Wanting a home that is neat and clean is not enough. What you need is a home free of allergens and pathogens. These are the particles and micro-organisms that cause allergies and illnesses. In a bid to limit these unwanted invaders in your home, you need something that can sanitize or disinfect the air that circulates. All homes have heating and cooling systems, so the best solution seems to be the UV Germicidal Lights that can be fitted in the unit.
UV Lights
UV light or the ultraviolet light is a short wavelength light that disrupts the DNA and thereby inactivates the bacteria and viruses. The effectiveness of UV lights can be judged from the fact that Niels Finsen won a Noble Prize in medicine for treating TB or tuberculosis, in 1903.
Today, the popularity of UV lights has grown in leaps and bounds as an effective disinfectant. It is used to sanitize not just hospital rooms, tools, and equipment but also used for eliminating germs from drinking water and air.
The biggest natural source of UV light is the Sun. But since all rooms in your home may not be getting adequate sunlight, the best course of action is to install UV Germicidal Lights in the AC unit.
UV Germicidal Lights In AC
At the very outset, let’s be very clear on one thing, the UV Germicidal Lights in AC do not disinfect the objects in your home. It simply sterilizes the air that passes in its range.
The UV Germicidal Lights for AC are fitted either inside the ductwork or near the coil of the air conditioner. They destroy micro-organisms like mold, its spores, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that come in the line-of-sight of the installed UV bulb.
Basic Info About UV Germicidal Lights In AC
Here is some very basic information about the UV lights installed in the AC:
1. Usually, the UV lights are installed by the HVAC technicians with the help of magnets.
2. The UV Germicidal Light needs no maintenance. You just have to change it when it burns out.
3. Typically a UV bulb lasts around a year.
4. The energy cost of using a UV bulb is a mere $2 per month.
Types Of AC UV Lights
There are 2 types of UV lights that are typically used in HVAC systems:
1. Coil Sterilization UV Lights – This is usually a stick or tube type of light that is positioned inside the return air duct, close to the coil of the air handler. It is the most commonly used UV light for the HVAC systems and runs 24/7.
2. Air Sterilization UV Lights – This is a comprehensive UV light unit for disinfecting the moving air. It is mounted in the return air duct and switches on and off as the air handler blower cycles.
Effectiveness Of UV Germicidal Lights
Two prominent studies, one in the hospital environment and the other in HVAC systems, vouch for the effectiveness of the UV lights as viable disinfectants.
1. Infection Control In Hospitals – A study conducted in 2012 by the Duke University Medical Center found that UV lights got rid of almost 97% of bacteria, which was drug-resistant bacteria from 50 hospital rooms.
2. Reduction Of Fungal Contamination In Air Handlers – This study was conducted in a commercial office building. After 4 months of using UV mounted HVAC, it was found that the fungal levels in the air handling unit were significantly lower than before.
Needless to say, even homes will benefit from using UV Germicidal Lights in their air conditioners or HVAC systems.
Advantages Of UV Lights
1. UV lights can kill mold, mold spores, microbes, and viruses present in the air. The benefit of this is that there is less likelihood of your family suffering from breathing ailments and skin irritations. They will be less prone to seasonal problems like flu and cold and will have fewer allergies.
2. UV lights are also known to nullify the effects of VOCs or Volatile Organic compounds, thereby providing much-needed relief to people who have respiratory problems, COPD, and other pulmonary diseases.
3. The UV lights even disinfect the air conditioner that is within its range, making it more hygienic.
Disadvantages Of UV Lights
UV lights are effective only if you are doing your bit in maintaining your air conditioner or HVAC unit. The ductwork in your home must be properly sealed. The air filters that are being used should have a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, and they should be changed monthly. Most importantly, you should not be missing your heating and cooling system’s annual tune-up. That being said, using UV lights will only help get rid of the organic contaminants. But what about the inorganic particles like dust and dander. Sadly, no amount of UV exposure will help you get rid of those.
Another important aspect of UV light sterilization is that it only destroys those organic contaminants that fall within its line of sight. The rest will remain as is and not get eliminated. The range of the UV light is not too large, so that is another limiting factor.
Bottom Line
HVAC UV lights or the air conditioner UV Germicidal Lights are an effective solution in eliminating a large percentage of organic contaminants from the air passing through the air handler. It is an upgrade that almost everybody can afford. Not only is it within budget, but the cost of running and replacing it is also relatively cheap.
If you live in West Palm Beach, Florida, and wish to further explore the UV light options for your AC, give a call to Aztil AC at +1-888-729-8452. We are looking forward to helping you get the best comfort solutions for your home. Our trained and experienced team of expert technicians is available 24/7 so that you don’t suffer any discomfort because of your heating and cooling system. If you have any queries or concerns or need further clarification with respect to the HVAC system, pick up your phone and contact us.
