It’s no secret that germs such as viruses and bacteria cause illnesses and diseases. Aside from constantly sanitizing your home of germs, there’s another way of combatting the scourge of airborne diseases. Installing ultraviolet (UV) light air filters is an effective way of getting rid of cold and flu viruses at home.
UV light is a reliable way to sanitize water, surfaces, and the air. Due to its germicidal properties, it is also utilized to treat tuberculosis as well as disinfect hospitals, laboratories, and kitchens.
By incorporating these HVAC products into your home’s air purification and HVAC systems, you and your family can rest assured that your home is at a lower risk of being contaminated with unwanted germs. Learn how this technology works, and how a UV light in an air purifier can improve your home’s indoor air quality.
How a UV Light Works
Like radio waves and X-rays, UV light is an invisible type of electromagnetic radiation. Air filters with this kind of technology use short-wave UV light (UV-C) to effectively eliminate airborne contaminants such as pathogens, mold spores, and viruses.
UV-C can harm cells by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA. As a result, microorganisms that are exposed to UV light are either killed or incapacitated.
To further disinfect the air, some virus-protecting air filters use hydro-peroxide plasma. The element is distributed through the duct system and swept into the living space to neutralize pollutants that may have gotten past the filtration system. On top of that, the charged plasma causes contaminant particles to coagulate, making them easier for the filter to catch.
Installing a UV light air filter will help keep your home free of all airborne particles by cutting them off at the source.
Benefits of Installing a UV Light
Of course, it can be almost impossible to remove every single germ that inhabits your house. However, a UV light is the closest thing you can get to a germ-free environment. Here are some UV light benefits that will help with your overall comfort and health:
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: By neutralizing harmful microorganisms, UV light contributes to better indoor air quality, reducing health risks like respiratory infections.
- Eliminates Odors: UV light helps eliminate odors by breaking down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and eliminating the particles responsible for unpleasant smells.
- Enhanced HVAC Efficiency: Installing a UV light in your HVAC system prevents the growth of mold and bacteria on coils and surfaces, improving system efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
- Relieves Allergies and Asthma: Reduced airborne allergens and pathogens contribute to a healthier environment, providing relief to individuals with allergies and asthma.
- Long-lasting Sterilization: UV light offers a continuous, long-lasting solution for sterilizing air and surfaces without the need for chemical agents.
- Prevents Mold Growth: UV light inhibits mold growth on surfaces and in damp areas, helping to maintain a mold-free environment.
Where Should You Install the UV Light?
Figuring out where to install a UV light in an HVAC system can be a challenge. You want to pick the place that will be most effective in killing germs. However, every home and HVAC system layout is different. To figure out the best HVAC UV light placement spot, speak to an experienced technician who can inspect your home.
Here are some of the best areas to install your light so that it can operate at its full potential:
- HVAC System: Install UV lights within the HVAC system, particularly near the evaporator coils. This will prevent mold and bacterial growth on these surfaces, improving overall system efficiency and indoor air quality.
- Air Ducts: Place UV lights inside air ducts to target airborne microorganisms as they pass through. This helps sterilize the air circulating throughout the entire ventilation system.
- Return Ducts: Consider installing UV lights in the return air duct, where air from various spaces is drawn back into the HVAC system. This location allows for the treatment of air before it undergoes the heating or cooling process.
What Is the Cost of a UV Light for an HVAC System?
UV lights come in different sizes and styles. While they offer homeowners great benefits, they are actually pretty affordable compared to other air purification equipment. Depending on your needs, a singular UV light can range anywhere from $70 to $500.
You will want to have this task completed by a professional technician to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The labor costs for installing a UV light can range between $200 to $1,000. However, it’s important to get a quote from your contractor before making any big decisions.
What Is the Best UV Light for Your HVAC System?
If you’re looking for virus-protecting air filters, the REME HALO is one of the best devices you’ll find in the market. This award-winning purifier combines UV light hydro-peroxide and zinc ions to get rid of pollutants and foul odors.
Our professional technicians at Home Comfort Experts can help you find a reliable REME HALO unit and install it for you. If you need installations for indoor air purification systems in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan, contact us to set up an appointment.