Keeping your indoor air as free of contaminants as possible can work to enhance the air you breathe at home. Ultraviolet radiation, also known as UV, can kill airborne pollutants originating in your cooling and heating system. Many commercial property managers use UV lights to clean the air in their buildings. UV lights can also be used in residential properties to eliminate the buildup of pollutants inside cooling and heating equipment.
This quick guide is designed to outline what UV light is and how it can be safely used by homeowners. Always hire a professional UV installer when adding ultraviolet light to your air quality strategy. Qualified installers can set up an indoor air quality system correctly.
What Is Ultraviolet Light?
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. UV light is transmitted in sunlight, and overexposure can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and eye damage. UV light falls into a particular range on the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, somewhere between the light of an X-ray and visible light.
The rays produced by this type of radiation are invisible to humans. Direct exposure to UV light can produce chronic health problems and damage the immune and circadian systems. The eyes are also vulnerable to damage from UV. We wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen when we are outdoors to block ultraviolet radiation.
Types of UV Light Products
A UV lamp will actually kill microorganisms on surfaces and in the surrounding air. The lamps are usually installed separately from filtration products. Air cleaners, air purifiers, air scrubbers, and air filtration systems are all valuable air quality tools. Most of these products do not include a UV light source as part of their design. Filtration products trap pollutants but do not kill pollutants. These products must be cleaned and have filters replaced on a regular basis.
Clockwork Heating and Air Conditioning can help you select and install UV lights in Athens. Let us know you would like to see our inventory of residential air quality products today.
Where to Place UV Lights
Lamps should be installed in areas where microorganisms gather. This is generally on the coils, filter rack, and drain pan of an air handler. These are wet areas where viruses and bacteria gather and grow. If your ductwork is dirty or leaky, it can contribute to the problem. Keeping your ventilation system clean and free of leaks will enable you to fully benefit from your UV lights. Lamps can also be placed along the ductwork to reduce issues in problem areas.
Requesting seasonal maintenance services for HVAC equipment or any standalone furnace or air conditioner is a necessary step. A skilled technician will clean, calibrate, and test your equipment to reduce cooling and heating issues. During this process, the technician can identify damp areas that need to be addressed. It is also important to note that the lamps and the light they cast should be hidden from human view. Lamps should be ozone-free, too.
Include UV in Your Air Quality Plan
Building layers into your plan is a smart move that can help you manage air quality. Pairing UV lights with other products builds a stronger barrier between you and bad air. Additional items that help boost your indoor air quality status include high-performance HEPA filters, carbon filters, and air filtration systems. Filtration systems are designed to trap the bad substances before they enter a room. UV lamps for cooling and heating systems are designed to kill bacteria and viruses at the point of origination.
HEPA filters are designed to stop pet dander, pollen, dust, and other particles from entering your air. Carbon filters are the right choice for households where smoking of any kind, fireplaces, and cooking exhaust is prominent.
Use UV Lights Safely
Proper use of a UV purification or filtration system is important. Exposure of the eyes and body to the lights can cause irreparable damage. Lights should be installed inside systems at points where water can gather. Proper eye and skin coverings should be worn when handling an active UV light source.
Clockwork Heating and Air Conditioning has more than 35 years’ worth of industry know-how to support customers in Athens. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services for both heating and cooling systems. Our technicians are NATE-certified, too. We’re a full-service company providing quality craftsmanship and products for residential property owners. Call us today to schedule a free installation estimate for your home.
