What do UV systems actually do?

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 5/15/20

What is a UV system and how does it help fight viruses such as COVID-19?

The coronavirus is an airborne transmitted disease, meaning when carriers breathe they’re releasing the virus into the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

What do UV systems actually do?

Posted

What is a UV system and how does it help fight viruses such as COVID-19?

The coronavirus is an airborne transmitted disease, meaning when carriers breathe they’re releasing the virus into the air. When someone else breathes the same air, they take the virus into their body. This type of transmission allows virus to spread easily and rapidly.

UV light can break down mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The light destroys the molecular bonds in virus’ DNA. This halts their ability to reproduce and helps slow the spread.

UV-C systems have been proven to destroy microbes in the air quickly, which is critical during this pandemic since COVID-19 can remain on some surfaces at room temperatures for nine days.

UV systems kill up to 99.9 percent of diseases in the air, destroying bacteria, viruses, and mold that settle on coils, filters, ducts, and drain pans to eradicate the growth of pathogens to prevent further spread during air circulation.

The system works hand-in-hand with HVAC units.

When UV lights are mounted inside the HVAC ductwork, all air that circulates through the ducts must pass through the UV rays. As it does any bacteria, mold or viruses are destroyed.

The systems use UV-C light, which does not cause skin cancer, like UV-A light and UV-B light. Many hospitals and homes already use UV-C technology to help maintain cleaner air. Since with the system is installed directly within the HVAC unit, there is little risk of direct exposure to the lights.

HVAC companies have been offering UV lighting systems in their equipment for longer than the coronavirus has been around, but with the spread of COVID-19 many municipalities are now looking to install the systems to help stop the spread of airborne illnesses.