A Solution to Mold and Mildew? Germicidal Lamps

Germicidal lamps work along side other indoor air filtration systems to keep your indoor air quality healthy. The lamp uses intense rays of ultraviolet light to kill and control things like bacteria and mold that grow inside your home.  Research has shown that the air in your home may be up to five times more polluted than the air outside and considering how much time we spend in our homes we should do everything possible to make sure the air we are breathing is clean. 

How do germicidal lamps work?The lamp uses the short wavelength of UV that is damaging to forms of life at the micro-organic level. The light  penetrates the cell walls of the micro-organisms, which includes pathogens, viruses and mold,  so their DNA is disrupted causing them to no longer be able to grow or multiply. The lamp is installed in the air-duct system and sterilizes the air coming into your home. You will want to talk to your H.V.A.C. contractor about the size and the wattage of the lamp to be used in your home. The lamps are similar to a fluorescent lamp in that they do not produce much heat. Germicidal lamps do not produce any dangers to humans. Obviously, at high levels UV light can be damaging to humans but because of the low levels of light and of where the lamp is installed in the home the homeowner rarely comes in contact with the lamp. 

Once the lamp is installed it is usually good for close to 10,000 hours of continuous use. It is recommended that the lamp be replaced once a year. The lamp will most likely always be lit but the UV effectiveness of the lamp is reduced after about 10,000 hours of use. If you want the lamp to continually be effective then you do not want to wait until the bulb goes out to replace it. It is also a good idea to clean the lamp every few months. If you have a service contract with your H.V.A.C. company they will be able to clean the lamp during their quarterly visits. Making sure the lamp is clean is another way to help maximize the life of the lamp. Many companies also offer a warranty on certain components and so if something does go wrong it is many times covered under warranty. 

Using UV Germicidal Lighting as a way to sterilize air and water has been around since the mid-20th century. They are most often used in water tanks, sealed rooms and forced air systems. Many times you will see them installed in someone's hot tub or fish tank.  Germicidal lamps are not only  beneficial for humans but also for the performance of your home's heating and air conditioning systems. The contaminants that the lamp kills also have a negative impact on your indoor air equipment. Therefore the lamps not only have health benefits but also benefit the equipment in your home.