Do UV Lights Improve Air Quality?
UV is short for ultraviolet, a term used to describe light. In the past, UV lights were engaged in industrial processes such as disinfecting air, water, and food in commercial buildings, hospitals, food-processing centers, schools, and hospitals.
Recently, UV technology has been adopted in the residential space, with manufacturers and suppliers specializing in enhancing air quality in and around homes.
Perhaps you are wondering how UV lights work or whether they actually do work. Here is a brief explanation of how UV lights can improve the quality of air that we breathe.
How to Improve the Quality of Indoor Air Through UV Lights
UV light sources are configured to emit regulated levels of radiation. The low radiation is potent enough to eliminate common viruses, house mold, germs, and bacteria that lurk in our homes.
How do UV systems get this done? The radiation alters any micro-organism’s cell composition and structure that comes into contact with the ultraviolet rays. This prevents them from reproducing, successfully controlling their multiplication.
Naturally, the air outside our homes gets regulated and cleaned by vegetation and the sun. On the other hand, the air inside our homes is concealed to ensure that energy is saved. Consequently, this makes indoor air an ideal habitat for micro-organisms, most of which are harmful to our health.
We need an efficient way of cleaning indoor air to get rid of germs that make us sick.
How to Install and Maintain UV Light
UV light systems are typically made of several light bulbs that emit UV rays. The bulbs are placed at strategic locations in the air ducts. You want to install the UV lights next to the evaporator coil in your AC unit. This component produces copious amounts of condensate.
Since this region is often dark and has high humidity levels, it is ideal for bacteria, mold, viruses, and other organisms.
Experts recommend that one light source be installed in the A-frame type evaporator. Two more bulbs should be placed on the evaporator, preferably at the outer part of the tubing. The UV rays disinfect the air that flows along with the evaporator tubing.
In addition, the UV light serves as protection for the supply ducts, helping prevent and get rid of unwanted odors in our living rooms. They also decontaminate the air that we breathe in our houses.
Installation of UV Light Systems
You only need a maximum of two hours to install the light system. The lights won’t harm you or your pet because they are hidden in the air ducts that supply fresh air to your house.
All you need to do to maintain the light system is check up on the bulbs once per year. For increased efficiency, change the lights after three years. The maintenance exercise can be conducted when your AC unit is getting serviced.
Rice Heating and Air are a full-service AC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
