UV lights are small, virtually soundless and attack many offending airborne particulates that compromise indoor air quality (IAQ). UV lighting systems lower the populations of contagious viruses and bacteria indoors, and do so best when they’re installed and used according to specific guidelines.
Because UV light harms eyesight, the best place for the lights is inside the HVAC system’s ductwork or air handler where they’re safely out of sight. Any bacteria, viruses, mold spores, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pass by the lights will be altered so that it won’t be able to reproduce or rendered less toxic. Placed inside the air handler in humid climates like this, the lights prevent mold and biofilms from growing on the evaporator coil, a hospitable place for mold and biofilm growth when the A/C runs, which reduces its efficiency. Inside the ductwork, the lights combat the spread of infectious diseases and mold, and reduce the toxic nature of VOCs. In fact, UV light is one of the few ways to lower the hazards VOCs pose indoors, other than simply avoiding altogether the many products that contain them.
The lights need to be dusted periodically to remain fully effective. Keeping the air filter for the HVAC system clean will lower the amount of dust that collects on them, as will upgrading the filter to the maximum MERV rating the manufacturer of your system allows. UV lights are one of the few types of bulbs that weaken over time. Under normal use, they should be replaced annually by your HVAC contractor to maintain high IAQ.
Manufacturers offer a UV lighting system that runs at variable times so that the bulbs aren’t continually on. These save energy and tests have shown that IAQ remains high even with fewer operating hours. Putting UV lights inside your HVAC system will improve the IAQ throughout your home with the least amount of effort and the most convenience. To learn more, contact Russell’s Heating & Cooling, providing trusted HVAC services for Hampton Roads’ homeowners. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”