As a homeowner, there are many things we need to take care of to keep our house and property in tip-top shape throughout the year. One of the most important home features that require a significant amount of attention is the HVAC system. Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget about our heating and cooling systems until it malfunctions—often at the times that we need it the most. Aside from providing our HVAC system with regular check-ups and maintenance for top functionality, it’s also important to ensure that the system is circulating clean air. Without taking proper maintenance and care of your HVAC system, your household can suffer from poor air quality inside the home due to mold, bacteria, dust, and other indoor allergens.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that can help to keep your HVAC system clean and circulating healthy indoor air. UV lights installed inside the HVAC system work to protect you against those allergens by eliminating the bacteria before it can enter the living area. In this article, our expert team at Direct Air Conditioning, LLC—a top Miami HVAC company—reveals some important information about UV lights for the HVAC system and how this simple installation can improve the quality of the air inside your home.
A Brief History of UV Lights Back in 1903, a person by the name of Niels Finsen won the Nobel Prize for his research into UV lights as a treatment for tuberculosis. After his success, UV light usage expanded from hospitals to many other industries like nail salons and food and drug companies. Fast-forward to many decades later, and research shows that UV lights are indeed effective in the sterilization of rooms, killing bacteria, fungi, and other toxic particles on surfaces and in the air.
UV Light Hospital Infection Control: This study in 2012 was found to eliminate drug-resistant bacteria in over 50 rooms by more than 97%. Germicidal UV Radiation: During this study, a commercial building
was the test subject in question. Over a period of four months, the fungal levels in the UV operated building were significantly lower than the building functioning without UV assistance.
Implementing UV Lights
The UV light can be very effective for killing mold and eliminating other toxic particles in the air, but it will only work properly if installed correctly. You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve given your unit the proper AC maintenance and AC repair services that it needs to function properly and make use of the UV light installation.
Sometimes, AC replacement or additional HVAC components are required in order for the UV light to be implemented into the system. A reputable HVAC company can help you determine your needs for the installation—as well as where to install the UV light, which can be in the air handler, the air return, or in the ductwork.
HVAC systems can utilize two types of UV lights:
Coil Sterilization: This is a “stick type” light and it’s installed in the return air duct. This sterilizes the air handler coil. The light runs 24/7 and is the most common option.
Air Sterilization: This one is a complete UV light unit that works to sterilize moving air. The unit is installed in the return air duct. Unlike the coil option, this cycles on with the air handler blower.
What are the Benefits of UV Light Installation for HVAC Systems?
If you’re considering installing a UV light installation, doing your research is an important step in the process. In this section, take a look at some of the benefits of this home improvement project to see how it can improve the air quality inside your home.
- UV lights completely sanitize indoor spaces, removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous contaminants in the air.
- Household members will experience fewer instances of colds and flu illnesses.
UV lights eliminate contaminants that cause bad odors, improving the
smell of the air inside the home. - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are eliminated from the environment.
Perfect for humid climates where mold and mildew are more prone to grow. - Minimizes clogging in drain lines.
- Cleaner coils improve the air quality inside the home.
- Improved cooling and heating efficiency.
- Reduced electricity costs due to better airflow and performance of the HVAC system.
Purify the Air with Direct Air Conditioning, LLC
It’s true that you’ll never have to think about the act of breathing. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the air quality itself. At Direct Air Conditioning, LLC, we know that the quality of the air in Miami has a strong effect on the health and safety of our customers. That’s why we offer a range of industry-leading products and premium services designed to improve the health of the family with cleaner, purified indoor air.
Ready to improve your home’s indoor air quality with us at Direct Air Conditioning, LLC?
Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional HVAC services or special offers for improving your home’s indoor air quality, or fill out our online form to schedule a free, in-home pricing estimate.
