UV light has been used to sterilize a variety of things. In 1903, Niels Finsen won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with UV light in the treatment of Tuberculosis. Since then, UV light has been used in a variety of ways, from sterilizing hospital rooms to even making nail polish dry faster. Here at Royal Heating and Air, the use of UV light is for sterilizing air ducts, which reduces the amount of bacteria and results in a higher quality of air. How exactly does this work, though? Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC company explains the use of UV lights in residential homes.How it Works
HVAC UV lights remain on 24/7 and are very effective at controlling mold and bacteria. Any mold in the line of sight of the UV light will be killed, minimizing the build-up on the coil. In some cases, people with severe respiratory issues could tell when the light was burnt out due to the decrease in air quality.
Types of UV lights
Preferred Series UV Lamps
There are two types of UV Lamps from Bryant that Royal Heating and Air can install. Choose from either the single bulb style or the double bulb style. Both are efficient at killing mold and bacteria, improving home air quality and minimizing mold build-up on coils. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two:
Single Bulb
Performance
Average Power Consumption: 23 watts
Maximum Amperage Draw: .6 AMPS
Technology
Average Lamp Life: 1 year
Lamp Length: 19 inches
Average Power Consumption: 53 watts
Unit Power Consumption: 6-foot cord
Double Bulb
Performance
Average Power Consumption: 57 watts
Maximum Amperage Draw: 1.1 AMPS
Technology
Average Lamp life: 1 year
Lamp Length: 19 inches
Average Power Consumption: 27 watts
Unit Power Cord Included: 6-foot cord
Effectiveness
There have been a few studies on the effectiveness in UV light sterilization. Two studies looked at the effectiveness of sterilization by UV light, one in a hospital and the other in commercial office space.
In 2012, researchers at Duke University Medical Center used UV light to reduce the number of drug-resistant bacteria by nearly 97 percent in 50 hospital rooms. (Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018130923.htm)
In the other study, researchers measured the amount of fungus in an office before and after the use of Germicidal UV radiation. After 4 months of use, the amount of fungal contamination was reduced significantly. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC93076/)
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of installing UV lights for sterilization of your air ducts is that only items in the line of sight are affected. Other disadvantages include possible damage to the drain pan in three to five years and possible damage to flex duct in as little as two years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to installing a UV light. The most valuable benefit is the increase in indoor air quality. UV lights control the amount of mold and bacteria in the air ducts. This can reduce the chances of contracting a cold or the flu because the air in not re-circulated by the HVAC system. Not only does the UV light reduce the number of bacteria in the air, it also reduces smells and odors. UV lights are especially beneficial to Lake of the Ozarks residents because they are more efficient in humid climates. These lights can also reduce clogging in condensate drain lines by preventing algae growth. Lastly, UV lights reduce the amount of mold build-up on the coil, which improves the efficiency and reduces electricity cost.
Cleaner Air with Royal Heating and Air
HVAC UV lights are an effective way to improve indoor air quality. Lake of the Ozark residents are often plagued with mold due to the naturally humid climate. Installing a UV light to your HVAC systems could significantly improve your indoor air quality by removing the mold from the coils. Royal Heating and Air is a full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at Lake of the Ozarks. From preventative maintenance to complete furnace and air conditioning installations, we can provide you with affordable, dependable, trustworthy service.
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