Kills viruses, bacteria and mold
The modern dilemma we all face daily is the quality (or lack thereof) of the air in our homes. Home heating and cooling systems are the perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria, mold and other airborne allergens. Some statistics show that 75% of the US population lives with a person that is extra-sensitive to these types of allergens in our homes.
In addition, our “closed” indoor HVAC systems recirculate the same, potentially unhealthy air year-round. Except on those days in the spring and fall when you have windows open. But during the winter, when influenza and rhinovirus are a major issue, we typically don’t open our windows and doors much to freshen the air.
Ultraviolet-C to The Rescue
Discovered more than 100 years ago to kill bacteria, Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lighting can be installed in your home’s heating and air conditioning system to help tame dangerous airborne particulates. UV-C lights are typically installed in your system’s ductwork and can render most major viruses and bacteria inert so they no longer pose a problem. In addition, we can install them in your furnace’s evaporator coil to prevent fungal growth – especially an advantage during the summer months when the system contains a great deal of moisture.
Considering we are in peak influenza season, having a UV-C lighting device installed in your home’s HVAC system can help control the spread of viruses. In some states, medical facilities, hospitals, and doctors’ offices are required to install these devices to prevent the spread of airborne viruses through the building’s ductwork and ventilation system. Why not have that same advantage for your family?
How Ultraviolet-C Prevents Microbial Growth
Assuming you have a typical HVAC system with a furnace inside and an air conditioner unit outside, your system has two coils. A coil is like the radiator on your vehicle – it contains a coolant that flows through it, and cooling fins remove moisture and radiate cool air from them. Which then gets blown into your home’s ductwork.
Because air conditioners work on the principle of condensing air expanding air, moisture is a by-product. And it’s dark in there, a perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. Once biological contaminants begin to grow on the AC coil (usually outside), or on the condenser coil (installed above your furnace), the blower fan sends them throughout your home to wreak havoc with your air quality (and your family’s breathing).
A UV-C light works to prevent that growth before it ever begins, and effectively kills the spread of germs and bacteria once they start to grow.
Ultraviolet-C Light Systems Target Microbial Growth
If you want to eliminate the possibility that microbial grow is being spread throughout your home by the heating and cooling system, UV-C lights are scientifically proven preventative measure. The lights work by destroying the DNA of the microbes so they cannot reproduce, rendering them inert and harmless to healthy tissue.
In addition to viruses, bacteria and mold, UV-C lights work to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals created as a by-product of materials used in the construction of your home or HVAC equipment. They also help eliminate cooking and pet odors in the home.
Additional Strategies to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Don’t forget, there are additional methods you can use to make your home’s indoor air cleaner. UV-C lights are a great start, but you may want to also consider the following strategies:
- Seal your ductwork to prevent recirculation of attic or crawlspace air within the HVAC system.
- Examine your home to assess whether air is entering your home from unwanted areas, like your crawlspace or attic.
- Frequently change your HVAC system’s air filters (we recommend monthly)
- Control humidity with a whole-house dehumidifier or a variable-speed HVAC equipment (when it’s time for an upgrade).
Why are these other items important? Leaky ductwork, high levels of unwanted air infiltration, or higher-than-wanted indoor humidity levels can cause air quality problems independent of what’s going on inside your HVAC equipment.
We Heartily Endorse UV-C Lights
We recommend installing a combination UV-C light to reduce the chance of spreading influenza or rhinovirus by killing it at its source. We also recommend the other steps listed above to optimize your home’s indoor air quality for best results.
Contact Dor-Mar for a Professional Evaluation
To determine if installing an affordable Ultraviolet-C lighting system is right for you, contact our friendly customer service team and we’ll arrange for a free evaluation and price quote.
Our team offers a wide array of routine maintenance and emergency services for your heating and cooling system, allowing your family to breathe fresh, safe, clean air and be comfortable year-round. We also offer a number of add-ons to your HVAC equipment that can improve your home’s IAQ, such as electrostatic air filters, whole-house humidifiers, duct cleaning, Ultraviolet-C lighting systems, and more.
Schedule an appointment for HVAC system troubleshooting or maintenance with us today by using our online contact form, or call one of our seven neighborhood offices listed below. We pride ourselves on our customer-focused service, and our reviews show it.
NEWARK 740.345.6639 • COLUMBUS 614.238.6689 • DUBLIN 614.545.8939 • REYNOLDSBURG 614.365.1579 • WESTERVILLE 614.381.1540 • GROVE CITY 614.595.3098 • ZANESVILLE 740.454.2420
Dor-Mar…Your Climate Hero!
Please note: neither the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) have officially announced whether UV-C kills the current strain of Corona Virus (COVID-19)., we urge you to err on the side of caution until we have a definitive answer, and take other measures to prevent the acquisition or spread of this virus.
