Certain bacteria can be killed by ultraviolet light. Air purifiers use them to improve the quality of indoor air in hospitals. Additionally, these lights can be placed within your heating and cooling system to help protect your air from bacteria, mold, mildew, and other allergens and toxins. Unfortunately, these lights aren’t clear in terms of how to install, how they work, how much they cost, and whether they are worth the price tag.
Here’s a quick guide from the pros at America Air Duct Cleaning to help you decide if San Antonio HVAC UV light installation is worth the investment.
UV Light: What Does It Do?
There are a number of uses for ultraviolet light:
- Operating rooms in hospitals are sterilized using UV lamps.
- Vitamin D deficiency and skin problems and disorders can be treated using it in small doses.
- Forensics often uses UV light to examine fingerprints, blood, and other fluids.
- Air purifiers use UV light, which kills certain bacteria and germs when they are in prolonged contact with it, which in turn helps to purify indoor air.
- Mold and mildew can be killed most effectively by UV light in HVAC units. Mold can cause serious damage to your system. Furthermore, it can negatively affect the quality of your indoor air and even cause allergies in some people.
UV Lights for HVAC Systems: Where Can You Find Them?
Decide on the best place in your HVAC system to install UV lights after consulting your HVAC technician. If possible, you can install them in two places:
Lights located on the coils indoors
Indoor air handling units with coils are found in central air conditioning systems. Mold can usually grow on this coil because condensation usually accumulates there. To prevent mold growth, you can install the lights directly above the coil, so UV light shines on it continuously.
Lights for ductwork
HVAC UV lights, also known as air germicidal lights, kill airborne pollutants and allergens that make their way into your HVAC system through return vents. Wired into the system, these lights turn on and off together with the blower motor. The cost of these lights is higher.
Consider your needs and concerns before you make any changes to your HVAC system. Do you regularly deal with mold and mildew in your home or system? Do you have poor indoor air quality? Do you have family members who suffer from allergies? San Antonio HVAC UV light installation might be a good solution if you answer “yes” to any of these questions. If you prefer, you can also keep your home allergy-free by following these steps:
- Maintain a regular air filter replacement schedule
- Air leaks should be sealed
- Make sure your home is properly ventilated
- Debris should not accumulate on your air handler, outdoor unit, or indoor coil
- Air vents and registers should be cleaned periodically.
If you have more questions about San Antonio HVAC UV light installation, contact the pros at America Air Duct Cleaning or schedule an appointment online.
