Although they require professional installation and incur maintenance costs over time, UV lights could be the most effective and convenient way to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). These lights are silent, have no moving parts and create no odors.

What They Do

Selecting a UV lighting system for air purification and better IAQ reduces the number of harmful viruses, bacteria, mold spores, allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. They work by altering the DNA of organic compounds that prevents them from reproducing. They’re one of the few ways of reducing harmful VOCs in the air. VOCs are especially stubborn and can cause serious health problems.

Installation and Operational Issues

• Their placement. The safest and most effective placement for these lights is inside the HVAC system, where they will treat all the air blowing through it. The lights need to be hidden from view, since the spectrum they emit will harm eyesight, even with a short exposure.

  In this humid climate, the lights can sit inside the air handler to shine on the evaporator coil to prevent mold and biofilm growths during the cooling season. They can also be installed inside the ductwork in a position where they might be easier to access.

• Cleaning and replacement. UV lights will need periodic cleaning with a soft cloth to remove the dust that accumulates. Upgrading your air filter will lower the amount of dust that collects on them, as does more frequent filter changes.

  Unlike other kinds of home lighting, they lose effectiveness over time. Most manufacturers recommend annual replacement under normal use.

• Their energy efficiency. UV lighting systems are now available that run at intervals, instead of 24/7. This cuts energy usage, and while the lights aren’t energy hogs, having variably-timed lights does lower your electrical consumption.

Using UV lights to improve your IAQ and safeguard your health is an effective strategy. If you’d like to learn more, contact Powers Heating & Air, serving Peachtree City homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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