The hysteria of the corona virus is taking over the internet, and I understand the purpose of the media attention. The internet provides a fast-paced database of the most relevant coronavirus updates. What I don’t like to see are the miracle solutions popping up, claiming to know how to fix the pandemic. Like most people, I did an immediate internet search and saw a whole bunch of products claiming to say they can fight and kill the virus. What I haven’t seen is any evidence that these products have been tested on the virus itself. I do not like to see companies profiteering off the public’s fear. UV Light manufacturers are publishing misleading information, claiming that their product is a cure for COVID-19, or that it will reduce the public’s risk of exposure. This simply isn’t true, in my opinion, and I will tell you why.
Most importantly, following CDC guidelines about how to protect yourself in large gatherings is the right way to approach the pandemic. The CDC has the most relevant, up-to-date information about the virus and distributes guidelines to the best of their ability with the information they have. I, too, was disappointed when I heard about this weekend’s parade and music event cancellations. But the big picture (our overall health as a community) is more important than a weekend of festivities. There will be more parades and parties and concerts. There is only one opportunity to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Be Mindful When Researching Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention Products
Now let’s get to the point regarding false promises about COVID-19 prevention. People are renaming biocides to “coronacide” and claiming chemical sprays will kill the virus. Even UV Light Manufacturers in the HVAC Industry are making assertions claiming that their products have an effect on COVID-19. This, in my opinion, is deceptive marketing. It’s true that UV Light can kill air borne germs and viruses! Anyone who knows me can tell you how strongly I feel that UV Light is crucial for your Indoor Air Quality. However, these manufacturers are leaving out some critical information:
- In order for UV Light to be effective, there must be enough dwell time (time light shines on the virus) in order to be effectively kill any virus. The airflow in your air conditioning and heating system moves too quickly to kill most germs in a single pass. The air will eventually make several rounds through your AC unit and be rendered sterile, so they can’t reproduce. That’s how the bacteria and viruses ultimately die.
Now let’s get to the good news! There is something your air conditioning and heating technician can do to help keep you and your family healthy:
- Help!! air conditioning can install special filtration products and UV Light kits in your air conditioning system that will keep the air INSIDE your home as clean and healthy as the products will allow. Your family will breathe cleaner and healthier air than ever before. And, if you’re quarantined, you might be totally safe! (That was a joke! We try to find the UV Light in every dark situation.)
UV Light can only clean and kill the thing it shines on for an extensive amount of time, so having a UV Light that is designed to shine directly on the evaporator coil can and will keep the coil cleaner and free of germs. The surface on which it shines will remain germ-free, within three feet. However, not all UV Lights are created equal. This claim is based upon the products that Help!! Air Conditioning uses. We are confident that these products work because we align ourselves with the highest quality products and most of our technicians have the same products in their own homes.
Final Thoughts About Public Health and COVID-19
I’ll close with these final thoughts: No one wants to get the coronavirus and, for now, everyone should follow the guidelines set by the CDC. I strongly encourage buyers to not get caught up in the hype, and to do their research before buying products for the health of their family. UV Light and better filtration can only improve your home’s Indoor Air Quality and will not stop people from getting sick in any way shape or form. That’s because you are exposed to germs and pathogens the second you leave your home. Please continue to use common sense until this goes away (and it will) and try not to live in fear. I encourage everyone to live with respect of everyone’s concerns and be mindful of those who are living cautiously.
Everyone has the right to an opinion, especially during a time when there are so many unanswered questions about health and public safety. My opinion in this article is based upon my knowledge of Indoor Air Quality and I hope it helped to ease someone’s mind and prevent potential buyers from falling prey to “Fear Marketing.” If you have any questions about how UV Lights truly impact Indoor Air Quality, please don’t hesitate to contact Help!! Air Conditioning. And last but not least, remember to wash your hands!
Keeping Things Real
Korey Knobloch
