Good indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a significant role in your health, and UV lights certainly are one of the best ways to improve it. These lights not only kill viruses and bacteria, but they also neutralize harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air.
Before you make the upgrade, consider these aspects of ultraviolet (UV) light before moving ahead:
Placement
The bulbs need periodic cleaning and changing annually, so they should be placed in an area of the ductwork or inside the air handler where you can readily access them. Using a good air filter for your HVAC system will reduce the dust buildup and the need for cleaning.
Unlike other kinds of light bulbs, UV lamps lose their effectiveness over time, and should be replaced at least once a year.
When placed in the air handler, the lights shine on the evaporator coil for the air conditioner or heat pump where the UV rays prevent the growth of mold and biofilms on the coil. However, if you see mold growing in the ductwork, you may want your HVAC contractor to place them inside the ducts.
Types
UV lights use more energy than a standard LED or CFL bulb does. New automated lights have an energy saving feature that turns them on and off based on need to cut electrical use without sacrificing their effectiveness for improving IAQ.
This feature could be especially useful during the cold and flu season during the winter and the monsoon during the summer. Since the air in your home passes over the lights many times a day during the heating and cooling seasons, you’ll have fresher air even when your home is tightly closed.
IAQ often falls during the summer when temperatures support mold growth. VOCs off-gas faster when it’s warm from many cleaning and household products like air fresheners, anything perfumed, and new building materials.
Putting UV lights inside your HVAC system goes a long way toward improving IAQ. If you’d like to learn more, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, providing trusted HVAC services for Yuma-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona 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 928-723-3183.
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