UV light is an increasingly popular HVAC technology, especially with homeowners who wish to address indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. While UV light has benefits throughout the year, it becomes crucial during the winter. Let’s look at what UV light systems can and cannot achieve, and how the right setup ensures you get the desired results.
What Does UV Light Do For IAQ?
The main goal of a UV light system in an HVAC is to break down biological irritants. Specifically, UV-C light operates at a bandwidth that destroys the DNA and RNA in many pathogens. It also has a similar effect on dust mites, mold spores, and even pollen particles.
UV light radically reduces the ability of biological irritants to reproduce. Most studies indicate that the effectiveness of UV light is above 99% over 24 hours. That means from the time the system first turns on; it takes about 24 hours for the UV light to eliminate 99% of the bacteria and viruses in a home’s air.
However, UV systems don’t capture physical particles like dust or pet dander. You will still need quality mechanical filters to remove those irritants.
Coil Sanitization vs. Air Purification Systems
There are two distinct types of UV installations. Coil sanitization lights attach near an HVAC’s evaporator coil. These keep the coil itself clean from mold and bacterial growth on the damp metal surfaces. A cleaner coil means better airflow, improved efficiency, and fewer musty odors circulating through your home.
Air purification systems are installed in your ductwork where they treat the air as it passes through. These target airborne pathogens directly.
Why UV Light Filters Are Important, Particularly in the Winter
Several factors make UV light more important during the winter. Foremost, winter is the season in which airborne viruses become more prevalent. Viruses like the cold and flu tend to peak during the colder months. UV light exposure breaks down these viruses, preventing them from reproducing.
A second factor is that people tend to be indoors more during the winter. This places everyone in closer proximity. It also means that people are sharing the same air at a time when they’re more likely to become sick.
Third, fresh air is harder to come by, especially in modern homes. The modern emphasis on insulation and tight ventilation to provide greater HVAC efficiency means that houses have fewer air exchanges per hour. That is great for retaining heat, but it also means that the same stale air tends to circulate more.
UV light addresses this issue by treating the air. In combination with other forms of filtration, this approach is highly effective in maintaining clean air without sacrificing heating efficiency.
Notably, the lack of air circulation also encourages dust mites and mold spores to collect. Mites are major irritants, and anything that discourages them is a win. Likewise, reducing the growth of mold spores eliminates a major allergen and source of bad odors in homes.
Is UV Light Safe For Use in Homes?
The short answer is yes. The indoor air quality module, which contains the UV light filter, is fully self-contained. Air flows into the chamber for bombardment by the light. The treated air then rejoins your home’s circulated air, usually through your HVAC’s air return system.
Foremost, UV-C light is the same type of light that comes from the sun. In other words, it is no more dangerous than sunlight.
Secondly, UV light doesn’t have strong penetrating qualities. A thin layer of virtually any material, whether metal or plastic, will stop it. Consequently, the light never escapes the chamber that treats the air. The materials around the filter block the light from going anywhere.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Whether you want to add a UV light filter to an existing system or a new one, professional installation matters. Our HVAC technicians know where to place the unit to maximize treatment and airflow.
Most professional retrofits take only a few hours. The design enables UV filtration as a whole-house solution. Placed along the cold-air return system, the filter treats all a home’s air before the HVAC recycles the air for heating and cooling use.
G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. handles the HVAC needs of homeowners in Evansville, IN, and nearby areas. In addition to UV lights, we also offer humidifiers and filtration to improve indoor air quality. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every project. If you’re looking for a local and family-owned business you can trust, our technicians are ready to help.
If you’re interested in using UV light to improve the indoor air quality in your Evansville home, contact G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. right away.
