People in southwest Louisiana depend on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to regulate temperature and humidity for a comfortable indoor environment. However, HVAC systems also help keep indoor air clean and fresh. UV lights installed within ducts inactivate pathogens that enter the system. Short-spectrum UV wavelengths also prevent mold from growing on coils and within ducts, which helps keeps your HVAC system clean. Your system blows cleaner air, an important factor in maintaining good indoor air quality.
How UV Lamps Work
Studies show that germicidal ultraviolet radiant energy kills bacteria and inactivates mold, fungi and viruses. Short wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectrum between 200 and 280 nanometers, called UV-C, are effective in disinfection. This wavelength causes mutations in the DNA of microorganisms, which affects their ability to reproduce and cause disease.
The effectiveness of these lamps depends on several variables, including the amount of time pathogens are exposed to the radiation and the air temperature and humidity within the ducts. When properly installed and maintained, UV lamps are an effective component of maintaining good indoor air quality.
Installing UV Lamps
UV lamps can be installed in several places within the duct system. To optimize the effectiveness of treating airborne contaminants, lights are usually installed inside the air handling unit in the return duct upstream from coils. This position irradiates airborne organisms as they enter the system.
Alternatively, lights may be positioned above the evaporator coil to prevent development and growth of biofilms on coils and other surfaces. In either case, using both ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and better-quality MERV filters cleans the air entering and flowing through the system.
UV lamps should be installed by a licensed professional. Exposure to the radiation emitted by these devices can be harmful to skin and eyes. The professionals at Burnworth’s A/C are trained to properly handle and install these lights.
For more information about improving the quality of the indoor air of your southwest Louisiana home or business, call the professionals at Burnworth’s A/C. We will explain how indoor air quality products, including UV lamps, high-quality air filters and whole-house ventilation systems, can keep you healthy and comfortable throughout the year.
