If you are in Newbury Park, CA or the surrounding area and would like to improve your indoor air quality, it is worth considering having UV lights installed in your home. At Southland Heating & Air Conditioning, our team specializes in the installation of UV lights that can seamlessly integrate with your HVAC system. UV lights can effectively address various issues linked to subpar indoor air quality, ensuring a healthier environment for you and your family.
What Are UV Lights?
In scientific terms, UV-C is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than visible light. Ultraviolet light, which includes UV-C, is present in sunlight and makes up a small portion of the sun’s total electromagnetic output. With UV lights for HVAC systems, the lights are made of special glass or quartz that transmits the ultraviolet frequencies. The lamp uses an inert gas that mixes with mercury, and when engaged, electricity has a reaction with the mercury, which then produces the UV light.
This all may sound very complicated, high-tech, and modern. However, it might surprise you to learn that UV light has a well-established history of eliminating bacteria even before it was introduced for home use. In fact, the first germicidal UV lamps utilized in hospitals can be traced back to the 1930s.
The Benefits of UV Lights on IAQ
Each component of the HVAC system, from air filters to cooling coils, benefits from the integration of UV technology. These systems are adept at enhancing the efficiency of HVAC operations. UV lights have also been shown to be beneficial for the improvement of indoor air quality in a number of ways.
Better Airflow
UV lighting improves airflow throughout your HVAC system by preventing microbial buildup. Some of the components of your system that benefit include air filters, drain pans, cooling coils, and duct surfaces. In addition to better airflow, UV lighting can also enhance heat exchange. Improved airflow means better air circulation, which contributes to having improved air quality throughout your home or building.
Killing Organic Growth
UV lights can kill and prevent bacterial growth, mold, fungi, and even some gases. It can also eliminate viruses and other contaminants that would typically thrive in an HVAC setting. If allowed to exist freely in your HVAC system, these contaminants could severely affect your indoor air quality. By enlisting the expertise of a qualified professional to install UV lights in your HVAC system, you are taking a proactive step to prevent exposure to these undesirable pollutants.
Reduction of Potential Allergens
UV lights also improve indoor air quality for those who suffer from the symptoms that come with allergies. One of the primary contributors to allergic reactions is the presence of dust in a household. While UV lights may not directly eliminate dust particles (which is typically the job of an air filter), they can effectively eliminate dust mites that may be present on these particles. By targeting and eradicating dust mites, UV lights can potentially reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
In addition to dust mites, UV lights can also help control the growth of mold and bacteria in indoor environments. These microorganisms are common triggers for allergic reactions and can worsen symptoms for allergy sufferers. By neutralizing airborne allergens and pathogens, UV lights can contribute to enhanced indoor air quality and provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Eliminating Foul Odors
Mold, mildew, and other contaminants present in your HVAC system can lead to unpleasant odors in your home and compromise indoor air quality. UV lights installed in your HVAC system can effectively eliminate these pollutants, thereby getting rid of the foul odors they produce.
Additionally, unpleasant odors can also result from an HVAC system that is working inefficiently, often due to strain caused by organic material buildup. Preventing the accumulation of such material in your system can ensure that your HVAC operates smoothly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of experiencing foul smells from a struggling or overworked unit.
Hydroperoxides
Some UV light systems can create hydroperoxides, which are like a cleaning agent for the air inside your home. Hydroperoxides help break down harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, mold, and unpleasant smells into harmless materials such as water and carbon dioxide. This cleaning process doesn’t make dust and other small particles stick together for easier filtering, but it does reduce the amount of these harmful substances in the air, leading to cleaner, healthier indoor air.
How UV Lights Are Installed for Maximum IAQ Benefit
Our experienced professionals at Southland Heating & Air Conditioning will not only install your UV lights but ensure their optimal placement for improved indoor air quality. Proper placement of UV lights is essential for maximizing their effectiveness as well as having them work seamlessly with your HVAC system. The best places for installing your UV lights are in the air ducts, near the evaporator coil, and within the return air plenum. Our technicians can use their knowledge and experience to determine what configuration is going to work best for your needs.
UV Light Maintenance for Continued IAQ Benefit
In order to have your UV lights continue to improve your indoor air quality, it is critical to have routine maintenance performed by one of our technicians. Routine maintenance of your UV lights includes the following tasks:
Cleaning the Bulbs
Debris and dust buildup on UV bulbs can diminish their intensity and effectiveness in removing contaminants. During a routine maintenance check, a technician will assess the cleanliness of the bulbs. If cleaning is necessary, one recommended method is using a cloth and alcohol. To ensure safety, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional for this task.
Bulb Replacement
UV bulbs generally need to be replaced annually due to their diminishing effectiveness over time. However, the frequency of replacement can vary depending on usage and other factors. We recommend having a member of our team assess your system during a routine maintenance visit to determine the most appropriate replacement schedule for your specific needs.
System Inspection
Having your HVAC system inspected regularly, including the UV lights and their components, is critical for the early detection of any potential issues. By having your entire system inspected, you help make sure that you are getting the maximum indoor air quality benefits of your UV lights.
Your Newbury Park Indoor Air Quality Team
At Southland Heating & Air Conditioning, our NATE-certified technicians specialize in delivering top-notch indoor air quality solutions for the Newbury Park community. In addition to UV lights that enhance indoor air quality in your residential or commercial space, we provide a diverse range of other IAQ improvement options. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we can determine the most suitable solution customized to your specific requirements.
Our team is proficient in addressing heating and cooling concerns as well. We offer repair, installation, and maintenance for furnaces, ACs, and heat pumps. We also provide a full range of roofing solutions. To learn more about the services we offer, please call us or fill out our online contact form.
