Many homeowners throughout the Peoria, AZ region are looking to enhance their indoor air quality (IAQ) and keep their HVAC system cleaner. A popular indoor air quality solution you may come across during your research is HVAC UV lighting. These are lights that are specifically designed to use ultraviolet technology inside your HVAC unit to reduce microbial growth. While these lights aren’t specifically meant to completely sterilize your home, they may help support cleaner HVAC components and improved indoor air quality when paired with appropriate humidity control and proper filtration.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work in Peoria Homes?
UV-C lights for your HVAC system are also known as germicidal lighting. This part of the light spectrum targets microorganisms that can develop inside your system. As the light penetrates the microorganism, it disrupts its DNA structure. This renders it unable to reproduce and eventually causes it to die off. Some types of microorganisms that UV lighting can potentially help reduce include mold spores, bacteria, and microbes.
UV lighting is typically installed near the evaporator coil or right inside the ducting of residential HVAC systems. This helps to treat microbial growth and mold in environments that otherwise would be relatively damp and the perfect breeding ground for these growths. UV lighting falls into two categories, which are air sanitizing and coil sanitizing.
Where Are UV Lights Installed in Peoria HVAC Systems?
Coil sanitizing UV lights are the most popular type of UV lighting for HVAC systems on the market today. They are installed at your evaporator coil in your indoor air handler unit because your evaporator coil naturally produces condensation. This creates damp conditions that could otherwise allow mold and microbial growth to happen. Coil sanitizing lights can reduce the buildup on your evaporator coil and likely help keep your drain pan cleaner.
Air sanitizing UV lighting gets installed directly inside your ductwork. As air moves through your ducting, the UV light passes through it and may potentially help reduce certain airborne microorganisms. Because air is moving relatively quickly through your ducting system, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about its effectiveness in treating all your indoor air quality concerns.
Another advantage of UV lighting installation is that it may help your HVAC system stay cleaner over time. Cleaner components can potentially improve airflow and reduce strain on your equipment. While UV lighting isn’t a replacement for maintenance, it can work alongside regular tune-ups to support better HVAC system performance.
Are HVAC UV Lights Worth It for Glendale and Peoria Homeowners?
Whether or not HVAC UV lighting is the right choice for you really depends on your indoor air quality goals and your home’s specific environment. If your HVAC system experiences repeated mold growth near your evaporator coil or your home struggles with a persistent musty odor, UV lighting could be beneficial. It’s best to view UV light as a supplemental indoor air quality tool rather than a complete all-in-one solution. UV lighting simply can’t eliminate airborne contaminants like pet dander, pollen, dust, and so forth. It works as one part of a larger IAQ strategy.
Do HVAC UV Lights Require Maintenance in Peoria Homes?
Just like any other component of your HVAC system, UV lights require periodic maintenance to stay in good operating condition. Depending on whether you choose coil or air sanitizing UV lighting, it’s necessary to replace the UV bulb about every one to two years. During this time, a professional should be cleaning the light assembly, inspecting electrical connections, and verifying proper light operation. Just because your UV bulb is illuminating doesn’t mean that it’s still highly effective. UV bulbs gradually lose efficiency over time and require routine replacement.
Should UV Lights Be Combined With HVAC Filters in Peoria?
Yes, it’s always best to have a full-system approach when it comes to enhancing your indoor air quality. While UV lighting can be beneficial, it’s also important to have HVAC filtration in place. Air filters are designed to trap particles like pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust that your UV light can’t treat. It’s best to opt for an HVAC filter with a MERV rating between 11 and 13. This offers excellent filtering capabilities alongside your UV lighting to enhance your indoor air quality.
Expert UV Lighting Installation Services
Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating is a trusted area expert for UV lighting installation. We can also assist with all your other indoor air quality and HVAC-related needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for UV light services in Peoria, AZ.
