As extreme weather in Bethany, OK makes homeowners spend more time indoors, air quality becomes a priority. There are several methods you can use to improve indoor air quality, one of them being ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation. UV lights are usually used along with other equipment, such as whole-home purification. Our team at TS Heat & Air can help you determine your current IAQ and what can be done to improve it.
Why IAQ Matters in Winter
While the use of UV lights can reduce mold, bacteria, and viruses from your indoor air, they can also protect your HVAC system. Coils and heat exchangers remain cleaner, supporting overall indoor air quality throughout the winter months.
How Does UV Light Work?
A UV light can be installed on your HVAC system. As your heating system runs, the air passing through will be exposed to light on the UV-C spectrum. This damages the structure of biological contaminants, rendering them harmless and unable to reproduce. As air then circulates through your ductwork and into your home, it will be healthier and safer.
Homes benefit from the use of UV lights in the wintertime due to the higher prevalence of germs and biological contaminants. Mold can grow on HVAC coils or other internal components and then circulate into your living spaces. One person being ill in your home can quickly lead to your whole family feeling unwell as germs spread. By targeting these contaminants at the source, UV lights are an ideal method of improving indoor air quality.
The placement of a UV light is critical. That’s why we recommend you work with a professional for the installation of this equipment. For example, installing it in parts of the HVAC with high airflow speed can allow contaminants to bypass the light and circulate into the indoor air. The size of the UV light also matters. A light that is too small for your HVAC system and home may not allow you to reap the full benefits of sanitization.
The Removal of Particulate Matter
All homes have some amount of particulate matter in their indoor air, such as pollen, dust, dust mites, and pet dander. Unfortunately, UV lights do not trap or remove these particulates. That’s why it’s necessary to use a UV light with another form of filtration more powerful than your HVAC filter, such as a HEPA filter or other whole-home air purification systems.You should also consider upgrading your HVAC filter. The minimum-efficiency reporting value scale, or MERV, explains how restrictive and effective a filter is. Homes benefit from a MERV filter rated between 8 and 12. This rating range allows for ample removal of contaminants without restricting airflow.
UV Light Safety Considerations
Working with UV light can be dangerous. UV light can be harmful to the skin and eyes through direct exposure. Professionals take precautions when installing and working on UV sanitizing lights. We recommend having a professional inspect and maintain your UV light annually. It’s also necessary to periodically clean the light and change the bulb for optimal effectiveness.
UV Light Energy Use
A UV light runs on electricity. However, the amount of power needed is minimal compared to other filtration equipment and your heating system. The amount of money you can save from improved coil efficiency and improved indoor air quality makes the investment worthwhile.
Be sure to maintain an efficient home to make the cost of running a UV light affordable. Seal up cracks and gaps around your home to prevent heat loss. Keep up with routine inspections and maintenance for your heating equipment. Change the filter in your HVAC system once every 30 to 90 days. This can help reduce the burden your UV light experiences, protecting its integrity.
If you are interested in learning more about the installation of a UV light in your Bethany home, our team at TS Heat & Air is available to help. We can help with other aspects of your indoor air quality as well. We can install whole-home air purification equipment, help you select a furnace filter, and install new HVAC equipment. We also perform emergency repairs. Contact us at TS Heat & Air in Bethany for more information or to schedule an appointment.
