If you have seasonal allergies, one way to improve the health of you and your family is to improve the air quality in your home.
One solution to providing cleaner air in your household is through ultraviolet lights and air scrubbers.
Ultraviolet Lights
UV lights are placed by the coil inside your HVAC system. The lights are used to kill mold and bacteria before it even enters your living space as the air is blown through the vents.
UV lights are a great solution to keep mold from growing on the coil of your HVAC unit. If that’s the only indoor air quality issue you’re trying to resolve, then UV light is the right choice for you. If you want a whole-house air filter, the air scrubbers would be the better choice.
The Benefits of Ultraviolet Lights
Ultraviolet germicidal air irradiation systems (UVGI) can clear your air without causing skyrocketing energy bills. While UV light has been used as a disinfectant for over a hundred years, a modern UV light installation can address more pollutants than ever.
Upper room UVGI systems gradually introduce clean air into your space, so they’re particularly important in crowded rooms or unventilated environments. Their capacity to address pollutants makes them a favorite option for commercial kitchens.
If you’re careful about UV light maintenance, your system will even extend the life of your HVAC unit.
Air Scrubbers
An air scrubber is an indoor air quality device that uses a search-and-retrieve method to eliminate contaminants from your home’s air. As the air flows through your ductwork system, the air scrubber produces negative ions.
The negative ions find and bring back pollutants floating in your air that are too small to be captured by a normal air filter.
The Benefits of Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers attach to your ductwork directly and can reduce 90% of your home’s airborne pathogens, including swine flu, E. coli, and MRSA. They can:
- Extend your HVAC system’s life span by preventing debris and dust from entering your HVAC filter. This will protect your coils from damage and keep your blower functioning smoothly.
- Reduce dust, pollen, and other allergens. An air scrubber can alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms.
- Remove lingering odors like chemical scents, burnt food, and mildew.
- Kill SARS-CoV-2 particles at a surface kill rate of 99.98%.
- Eliminate 50 times more contaminants than HVAC systems.
- Address volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, including vapors and smoke.
- Prevent dust buildup in your home.
Choose F.H. Furr for UV Lights & Air Scrubbers
At F.H. Furr, we help homeowners in the Richmond area by installing, repairing, and inspecting indoor air quality solutions that help you breathe easier. No matter the brand or model you choose, our HVAC experts will make sure it’s chosen and installed correctly to fit your home’s needs.
We also offer HVAC and air filtration maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. Whether you need a new filter for your unit or need help installing UV lights for the first time, our team at F.H. Furr is here to help.
UV Lighting FAQs
Do UV lights kill viruses and mold?
In short, yes. UV-C light can kill up to 99% of viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. It can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by deactivating airborne particles. It handles influenza viruses, but it loses efficacy with TB-causing bacteria.
However, UVGI systems can’t manage infectious droplets, so it’s no replacement for surface disinfection.
How does UVGI work?
UVGI systems allow air to pass through a disinfection zone via your HVAC unit or an open window. They can’t physically remove the pathogens they process, but they prevent them from being infectious.
What intensity do I need to kill microbes?
Infrared and UV light occur on a spectrum, and only lamps with the correct wavelength have a disinfecting effect. UV-C light has a wavelength of 200 to 280 nm and is the most destructive option on the market.
Most household lamps offer 5,000 µW/cm2 at distances of 15 inches, but more powerful UV lights can achieve a rate of 10,000 µW/cm2.
