In recent years, improving indoor air quality has become a chief concern of HVAC technicians. In this pursuit, one question we get asked a lot is, “do UV lights improve air quality?”
The short answer to this is, yes, UV, or ultraviolet lights have been shown to have a positive impact on air quality. However, it’s important to note that this positive effect is not necessarily related to the what UV lights do to the air itself. In fact, UV air purifiers actually don’t do much to your air—they do something to microbes and spores which may be present in your air— and your HVAC system.
The benefits UV lights are:
- They fight mold infestations: The light emitted from UV lamps is within what’s called the “germicidal spectrum.” This means it can be used to disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, including mold spores. These microbes are often found in your HVAC system, because they thrive off of moisture. UV lights work by disrupting the spores in your HVAC system, preventing the chance of mold and mildew from growing. These organisms can be extremely dangerous for people with allergies or respiratory issues, so if anyone in your family is having trouble breathing, especially when the AC gets turned on, you may want to consider using UV lights.
- They cut down on bacteria-related illness: Remember how we said UV lights disrupt the DNA of microorganisms? Well, this can also include the DNA of bacteria and viruses. The fact is that these elements are always present in your air, however, with UV lights, you may be able to kill a good portion of them off. Getting rid of contaminates in the air with a UV lights can significantly reduce the risk of illness, in addition to improving the general health of everyone in your home.
- They reduce odors: One of the key elements of air quality is obviously smell. When bacteria and mold hang in the air, not only can they affect your health, they may also cause nasty odors, especially if they are allowed to fester. Getting a UV light purifier can help fight this, allowing your home to smell much cleaner.
For more information about UV lamp purifiers and for all your other air quality needs, don’t hesitate to call our Sterling HVAC and plumbing experts at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With 3 decades of experience in the HVAC industry, our technicians know all the tips and tricks to help your family breathe easier and live happier.
Dial (703) 457-8676 now to schedule an appointment, or contact us at your convenience online.