Since Niels Finsen won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1903 for using ultraviolet light in tuberculosis treatment, this method has been applied to a growing variety of applications. Over time, ultraviolet lighting use has extended to the sterilization of hospitals, the purification of water, killing of germs in food establishments, as well as in in HVAC systems to kill airborne bacteria. In fact, studies have proven that UV lights significantly reduce bacteria and mold in HVAC systems.
Energy-efficient homes that seal crevices, create a fertile environment for microorganism growth. A strategically placed UV light significantly reduces the problem. Here is some interesting information for Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley home owners who may be considering UV lights for their properties.
Use of UV Lighting in HVAC Systems Addresses a Serious Problem
Fungal contamination in air-handling units is a recognized widespread problem in buildings with HVAC systems. Fungi have been found growing on insulation, air filters, ducts, and cooling coils. Experts have linked this contamination to hypersensitivity and infectious diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and respiratory exposure to mycotoxins has also been attributed to causing cancer and acute toxicosis.
How Does UV Lighting Eliminate Dangerous Pollutants in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley?
UV lighting emits light at a wavelength that prevents microorganisms from re-producing proteins necessary for their survival. As a result, UV lighting shortens the lifespan of these microorganisms. The most efficient way of using irradiation UV light that can also harmful to human beings, is inside the air handler system.
The HVAC system draws air into an evaporator unit and then pushes it out. This air circulates around the house through vents placed in different areas of the home. If a UV light is installed inside the evaporator unit, air that passes over the light on its way into vents gets cleaned in the process.
Types of UV Lights Designed for HVAC Systems in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley
There are two types of UV lights available in the market. One type is a stick type coil sterilization light that remains on all the time and is installed inside the return air duct close by the air handler coil. This is the most reasonably priced and most commonly used type. The other type is a UV light unit installed in the return air duct that sterilizes moving air and turns on with the air handler blower.
The Limits of UV Lighting
All fungi within the line of sight of the UV lamp are killed. To remove symptoms caused by allergens, the system needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Leaky or damaged ducts draw in new contaminants and limit the effectiveness of this irradiation process. If the light stops working, you need to replace it.
Problems to be Aware of If You Install a HVAC UV Light in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley
The light destroys non-UV stabilized plastics within its light spectrum inside the air handler. It requires drain pan replacement within five years, and flex duct replacement within two years.
Only a Professional Technician Can Install Safely It
The lamp needs to be connected to the HVAC evaporating unit so that it operates with the system. The air handler system needs to be cleaned, and the technician should inspect the condition of the ductwork before installing the equipment. As a NIH study revealed, such germicidal irradiation is an effective approach for lowering fungal contamination inside air handler units. If you want improved air quality inside your Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley property, have an experienced technician install UV lighting for you.