You know how important it is to protect your home from prowlers with locks, alarms, and security cameras. It’s equally as vital to guard your home against invisible intruders, specifically viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and the byproducts of smoke.
Don’t let dirty air ruin your indoor comfort any longer. Take a minute and read our guide to the benefits of ultraviolet light. We’ll share a few of our favorite UV light systems.
What’s the Big Deal About Viruses and Bacteria?
Both bacteria and viruses may contribute to unpleasant encounters with viral and bacterial infections or allergic rhinitis and asthma. You can find both inside your home on surfaces and in the air.
Bacteria and viruses also like to lurk inside heating and cooling systems. They collect in the ductwork and vents. Running your furnace or air conditioner can release them into the indoor air.
It’s not only viruses and bacteria that impact indoor air quality.
Other Contaminants In the Air You Breathe
According to the EPA, cigarette smoke is a source of high levels of indoor air pollution. It can lead to “sick building syndrome.” You might experience headaches and dizziness when you’re in rooms with smoky air for extended periods.
Mold is another common source of indoor air pollution. The presence of mold inside your home can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and infections.
UV lights can help control and perhaps even eliminate contaminants in your home, improving indoor quality.
Ultraviolet Light: A Powerful Solution
During the current global health crisis, many people developed an interest in ultraviolet light to kill germs on porous surfaces, such as envelopes and grocery items. Ultraviolet light can also kill germs inside your heating and cooling system.
Ultraviolet lights for your HVAC system are also called “germicidal UV.” When properly installed by a qualified HVAC technician, UV lights can protect your home from dangerous contaminants that contribute to poor air quality.
Warm indoor air temperatures and humidity make a welcoming environment for viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. UV lights placed inside your HVAC system reduce the populations of these contaminants.
Every ultraviolet light system is different. Some will better protect your family than others. You’ll want to consider which type of UV lamp you select to ensure you maximize the level of protection.
Find out what type of ultraviolet lamp would work best for you by reading the next section.
Ultraviolet Lights for HVAC Systems
At this time, there are two types of UV designed for HVAC Systems. One handles focuses on coil sterilization, the other sterilizes moving air.
Coil sterilization uses a stick-type light installed inside a return air duct. This type of UV light targets dirty coils—the culprit responsible for dirty sock syndrome. Coil UV lights are the most commonly used ultraviolet lights.
Your HVAC technician may determine air sterilization is the best option. In that case, they will install the ultraviolet light unit in the return air duct. This type of light cycles with the air handler blower.
Before installing home UV lights, you’ll need to have an indoor air quality evaluation. The evaluation identifies any existing problems with your air ducts and other components of your HVAC system.
Best UV Lights to Protect Your Home
Once you research the benefits of UV lights, you’re ready to determine the best UV lights for your specific HVAC system and your budget. Also, since you want to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, you’ll want a light that emits the maximum UV radiation.
Need More Information?
Cleaner ducts and healthier air protect your home and keep your family healthy and safe. Ultraviolet lights help by killing off mold spores, bacteria found in dirty ducts, viruses carried through air systems.
Contact the team at Carolina Climate Control today for more information on the benefits of UV lights. We’re happy to answer questions and help you select the best UV light options for your home. We can also put together an estimate for any other HVAC services you may need.
