Ultraviolet (UV) light is mostly known for being the primary cause of fading fabrics and furniture. You might be surprised to learn that UV light can actually make your home healthier. In this blog, your HVAC repair expert, Bounds Heating and Air, takes a look at HVAC UV lights.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems have been widely used since the 1930s in hospitals for disinfecting hands and tools such as scalpels. The light targets bacteria, viruses, and spores by destroying the microorganisms’ nucleic acids, which either kills them or their ability to reproduce. This same system is also used in water purification and other similar applications, such as HVAC UV lights.
According to experts like Bounds Heating and Air, UVGI systems produce high-intensity UV light, using
special lamps installed inside specially designed enclosures. The actual length of exposure, or dose, depends on several factors, including the size of the area to be disinfected, the distance from the area to the lamp, and the quality of the lamp used. Certain types of lamps may have coatings that prevent shattering in case of breakage, which can decrease the UV output. Similar to HVAC maintenance, UVGI systems require regular maintenance to maintain the output level.
Should You Buy HVAC UV Lights?
It should be noted that UV lamps cost much more than ordinary lights, and lose power over the course of about two years. Also, while UVGI systems are effective in cleaning microorganisms, they don’t eliminate dust, pet hair, and smells.
That being said, HVAC UV lights are a good investment if air quality is of paramount concern. Perhaps you or someone in your home has a respiratory condition that is triggered by microorganisms, such as asthma or allergies. Or perhaps there is a flu virus making the rounds in the area and you wish to minimize its spread. HVAC UV lights are not meant to replace the filters that your HVAC system has in place. Rather, they’re meant as a complementary system to catch what the filters can’t.
Bounds Heating and Air has provided quality HVAC products and services to North Floridian communities for over 20 years. To learn more about HVAC UV lights, or if you need air conditioning repair, maintenance or installation services, call us today at 352-472-2761. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas in Florida.
