Need an effective solution to fight germs in your home and give indoor air quality a big boost? UV-light systems offer an effective solution for many homeowners, as they specifically target germs like bacteria and viruses and other microorganisms such as mold.
And in San Antonio’s often-humid climate — which provides an especially hospitable environment for airborne microorganisms — germ-fighting ultraviolet (UV) lights can significantly improve your indoor air quality.
Here’s how a UV-light system works:
- Generally installed alongside your cooling equipment, UV lights emit rays that target mold, viruses and bacteria.
- Once the cells are zapped by the UV rays, their core structure changes at the DNA level, which makes them incapable of reproducing.
- As your cooling equipment and ductwork work to circulate the air in your home, the UV lights clean it with each pass.
Using UV lights offers homeowners an additional benefit: They help to keep your air-conditioning system clean, too. Your A/C cooling coil’s damp environment often serves as a comfortable home for pollutants such as mold spores. Buildup on the coil can affect your system’s overall efficiency, causing it to consume more energy and decreasing its performance. With UV lights, generally installed directly over the system’s coils, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your system’s overall performance and indoor air quality.
Too much humidity is a problem in some homes because of oversized A/C equipment. When an A/C is too large, it is generally less able to manage humidity, as large A/C systems tend to run less often but emit strong blasts of cooled air. And a humid environment attracts germs. If you suspect that equipment size is contributing to a less-than-ideal home environment, have an expert evaluate your systems.
It’s important to note that, in general, an ultraviolet-light system only works as long as your A/C system is running. That’s because the A/C keeps the air moving throughout your home and through the lights.
Use the power of UV lights to improve your home’s indoor air quality, and simultaneously get a cleaner A/C system. For expert advice, contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
UV light image via Shutterstock
