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Where can I purchase a replacement lamp (bulb) for my system?

Because UV-C light is dangerous to skin and eyes lamp replacements are provided by the same HVAC service contractor that installed your Patriot IAQ system.

Why does UV light kill germs?

UV-C light (the frequency used in germicidal UV lights) kills germs by disrupting their DNA which prevents them from reproducing, effectively killing them. In nature this frequency of light is filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere so microbes have no defense against it.

Is UV light safe for children and pets?

When a UV light system is installed in a central air system the germ killing effect takes place inside the air system and is limited to that area. There is no danger to any living thing in the home except microbes that are carried by the air into the central air system.

Is it OK to look at the UV light?

Never look at the UV light when it is lit. UV-C light can give your eyes a painful “sunburn”. Technicians should unplug or disconnect the unit to work on it.

Is reflected or distant UV-C light dangerous?

Should people with glaucoma and similar eye conditions be concerned about indirect UV-C light (blue glow) from Patriot IAQ products?

The effect of UV-C light falls off quickly with distance because it is filtered by the atmosphere (air) which is why microorganisms have no defense against it. One should always avoid close direct exposure of skin and eyes, but reflected UV-C light at a distance is not dangerous.

Our air system isn't running so why is the UV light still on?

Is the light on 24 hours a day or only when the blower is on? Does the UV light stay on when I run my heater?

These products are intended to be on 24 hours a day. Mold growth doesn’t stop when the blower is off, and cycling the UV light on and off would shorten life of the UV lamp.

How can we purify the air when the AC or heater isn't on?

If neither my furnace nor AC is running does this still purify the air?

Running the air system in “fan” mode will cycle air through the home without turning on the AC or heater. Many programmable thermostats have a setting for this as well.

Will a UV light system kill mold in the walls?

No. UV-C germicidal irradiation can only kill microbes on surfaces that the light shines on directly (surface kill) or that pass by in the air stream (airborne kill).

Which system is best for removing odors?

For odors in general consider our Patriot PCO. It is specifically designed to fight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are the source of most household and chemical odors.

Is UV light radioactive? Will radiation spread into my home?

No. All light is a type of radiation but not the dangerous kind. UV light kills germs by giving them an intense “sunburn” and it only affects things it shines on directly. Nothing spreads into the home except clean air.

Is it OK to look at the UV light with sunglasses?

No. Although UV-C light will not pass through plastic or ordinary glass there is still the risk to exposed skin. Always turn off the light or disconnect power to service the system.

Can UV light reduce radon in your home?

No. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into your home from the ground below. It is not the product of any volatile organic compound (VOC) or biological contaminant so UV-C light has no effect on it.

Do the Patriot IAQ systems product ozone?

No, Patriot UV and PCO produce no ozone and are perfectly safe.

How long does it take for the UV light to kill mold?

The germ-killing effect starts immediately with about 90% of surface microbes sterilized within the first few minutes, and about 99.99% sterilized after the first 24 hours.