There are many ways to upgrade your HVAC system to your home’s advantage. For example, ultraviolet (UV) lights can be installed in your HVAC system to target microorganisms that you want to eliminate from the air you and your family breathe. This means that mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses will be less prevalent in your home.
1. Improves Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air quality. Indoor pollutants get stuck in your ducts and vents, which are then circulated throughout your home with your HVAC system. This makes purifying the air more difficult but not impossible. UV lighting in your ducts allows you to address living microbes in the air before they reach you.
One of the main things a UV light can eliminate in your home is allergens. Dust, pollen, and other nasal irritants often linger in your home, making you sneeze and cough. Cleaning up these things is ideal, especially in homes with prevalent allergies. UV light can also make a huge difference for someone with allergy-induced asthma. It also works towards eliminating mold and mildew, which can irritate those with existing breathing issues. Even in small amounts, mold can negatively affect your breathing, so removing it from your living environment is essential.
Also, bacteria and viruses can enter your home without your awareness. Once they enter your air supply, the chances of getting sick increase, especially if someone in your home has a weakened immune system. When you have UV lights in your HVAC system, you can clean the air without chemicals. This is much safer for your home, especially since chemicals can be an irritant for some. They also considerably impact the environment, and not using them reduces your carbon footprint.
2. Enhances Energy Efficiency
When your HVAC system has a lot of airborne particles, it takes more work to push clean air through the vents and ducts. This makes the heating and cooling systems work harder, meaning they use unnecessary energy to keep you and your household comfortable.
One way this lighting helps improve energy efficiency is by preventing biofilm buildup in evaporator coils. This is the location where moisture in the system collects. Some microbes thrive in a wet environment such as this. These environments will breed more microbes and create a smell in your system. Once the biofilm builds up, it will insulate the coils, making them work harder to cool your home.
3. Helps Eliminate Odors
Often, smells that you notice in your home come from microbial sources. This means that the musty odors that are frequently present in ducts and vents within your HVAC system are something that you can neutralize using UV lights in your living space. When the bacteria and mold are exposed to UV light, the light breaks down the composition of the microorganisms’ DNA, which prevents them from reproducing.
UV lights can also break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger in your home. This can result from paint, cleaning products, or beauty products. With unwanted contaminants under control in your home, the air you breathe will smell fresher instead of circulating through your living area.
4. Extends the Life of Your System
An HVAC system with optimal airflow can add years to its lifespan. When moisture does not build up in your ducts and on the evaporator coil, the system will not grow spores or corrode as quickly. Airflow will be less restricted overall, so the system can work more efficiently. Less stress on the system means that the individual components will last longer. Repair needs will be less, especially if you continue regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system.
Air Quality Solutions
If improving your home’s air quality is important, consider a whole-home air filtration system. This is an excellent option for someone with pets, high allergens, or a weakened immune system. It will clean the air in every room, not just in a limited space, and allow you to maintain consistent comfort. You will see less dust in your environment, so you won’t see a buildup on various surfaces.
Humidity controls also pair very well with UV lighting to further enhance air quality. Dehumidifiers are great for damp homes. Mold and mildew need a minimum humidity level to grow, so removing moisture from the air is a great preventative step. If your home is dry and dusty, adding humidity is a great option to knock some of the particles out of the air. Moisture will often attach itself to airborne particles, making them heavier and less airborne. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be purchased for individual rooms or attached to your main HVAC system. In the latter case, you can often program a desired humidity range through your smart thermostat interface.
Cost Considerations
There are many factors when deciding whether to install UV lighting to your HVAC. For example, if your system is near the end of its lifespan, you may wish to wait until you get a new system before adding this feature. If you want to add the system to your current HVAC, also look at the compatibility of the UV system you want and the HVAC system you have. The more integrated they can be, the better the system will work. Talk with an HVAC professional who will know the most common issues you will likely face and can help you prevent them.
UV systems are a big investment, so consider the benefits and costs of installing one. Is the installation location easy to get to? If so, this will speed the process and reduce the hourly labor costs. What problem are you trying to solve with the UV lights? Work with a professional to see if a better filtration system or humidity controls are a more efficient option. This is also the time to discuss whether several air quality products will make a bigger difference than one system alone. If someone in your home is immunocompromised or has severe allergies, improving their quality of life is a huge benefit that will likely make it worth the cost.
Contact a Reliable HVAC Company for Installation
Having clean air in your home is essential, especially if you live in the Denver area. At Horizon Services, we know how important your comfort is to you. We have been serving the Denver community for more than 26 years, and we know the types of allergens and pollutants you fight to keep out of your indoor living space. We commit to solving the issues you face with your heating and cooling system quickly and efficiently. If you need repairs or new installations, a member of our team from Horizon Services will be there to help you.
At Horizon Services, we are one of the top heating and cooling companies in the Denver area. For a consultation or to schedule an appointment to address your existing HVAC needs, contact a member of our professional team today.
