Ultraviolet light has been proven very effective when used as part of your HVAC system to purify the air in your home and increase your overall indoor air quality. It effectively removes mold and bacteria, reduces cold and flu germs, and keeps your family healthier. It also helps reduce smells and odors and removes volatile organic compounds from your indoor air.
UV technology, which effectively treats tuberculosis, is being harnessed and used in many settings, including hospitals, restaurants, and residential homes.
What Is UV Light Useful For?
Several studies in different settings have verified the effectiveness of UV light in killing mold and bacteria, including one in a hospital and another in a commercial HVAC system. In 2012, Duke University Medical Center used ultraviolet radiation to practically eliminate drug-resistant bacteria from 50 hospital rooms, eradicating the bacteria by more than 97 percent. Another study conducted over four months at a commercial office building significantly lowered fungal levels.
The future of overhead UV lights in hospitals, public settings, and residential homes could prevent the spread of dangerous and sometimes deadly flu viruses.
Different Kinds of UV Lights for Homes
Before purchasing a UV light for your home, it’s best to learn about the two types of lights to choose from. Each of them comes with its own benefits. Speaking to professionals about the problems with your indoor air quality will help determine what style is best for your home.
Coil Sterilization
Coil sterilization is a method that uses a stick-like UV light installed inside the return air duct to sterilize the coil of your HVAC system. This UV light operates continuously and is the most commonly used type. When coils become dirty, they can create an unpleasant, musty odor in your home, often referred to as “dirty sock syndrome.” The UV light effectively combats this odor by preventing mold and bacteria growth on the coils.
As a result, it helps maintain a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment by eliminating the source of the musty smell and enhancing the air quality in your home.
Air Sterilization
Air sterilization UV lights are designed to purify the air in your home or other indoor spaces. These lights emit a specific type of UV light that can kill or deactivate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be floating in the air. When air passes through an air sterilization UV light, it gets exposed to this UV light, which breaks down the genetic material of these harmful particles, rendering them unable to cause illness.
This technology is often used in hospitals and other settings where clean air is crucial. Installing an air sterilization UV light can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of airborne illnesses in your home or workplace.
5 Benefits of UV Lights in HVAC Systems
Along with diminishing any odors in your home and improving your home’s indoor air quality, there are tons of ways UV lights can enhance your home life. Take a look at these five benefits of UV lights in your air conditioning and heating systems:
1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
UV lights integrated into your HVAC system effectively sterilize the air, killing harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. This process results in cleaner and healthier indoor air, significantly reducing the risk of illnesses caused by airborne pathogens.
2. Energy Efficiency
These devices are crucial in maintaining the cleanliness of HVAC coils, which is essential for system efficiency. Dirty coils can force your HVAC system to work harder, consuming more energy. UV lights prevent this buildup, enhancing energy efficiency and ultimately leading to reduced energy bills.
3. Odor Control
A UV light effectively combats unpleasant odors from mold and bacteria growth on HVAC coils and within ducts. By eliminating these sources, UV lights contribute to a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment, ensuring your home smells clean and inviting.
4. Extended Equipment Lifespan
UV lights act as a safeguard for HVAC equipment, preventing microbial accumulation on critical components. This proactive approach reduces wear and tear, ultimately extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. UV lights can save you money in the long run by minimizing the need for repairs and replacements.
5. Allergy & Asthma Relief
If you or a family member suffer from asthma or allergies, these lights effectively reduce common allergens like mold spores and pet dander in your home. This can relieve these symptoms, as improved indoor air quality results in easier breathing and better overall health.
Have a Professional Install Your UV Light
While installing UV lights in your HVAC system effectively kills a wide range of unsavory contaminants that can harm your family, you must have professionals implement an indoor air quality evaluation to mitigate existing problems. This involves several steps related to your ducts and installing proper filters.
After an air quality test has been completed, your technician can help you select the right UV light for your home and install it for you. They will ensure it functions properly and enhances your home’s indoor air quality.
If you need indoor air quality specialists in Indiana or Michigan that you can trust, turn to our team at Home Comfort Experts to help you. We offer an Ultraviolet Air Disinfection System to keep the air in your home clean. Contact us online or call our main office at (574) 475-3237 to schedule an appointment with our technicians.