How UV Lights Work to Clean Your Indoor Air
When it comes to improving indoor air quality, there are a number of different types of technology that help to clear your home’s air of pollutants. If you are concerned about mold, bacteria and viruses that might be floating about in your home’s air and aggravating allergies or causing other respiratory problems, UV lights might be the right kind of air cleaner for you.
What are UV Lights?
You’ve no doubt heard about ultraviolet light, a form of radiation not visible to the human eye. Also known as UV light, this type of radiation has been proved to be effective in sanitizing water, air and surfaces by killing mold, fungus, viruses, bacteria and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
When used in an HVAC system to clean the air, UV lights are referred to as UVGI, or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, technology.
How UV Lighting Improves Indoor Air Quality
UVGI systems are usually installed in the ductwork and near the evaporator coils to kill living organisms as they pass through the HVAC system with the return air. The evaporator coils are situated in a part of the HVAC system where damp conditions are the norm, so mold and other organisms can flourish there. Once mold colonizes, it reproduces by means of spores, which can then be distributed in your home’s supply air.
Why You Might Need UVGI
Not everyone needs UV lighting, but if you’re concerned about the organisms mentioned above and someone in your household is susceptible to them, this form of air cleaning may be helpful. UVGI lights are particularly useful in homes where high humidity prevails.
UV lighting does not help control other airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, insect particles and pet dander.
UVGI lights need to be regularly maintained by changing the bulbs every couple of years.
At Sobieski Systems, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about UV lights and other energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.