UV lights could be a solid upgrade to your HVAC system. HVAC UV lights are quite effective in eliminating harmful particles from your home and providing better air quality. Here are the top four benefits of using them in your home HVAC system.
1. Reduces Mold and Bacteria
UV lights come in two main varieties. Coil sanitizing or sterilizing lights is one option. These UV lights are installed in AC units near the evaporator coil and eliminate harmful particles in the return air duct. They are effective because they target an area where mold and bacteria tend to accumulate.
Air sanitizing or sterilizing lights are the second main option. These UV lights are installed in the vents of your HVAC system and take away harmful elements before they circulate throughout your home. This method is a more comprehensive air purifying approach that can reduce and eliminate mold, bacteria, and other allergens.
With either option, direct exposure to UV light destroys bacteria and mold that form in your HVAC system and home. Mold is a common fungal growth that occurs in dark and humid areas. Bacteria forms in many places in the house, including kitchens and bathrooms, among other living areas.
Both mold and bacteria are unavoidable but can be reduced or eliminated from circulating in the air. Research has indicated that using UV lights can result in an over 95% reduction of mold and bacteria in your system and home. This means the air quality is greatly improved and your HVAC operates much better.
Reducing mold, mildew, and bacteria is important to your health, but this improvement can also prevent clogged AC drain lines and other maintenance issues from developing in your HVAC system.
2. Improves Allergies and Air Quality
Ultraviolet lights use a high-frequency, low wavelength known as UVC, which has the highest energy among the three forms of UV light. UVC light has a sanitizing quality that eliminates airborne particles, kills microscopic germs, and makes the air better to breathe.
A dual benefit of using HVAC UV lights is reducing exposure to allergens and improving air quality. When germs and bacteria are exposed to UV lights, they absorb the light and are eliminated by it. This can help allergy sufferers with such symptoms as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.
UV lights have been shown to reduce or destroy pollen, dust mites, and other common allergens. UVC light is germicidal, meaning it combats airborne particles that trigger allergic reactions. This means that allergens will be greatly reduced and allergy sufferers will find more relief at home.
UV lights have also been shown to help prevent respiratory illness. According to studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health, UV lights are very effective air disinfectants and can eliminate pathogens responsible for chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other chronic respiratory issues.
These studies have shown that UV lights are thus effective against pathogens and allergens. Pathogens are the viruses and bacteria responsible for diseases, while allergens provoke allergic reactions.
UV lights remove many contaminants that move through your HVAC system to improve overall air quality. Many are unseen particles like dust mites. Others are what’s called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that release gas that could be harmful to your health.
VOCs from items like tobacco and cleaning supplies can even cause headaches and sinus issues. As the air gets recirculated, these harmful microorganisms can also be carried around your home. Yet, HVAC UV lights can sanitize the air and make it much more breathable.
UV lights have been used to clean and sanitize buildings and airplanes and are increasingly being used in homes to obtain higher air quality. To ensure maximum benefits in your household, UV lights should be installed correctly by a professional.
3. Eliminates Odors
A third benefit of using UV lights is that they reduce and eliminate odors. HVAC systems can circulate a range of unwanted smells, such as paint, tobacco, and other potentially unhealthy and unwanted odors.
More seriously, odors can be an indication that something is harmful. Studies have shown that ultraviolet light breaks down the chemical compounds in the air that cause odors. UV lights can thus eliminate or reduce odors by targeting the chemicals behind them.
This includes smells that come from pets, hair sprays, smoke, and furnaces. UV lights can also help with a musty smell coming from your air conditioner. Mold is an example of an unpleasant smell that can also make you ill if allowed to linger in the air you breathe.
Odors can thus be bothersome, but they can also be harmful to your health. Bacteria and chemicals can release smells that need to be eliminated. UV lights clean out a range of odors that make for a better-smelling and safer home.
4. Energy Efficiency
Removing harmful particles allows the air to circulate better in your home, but it also benefits your HVAC system. UV lights make your AC and heating system run better by removing dust and particle buildup and improving airflow. That means UV lights improve how your system operates and its energy efficiency.
For example, coil sanitizing lights have been shown to eradicate bacteria and mold on your HVAC’s coils. It also allows your HVAC to run more smoothly.
Air sanitizing lights remove dirt and buildup in the vents and ducts of your HVAC. When microbial material gets clogged in your system, it has to run for a longer time. Removing these particles can make your system run for a shorter time while improving airflow. The net result is a more energy-efficient home.
UV lights can also help with reducing maintenance of your HVAC system. For example, UV lights eliminate or reduce mold and contaminants in HVAC filters and coils so those parts do not need to be replaced as often.
A cleaner system will reduce the need for upkeep on your system and emergency repairs. A broken-down HVAC is a costly expense that owners wish to avoid. UV lights can save time and money.
Being more energy efficient could result in decreased overall energy costs and make your home more environmentally friendly. Reducing the time that your system is running can add up to savings and better, breathable air.
HVAC UV lights are an upgrade but still affordable compared with installing other air filtration systems. It’s best to contact a professional to determine if this is the best option for you in your home environment.
4. Additional Benefits of HVAC UV Lights
Here are a few more benefits of installing UV lights for your HVAC:
- Reduces condensation in your HVAC system
- Removes buildup in HVAC filters
- Reduces the spread of viruses and illness
- Great long-term investment
HVAC Needs and More
Please feel free to contact us at Childers Air Plumbing & Electric for more information about HVAC UV lights or how to make your indoor air healthier. We provide electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services to the Beckley, WV area. We have knowledgeable professionals who can help you with air conditioning, heating, electrical wiring and panels, water heaters, and more. Reach out to us today to determine if these UV lights are for you!
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