UV lights have been found to be highly effective in reducing microbial growth within air conditioning systems. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Niels Ryberg Finsen in 1903 for his work on the use of ultraviolet light radiation to cure skin infections. Installing UV lights in your home's HVAC system is one of the best improvements you can make, as they are inexpensive, efficient and easy to maintain. UV light installations for HVAC come in two types: coil sterilization and air sterilization.
Air sterilization, also known as a UVC inlet system, disinfects the air as it passes through the return ducts. This is done by improving the reflective surface within that section of the ducts, maximizing UV-C light in all directions and making it more efficient. Coil sterilization involves installing UV-C lamps to treat sensitive and problem prone components, such as cooling coils, condensing trays and filters. This makes it possible to combat microbial growth in hard-to-reach areas, such as grooves, flaps, seams and edges.
Most homeowners in Atlanta combine germicidal UV lights with an air filter that has a high MERV (minimum reported efficiency values) rating. This is because UV air purifiers are only effective if microorganisms pass through the UV-C light inside the air conditioning system.
Limitations of UV Lights
While UV lights are effective at sterilizing contaminants and allergens, they have some limitations. For example, the hole location for installation doesn't need to be precise but should be relatively centered in the return duct housing; otherwise, the light won't be maximized efficiently.Additionally, mounting UV lights in all ducts in the system is not recommended as they are on all the time and can cause a high dose of radiation. It is also important to ensure that it is impossible to see the UV lamp once it is installed in the air conditioning system. This is because particles can protect a microorganism from being bombarded by UV light. Furthermore, UV light doesn't immediately kill organisms but renders them unable to produce proteins they need to survive and reproduce.
Installing UV Lights for Your HVAC System
If you already know the benefits of UV lights to keep your HVAC system clean and safe, use a tool to find the best HVAC installers in your area and find the best deal to install UV lights for your HVAC system.With proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy cleaner air quality and improved energy efficiency.
