A common question we hear is, “Do UV lights really work?” It’s simple. The answer is, “Yes!” The process behind UV lights is actually pretty simple and exciting. So if you have been looking for a method to boost the indoor air quality within your home, you may very well find the answer in using UV lights. However, remember that before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand how everything works and what to expect. Luckily, your professionals at Five Star Heating & Cooling Group are well experienced and equipped in this area. So join us as we talk about all the information you need about UV lights and their impact on your home’s IAQ (indoor air quality).
How Do UV Lights Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Research has shown that the air quality inside a residence can be up to five times more polluted than the air quality outdoors. Outdoor pollution is cleansed by fresh air and the sun. So if you think about it, it makes sense that UV rays would be the most effective way to clear out airborne particles and contaminants inside your home. But just how successful are they? UV lights have an astonishingly high success rate of 99.9%. They can almost completely eradicate new airborne infiltrators altogether. UV lights are known for their ability to drastically reduce the presence of:
- Germs
- Viruses
- Disease
- Mold & mildew
- Pet odor
- Tobacco smoke
- Cooking smells
- Airborne chemicals
- Irritants to allergy sufferers
How Do UV Lights Get Installed?
So we know that UV lights work in conjunction with your HVAC system. But you are probably thinking at this point, “Where do they get placed, and what’s their upkeep process?” Those are all excellent questions! UV lights generally get installed inside your air ducts, where they can immediately come into contact with the infiltrators before circulating along with the airflow throughout your home. With their location being in an enclosed area, you won’t have to worry about the beams from UV bulbs bothering you, your family, or your pets. In addition, UV bulbs typically only need to be swapped for fresh ones every 2-3 years! Fortunately, this is a service our NATE-certified technicians can do for you at your regular seasonal maintenance checks. What a relief! No having to worry about periodically checking and changing out these bulbs yourself!
How Do UV Lights Work?
If we’ve piqued your interest so far. Keep reading. It gets better! Now, what is the secret to UV light’s high success rate? As mentioned above, the UV lights are installed inside your ductwork. So before airflow is distributed throughout your home by your HVAC system, airborne pollutants are strung along in the airflow stream and are put into a direct line of sight with these bulbs. The UV rays then zap the pollutant, attacking it at its core, eliminating the bacteria’s DNA, rendering it useless and unable to revive or reproduce itself. This process is what nearly eliminates the bacteria in its entirety. You might even consider the UV light a sort of air pollutant assassin.
All jokes aside, we care about your health and well-being at Five Star Heating & Cooling Group. Homes with poor indoor air quality are known to reap short-term and long-term side effects. Though you may not see any harm currently, poor IAQ can negatively affect your health in the long run. Got more questions? We’d love to answer them for you! Call us today at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
