No matter how clean you think you’re keeping your home or business, it’s possible for bacteria, mold and other germs to spread through your HVAC system and contaminate the air you breathe. As businesses everywhere continue to reopen and make changes with the health of employees and customers in mind, it has become more important than ever to focus on improving indoor air quality.
But what measures can you take to give your building occupants an extra layer of protection?
Installing an ultraviolet (UV) light may help prevent and reduce the spread of viruses and other airborne pollutants. The power of UV light was discovered in the early 1900s and has been well-documented throughout the scientific community as an effective way to kill superbug bacteria, among other viruses and contaminants. UV light is germicidal, meaning it breaks down the DNA of harmful contaminants and keeps them from growing — just like UV rays from the sun. Its use against COVID-19 is still being tested, but the results have been promising.
There are two main types of UV light options available:
- Coil sanitizing lights: These types of lights are the most common (and affordable) and look like a tube. They’re left on 24/7 and are installed to shine directly on the surface of the unit’s cooling coil and drain pan.
- Air sanitizing lights: These lights are designed to eliminate harmful contaminants “on the fly.” They’re installed in the return air duct and cycle on with the air handler blower.
Benefits of an HVAC UV light:
- Controls mold and bacteria growth
- Reduces the spread of cold and flu germs
- Improves unit efficiency by maintaining a cleaner coil
- Affordable
UV lights are not a one-size-fits all solution and are not intended to replace your unit’s mechanical filters. It’s still recommended to replace your filter roughly every three months, depending on usage, to help maintain superior performance and air quality.
Interested in learning more about how UV lights can benefit your HVAC system? Call us to discuss your options.
