UV (Ultra Violet) lights are becoming a popular addition to HVAC systems. UV lights kill mold, bacteria, and viruses, providing many benefits for homes and businesses. UV lights can help to improve indoor air quality, reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria. They can also help to extend the life of HVAC equipment by preventing the build-up of mold, dirt, and debris.
In addition, UV lights can save energy by helping HVAC systems to run more efficiently.
What are UV lights?
UV lights are unique lights that emit ultraviolet radiation with the help of a UV bulb. UV stands for ultraviolet light. There are many different types of UV lights, each with unique benefits.
For example, UV-A light is often used in medical applications, as it can help with skin conditions and some skin cancers. UV-B light is also used in medicine, as it can help to treat skin conditions like psoriasis.
UV-C light is also known as germicidal UV light; it is often used in water purification systems. It can also be used in HVAC systems as an IAQ (indoor air quality) accessory. It can help to remove spores and other contaminants from the air, such as mold or mildew. Whatever the application, UV light can be a handy tool.
Do UV lights work?
UV lights work by damaging the DNA of tiny microbes and impact semi-large microbes that try to reproduce. This makes UV light a very effective way to clean the air in your home or building.
Yes, UV light can work to kill bacteria and other pathogens. UV radiation or ultraviolet light works by damaging the DNA or RNA of a pathogen, making it unable to replicate.
This can effectively kill the pathogen or prevent it from causing infection. UV light is often used in hospitals and other settings where sterile conditions are essential. It’s important to know that UV light only works against some types of germs, and it might not be 100% effective.
Two things that affect the effectiveness of UV lights for your HVAC system are placement and type of air filter. For optimal air quality, UV lights should be installed either at the supply plenum near the central Air Conditioners’ indoor coil or near the filter in a return duct/plenum – strategically placed for maximum purification power.
For best installation practices, many manufacturers recommend installing UV lights for your AC near the evaporator coil and air filter. The reason for this is that both of these locations are prime breeding grounds for biological contaminates to reproduce.
In addition, you’ll get the best results from UV lights if you use them with a high-efficiency filter. Note: High-efficiency filters are larger than standard 1-inch filters. If your furnace or air handler does not already have a highly efficient filter, care must be taken and will need to be sized by a professional.
How Can UV lights help with efficiency?
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is dark and wet, and it’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can result in sediment buildup on the evaporator coils.
When the coil becomes coated with sediment, it prevents air from flowing freely through the unit. This can cause the system to work harder to cool your home, leading to increased energy bills and premature wear on parts.
Adding a UV light can help prevent this by reducing the build-up production.
What kind of HVAC Systems Support UV Lights?
UV lights are a valuable addition to any HVAC system. By helping to kill bacteria and other contaminants, they can improve air quality and efficiency. If you’re considering upgrading your system or installing UV lights for the first time, be sure to work with a qualified contractor who can help you choose the right UV light and install it properly.
As earlier passages mention, UV light is most effective in conjunction with a highly efficient media air filter. Adding both the UV light and media filter to the system does add an unaccounted restriction to airflow. Lack of airflow can cause multiple issues and could even cause more contamination to form.
If you’re thinking about adding a UV light to your system, you will need to have a professional come out and size the filter and UV light accordingly. The last thing you want is to add a UV light to your system and then find out that your airflow has been restricted so much that it’s no longer effective.
When researching air purifiers such as UV lights, there are many options on the market. However, many cleaners come equipped with a particular type of filter known as photocatalytic oxidation (POC). This filter is designed to break down pollutants in the air, such as bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
However, when airflow is reduced by factors such as improper sizing of the media filter or UV light, the ability of the POC filter to break down VOCs can be compromised. This can lead to a build-up of contaminants on the POC filter, reducing its effectiveness.
UV light can be a great addition to your indoor environment, providing benefits that help improve air quality. However, it shouldn’t be viewed as the only solution; think of UV light as another piece of the puzzle in creating an optimal living space!
Need a UV-Light? HVAC Allies Can Help
For Service Call: (470) 421-6567
UV light should only be serviced, installed, and maintained by a licensed professional.
Here at HVAC Allies, we are a fully licensed and insured HVAC/Refrigeration Firm. Our team has all of the proper knowledge for all of your Air quality needs.
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