There are several pieces of equipment that you can have installed on your Mokena, IL home’s HVAC system that can improve air quality and efficiency. A UV light provides the ability to sterilize the air that’s circulating through your HVAC system and home. This is accomplished using UV-C light, which damages the cellular structure of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
How Does a UV Light Work?
A UV light can be installed near your HVAC system’s evaporator coil or inside ductwork. Proper placement and installation are important to ensure effectiveness. As air passes through the light, ultraviolet germicidal radiation will disrupt the normal DNA or RNA of microorganisms that are present. This makes these contaminants harmless, so they cannot make you sick.
UV light is also effective for removing mold spores from your indoor air. Consistent exposure to mold can lead to health issues like chronic fatigue, severe headaches, allergies and respiratory problems.
The Benefits of UV Lights
One of the main benefits of a UV light for your HVAC system is improved indoor air quality. You will feel better with this investment. Also, by eliminating mold and pathogens, you will be protecting your ductwork and HVAC equipment. If these contaminants accumulate over time, they can cause extensive damage.
If you have several people living in your home, you probably pass illnesses from person to person throughout cold and flu season. A UV light can help remove these germs so that everyone in your household can remain healthy even when someone is ill. This is a commonly used piece of equipment in hospitals and other medical settings because of how well it sterilizes the air.
UV lights can also help your home smell fresh and clean. Mold and mildew can make your home smell stuffy and musty. If you’re running your HVAC equipment more frequently to address these smells, it can lead to equipment strain and a shorter equipment life expectancy. Foul odors in the home can also impact your comfort and the value of your home.
UV lights can boost the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. When your ductwork and the interior components of your heating and cooling equipment are coated in debris and biofilm, it prevents proper airflow. Maintaining clean surfaces in your HVAC system protects its integrity and promotes ample airflow. You will have an easier time maintaining a desired temperature without overusing your heating and cooling equipment. It’s important to note that UV lights come with an initial up-front investment. However, they are much more affordable than other upgrades, like air purifiers and humidity controlling equipment.
UV Light Maintenance
You’ll need to provide only minimal maintenance for your UV light. There aren’t any filters to replace since this equipment doesn’t trap particulate matter. However, you should have a professional inspect your UV light annually as part of your routine HVAC maintenance appointment. You will need to clean the surface of the light periodically, and the light itself will require replacement approximately once a year.
Are UV Lights Safe?
It’s very safe to utilize a UV light in your HVAC system. There is a slight risk of damage to the eyes or skin when you are exposed to UV-C light. That’s why it’s important that you have a professional complete the installation process as well as routine maintenance. Once installed, a UV light is completely safe. Just make sure that you’re working with a knowledgeable professional who can ensure that you’re installing a UV light that is compatible with your current HVAC equipment.
Additional Considerations
Because UV lights don’t trap particulate matter, you can still have contaminants circulating through your home. There are other methods of improving indoor air quality that you can use alongside a UV light. They include whole-house filtration and upgraded furnace filters. Just make sure that you’re routinely changing your filters, which is usually necessary every 30 to 90 days.
If you are interested in learning more about investing in a UV light for your Mokena home, Allegiance Heating & Cooling is here to help. We can help you determine what kind of unit is beneficial for your needs. We can take care of the installation of your UV light, paying close attention to its placement for optimal effectiveness. Our team also installs whole-house air purification equipment to help remove particulate matter and further improve your indoor air quality.
Contact Allegiance Heating & Cooling in Mokena, IL today for assistance with your UV light installation.
