With all the microorganisms floating around, it may sometimes be difficult to achieve good indoor air quality, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If used properly, UV lights can provide you with relief from some pollutants. If you’re wanting to improve the air in your Calgary area home, it’s important to know exactly what these high-intensity lights do and how they’ll work with your HVAC system to make your air safe again.
The effect of UV lights on microorganisms
Microorganisms to be concerned about in your home include bacteria, viruses, germs, mold spores and others. Each of these act as an irritant when they enter your lungs and can inflame or even cause respiratory elements to occur such as asthma and allergies. The good news is that, unlike human beings, these airborne menaces have no defense against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. When exposed to UV lights that have been installed in your home, these particles are broken down at the molecular level, eliminating them from your air.
Your HVAC system is a key ingredient
The UV lights cannot work alone to remove these dangerous particles from your home’s air. This is because, in order to prevent human exposure, installation is done at either the location of the induct or evaporator coil. In order for the microorganisms to reach the lights, your heating or cooling equipment must get involved. Whenever you turn on your HVAC unit, air is drawn into your ductwork to be conditioned and distributed to the rest of your house. This air must pass through the ultraviolet lights you have installed within the system, which means that the airborne particles will be drawn along with the air. This constant cycling of air, which can be achieved by simply turning your unit’s fan on, will effectively remove a large majority of the damaging microorganisms in your home.
To learn more about UV lights and how they can improve your home’s comfort level, please contact the professionals at Arpi’s Industries, Ltd. We have been serving the HVAC needs of Calgary and the surrounding area for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
