ultraviolet (uv) lights in Mission Viejo 

what is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (uvgi)? 

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a fancy term for the extermination of microbiological growth via short wave ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet (UV) light, at sufficiently short wavelengths, can kill microorganisms. It is so effective that it is used to purify drinking water, food, and even air. Ultraviolet shortwave radiation works by destroying the nucleic acids in microorganisms. It disrupts their DNA and they are left unable to execute cellular functions vital for their survival.

The use of shortwave ultraviolet light to sterilize has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been mostly used in the medical field to create a sterile environment. Recently, water treatment plants have used it to purify sewage water and make it potable. They were able to accomplish this by exposing the sewage water to concentrated amounts of UV-light. In the heating and air industry, UV-lights have been employed for a long time in air quality improvement. Coupled with a high-grade air filter, UV-Lights can be an excellent way to remove pollutants, such as pathogens, viruses, and molds, from your home.

UV-lights eliminate microbial growth 

UV-Lights are designed to help clean your air and eliminate water-based pathogens from your heating and air conditioning system. After your indoor air has been cleaned at the filter, it travels through the evaporative coil to be cooled or heated, and then it is disbursed throughout your home by a network of ducts. The evaporative coil is the part of your HVAC system that receives compressed refrigerant from the condenser to help cool your air. The condenser, also known as a compressor, sits outside your home. You may recognize it as the unit that makes a droning sound when your air conditioner us running.

While your furnace or air conditioner is running, the evaporative will constantly have hot or cold air blowing through it. In areas of high humidity, like Chino Hills, Corona, Rancho Santa Margarita or Yorba Linda, the coil produces copious amounts of water through condensation. The water is collected in pan and travels outside through a system of drain lines, or at least it should. If the drain lines are obstructed, or if they were installed improperly, the water is allowed to sit in the drain pan, a moist, dark place. We don’t claim to be scientists, although HVAC is a science, but anyone who has taken a high school biology course can tell you what comes next.

Because little to no light reaches the evaporative coil, water from the condensation encourages microbiological growth. Air collects specks of growth as it travels by and, since the coil is located after the filter, distributes them around your house. UV-Lights are installed above and below the evaporative coil where they can eliminate bacteria and mold. They eliminate the problem by killing microorganisms that tend to germinate in the coil, preventing them from polluting air that has already been cleaned by your filter.

The Benefits of a UV-Light

• Reduces harmful molds and mildew
• Reduces or eliminates allergens, asthma attacks, sinus
• problems and bronchitis
• Coils stay sanitary and germ-free
• Lowers coil corrosion, which contributes to Freon leaks
• Lowers chance of expensive repair costs due to Freon leaks

Indoor Air is 7-10 Times More Polluted
The EPA states that the air in your home is 7-10 times more polluted than the air outside. There are all sorts of indoor pollutants including microbiological growth, allergens, bacteria, combustion gasses, dust and dander. There are also chemicals and gasses that are many times more detrimental to our health; problem is, many times we cannot detect them. These airborne nuisances travel through your heating and air conditioning system to all the rooms in your home. Most residents of cities like Chino Hills, Corona, Yorba Linda, and Rancho Santa Margarita have experienced symptoms of poor indoor air quality but were never aware of it. Common reactions include amplified allergic reactions to pet dander, irritation of eyes and skin and respiratory complications.