leading to cell death and preventing the mold from multiplying.
How long this process will take depends on multiple factors, including:
1. Intensity of the UV light
Most UV light bulbs in HVAC systems are in the 8-watt to 16-watt power range, which makes them highly effective at eradicating molds.
2. Exposure
The UV light’s germicidal effects may be significantly reduced if the light isn’t able to hit the mold directly. For this reason, proper installation is crucial in order to achieve full coverage.
3. Dirt on the lamp
If the UV light is covered in grime and debris, it won’t be able to produce enough light to achieve the full effect. This issue can be solved through periodical cleaning or replacement.
Who should I call when I need reliable air conditioning repair in Cherry Hill, NJ?
Whether you’re looking to add cutting-edge photocatalyst filters to your AC system, enhance your HVAC ductwork with top-of-the-line UV filters, or you’re in dire need of an emergency plumbing service, don’t hesitate to give Allied Experts a call.
As the leading provider of HVAC, plumbing, and weatherization services in Cherry Hill, we’re equipped to ensure your essential home systems are running properly. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the Carman Tilelli Community Center while our technicians make your worries go away!
