Fight COVID-19 at Home With UV Lights in the HVAC System
UV or ultraviolet lights are known to deactivate the DNA of dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and other microorganisms.
UV or ultraviolet lights are known to deactivate the DNA of dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and other microorganisms. These lights have been used in hospitals, universities, urgent care centers, and air purifiers for decades for sterilizing equipment and maintaining a sanitary environment.
The premium on clean air
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented surge in demand for these lights. In addition, the spread of Coronavirus has forced people to spend more time inside their houses and has acted as a gentle reminder of the importance of fresh and clean indoor air.
Besides sanitizing and washing hands frequently, another measure homeowners can take is to install UV lights in their HVAC systems. An ultraviolet lighting system in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system creates a healthier environment by reducing or preventing harmful microorganisms from circulating within the air duct. Several experts believe that adding germicidal UV-C lights to the HVAC system is effective in the fight against COVID-19. The CDC is considering UV lights among the promising decontamination methods.
How do UV lights work in an HVAC system?
UV lights also referred to as UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) systems, are designed to emit a particular wavelength of light (254 nanometers), which the microorganism’s DNA absorbs as they pass through the system. The exposure to UV lights destroys the microorganism’s nucleic acids, damaging their DNA and making them incapable of reproducing. In addition, the UV light penetrates the cells of bacteria, viruses, or germs when they pass through the HVAC system. Strategic installation of germicidal UV lamps purifies the air, disinfects the HVAC unit, and improves indoor air quality.
How and where to install UV lights in HVAC systems
The correct installation of UV lights within the HVAC system is essential for achieving effective results. The unit should have the appropriate number of lamps positioned properly, duct reflectivity, and lamp wavelength and intensity. An HVAC service professional is suitable for handling the UV light installation.
HVAC UV lights are of two types, coil sterilization and air sterilization, and are easy to integrate with the home air ducts. The coil sterilization UV lights sterilize the air conditioning unit’s air handler coil, while the air sterilization lights disinfect the air cycling through the air ducts. Experienced pros will evaluate your home’s needs to recommend the best UV lights of the two available.
Coil UV lights are installed above or near the coil located in the air handler unit, and air sterilization lights are installed in the return air duct, wired into the system to coordinate with the blower motor. The light turns on with the fan and goes off when the system is off.
Benefits of UV lights for an HVAC system
Homeowners can enjoy several benefits by adding ultraviolet lights to the heating and cooling system. Some of these are:
Increased airflow
Better system efficiency
Bacteria, virus, germs, and VOC elimination
Lower heating and cooling costs
Improved indoor air quality
Reduced odors
Fewer illnesses and allergies
Invest in better air quality
High-performance germicidal ultraviolet light with a high-efficiency air filter improves the home’s health and comfort and can become an effective weapon for fighting COVID-19 at home. Contact your HVAC service provider to understand more about the effectiveness of ultraviolet technology in improving your home’s air quality.
Trust locally-owned and operated Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating for HVAC preventative maintenance and thermostat services. Call 602-574-1205 to schedule a consultation.
