If you have an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, then you probably understand the importance of keeping the electrostatic filters clean so that the indoor air you breathe is free of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. However, recent events such as COVID-19 and concerns about wildfire smoke getting into our living spaces, have led many of us to search for better methods of protection against outdoor contaminants. This can be especially urgent for those with allergies or asthma, or individuals who are more vulnerable to circulating viruses. If this is the case, the introduction of UV (ultraviolet) light within your HVAC system could be the perfect air quality solution you’ve been looking for!
The Benefits of Adding UV Light to Your HVAC
- Improved Air Quality: Unlike electrostatic filters which trap pollutants to prevent them from coming in, UV-C (ultraviolet C) light kills or inactivates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mold, contributing to better air quality.
- Less Allergens:
By killing mold and bacteria, UV lights reduce the number of allergens in the air, which is especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. - Prevents Mold Growth:
UV lights can prevent mold growth on the evaporator coil, which is a common location for mold to develop in HVAC systems. Mold growth on the coil can reduce system efficiency and negatively affect air quality. - Energy Efficiency: A clean evaporator coil works more efficiently than one covered in mold and debris. By keeping the coil clean, UV lights can help your HVAC system run more efficiently, which can reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
- Extended Equipment Life: UV lights help prevent the buildup of contaminants and microbial growth, which contribute to wear and tear on your HVAC system. By reducing this stress on the equipment, UV lights can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
- Odor Reduction: UV lights can help remove unpleasant odors caused by microbial growth within the HVAC system, such as musty or mildew smells.
- Enhanced Disinfection: UV lights supply an added layer of protection against airborne pathogens by disinfecting the air as it passes through the HVAC system.
- Less Maintenance: By reducing the need for cleaning and maintenance on the evaporator coil and other components, UV lights can help save on maintenance costs over time.
- Health Benefits: Improved indoor air quality with less exposure to harmful microorganisms can be particularly beneficial for those with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems.
Understanding UV Light & Electrostatic Filters
Most of us associate UV light with the sun and protect ourselves from getting burnt by its UV-A and UV-B rays with sunscreen. However, these rays aren’t strong enough to kill bacteria, but UV-C light, which runs between 200 to 280 nanometers on the electromagnetic spectrum, is well-known for its ability to kill germs. UV-C light stops bacteria, viruses, and mold from being harmful by damaging their DNA, leaving them unable to reproduce or function. When UV-C light is used in your HVAC system, it neutralizes these harmful pathogens, therefore effectively sterilizing the air.
Benefits of UV-C light:
- Protects against a broad range of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses.
- A chemical-free method that does not introduce any harmful byproducts into the air.
- Minimal maintenance and long-lasting UV-C lamps.
- Improved indoor air quality and a reduction in airborne diseases.
Electrostatic filters are air filters that use the power of electrostatic attraction to trap airborne particles. Because they are made from layers of electrically charged materials, airborne particles passing through the filter become charged and are attracted to the filter’s oppositely charged layers. This electrostatic attraction holds the particles in place, preventing them from re-entering the air supply.
Benefits of Electrostatic Filters:
- High filtration efficiency, they can capture particles as small as 0.1 microns.
- Durable and reusable, they reduce the need for frequent filter replacements.
- Enhanced protection against allergens, which improves indoor air quality for allergy sufferers.
- Energy-efficient and cost-effective due to their long lifespan.
When you combine electrostatic filtration with UV light, you get a complete air purification system that improves indoor air quality, reduces health risks, and enhances well-being for all. As we continue to increase our understanding of air purification, it’s become clear that pairing UV-C and electrostatic filters is revolutionizing the way to cleaner air.
UV Light & HVAC Systems: How It Works
There are two distinct types of UV lights used in HVAC systems:
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Coil sanitizing lights:
These lights are placed near the evaporator coil that holds the refrigerant for your cooling system, or air conditioner. As this is an area that’s moist, it tends to accumulate mold and bacteria.
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Air sanitizing lights:
These lights are placed in the supply vents, which are part of the ductwork for your HVAC system. They sanitize the air coming through the electrostatic filter before it gets distributed throughout your home.
When these two types of UV lights are positioned properly, they capture the largest surface area for air passing through the HVAC system, ensuring that it’s thoroughly treated. While the electrostatic filter is busy capturing the dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, the air then meets the UV light which neutralizes airborne microorganisms and prevents the growth of mold and other contaminants. While helping to keep your HVAC system clean, a UV light addition also improves its efficiency, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills.
Considering UV Light Installation for Your HVAC System?
Adding UV light to your existing HVAC system is a fantastic way to protect your home and family with improved indoor air quality! However, it’s not something that should be done without an understanding of the damaging effects it can have on your eyes if you don’t know how to do it correctly. It’s highly recommended that you consult an HVAC professional to handle the job for you. When professionally designed and installed, these indoor air quality products help greatly reduce particles, germs and gases from entering and contaminating your indoor air.
If you’re interested in taking your home’s air quality to the next level by upgrading your system with a UV light addition, let the experts at Hy-Mark guide you. UV lights are safe, effective, and relatively affordable. They also help keep your HVAC system clean, which can lead to less maintenance and repair costs, as well as extend its life expectancy. Give us a call at (226) 917-2686 for a Free Home Comfort Consultation.
