There are many contaminants that can lower the quality of the indoor air you breathe. They can cause discomfort, trigger allergies, exacerbate respiratory conditions and can even make you sick. Various microorganisms – including mold spores, mildew, bacteria and viruses – are particular contaminants that you should try to eliminate in your home. Not many strategies are as effective for targeting airborne organisms in your home as are ultraviolet (UV) light filtration systems.
How UV Lights Kill Germs
When light in this spectrum comes in contact with small organic contaminants, it breaks down their DNA, eventually neutralizing and killing them. UV lights won’t do anything to remove non-organic particles, but they will target bacteria, mold and other harmful living contaminants.
To get an idea of the effectiveness of this technology, consider that laboratories, hospitals and even food processing plants all use germicidal UV light systems to ensure their environments are as germ-free as possible.
Installing these lights in the correct locations in your home is important to eradicate the highest percentage of microorganisms as possible. The best location is typically inside your ductwork. This is because most of your home’s air passes through your ducts on a regular basis, and it’s a tight enough space where the light will strike airborne contaminants as they pass under it. Picking the right installation point and orientation for the lighting system is crucial to effective germ killing. Your HVAC professional will know best how and where to install an in-duct UV light system.
While you are at it, consider installing another set of UV lights to shine on your air conditioner’s coils and/or condensate pan. These are hotspots for bacteria and mold growth, which can reduce your system’s efficiency. UV lighting will keep your coils clean and functioning well.
If you have further questions about how UV lights can benefit your Fresno area home or would like to discuss a UV light system installation, don’t hesitate to contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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