We hate to be the ones to tell you, but the air in your Twin Cities area home is likely full of hazardous pollutants that can compromise the health of you and your loved ones. The silver lining, however, is that they can easily be eliminated with the use of UV lights. Once an ultraviolet (UV) light germicidal irradiation system has been installed in your home, you can sit back and reap the benefits.
Harmful to Your Household
Many homeowners have no idea that their home’s air carries a variety of microorganisms that include viruses, bacteria, m
old spores, germs and more. When these elements are inhaled into our lungs, they can damage your respiratory system, trigger allergies, and result in other health problems. If you already suffer from certain respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, the effects can be considerably worse.
Purification of Your Air
The use of UV lights is one of the best ways to purify your home’s air. While microorganisms can be harmful, they have no natural defense against ultraviolet radiation. When these pollutants are exposed to the high-intensity lights, the molecular bonds that are holding them together quickly break down, eventually killing them. These organic particulates can include mold spores, viruses, bacteria and other microscopic germs. UV lights don’t work against non-organic contaminants, however.
The Choice Is Yours
Installation of UV lights should always be conducted by a professional HVAC technician. This will ensure the best possible performance. When installation occurs, you’ll be given two choices. The first is to place the lights in your home’s ductwork where it can treat the air stream repeatedly. This is the best strategy for general decontamination of your home’s air. Some homeowners also opt for the second choice, which is to situate the lights to shine on your A/C or heat pump’s indoor coil and condensate pan. This type of installation will prevent the development of mold and bacteria in these dark, damp locations. Otherwise, these organic contaminants can degrade indoor air quality and reduce system efficiency.
If you’d like to learn more about UV lights, or have any other home comfort concerns, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the heating and cooling needs of the Twin Cities Metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock