In the summer when the outdoor air quality isn’t its best in San Marcos, TX, it’s important to maintain a healthy air quality level indoors. There are several ways to accomplish this, which includes adding UV lamps to your HVAC system. Here’s some valuable information about UV lamps and how they help kill germs while boosting indoor air quality via the radiation process.
What are UV Lamps?
For heating, cooling and ventilation systems, there are two types of UV lamps: coil sterilization and air sterilization. The coil sterilization lamp is a stick that sits next to the coil inside the unit. This lamp is on around the clock and the most common.
The air sterilization UV lamp works with the HVAC system as it turns on and off. This lamp installs in the return duct. Its job is to purify the air as its cycles in and out of the unit so that healthy air circulates around the home.
Germs Eliminated
UV lamps are most effective against live microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. A coil sterilization UV lamp is designed to be placed next to the coil because it’s the part that deals with the most moisture, including the refrigerant. If the moisture is allowed to sit, bacterial growth can easily grow, which means that you and your children will end up breathing in dirty air.
Those who suffer from respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma are especially encouraged to employ a device such as a UV lamp. UV lights are used to sterilize rooms in hospitals where bacteria and viruses are far more rampant and hazardous. The device can sterilize your air, too.
UV Radiation Process
A UV device uses the radiation process. During the process, the light damages the genetic material of cells, which prevents reproduction. Pet dander and similar allergens are a threat, too, but they don’t reproduce in the same manner as microbial.
This process kills germs like bacteria, viruses and microbial. At the very least, they’re unable to reproduce. If the UV light is allowed to continue working over an extended period, then UV germicidal irradiation kicks in, which can also break down the particles that have made themselves at home on an irradiated surface.
Installation
It’s best to have a professional install a UV lamp because the positioning has to be precise. If the light from the lamp isn’t hitting the coils perfectly, microbial can grow in the spots where the light doesn’t land.
Experienced HVAC service technicians understand the science behind UV lights. They know that the:
- Intensity of the light is important.
- Placement and direction of the light is important.
- Indoor humidity level of a home plays a role.
When you’re ready to have them installed, work with a trusted HVAC service technician. This ensures that the lamp is effective.
Benefits
Summers in Central Texas are hot and muggy as well as long. This causes indoor air quality to suffer because there’s more humidity floating around. Humidity causes your home to become a fertile ground for bacteria, viruses and microbial, especially on your furniture like your couch.
The benefits of installing UV lamps in your HVAC system include comfort and peace of mind. If your children suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma, you can rest assured that their symptoms are less likely to get triggered. With cleaner indoor air circulating inside your house, everyone can breathe easier.
At Woods Comfort Systems, our team stays on top of the technology that helps kill germs and boost indoor air quality. We offer competitive pricing and monthly maintenance plans. To receive more information about our comprehensive HVAC services, contact us today. We look forward to helping.
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