Clearing the Air: 3 Benefits of a Germicidal UV Filter

Fresh air

Ever notice an odd smell when you turn on your air conditioner or furnace for the first time in a season?

That smell may be a buildup of microorganisms in your HVAC system and ductwork – a sign that you could have poor air quality in your home. But there’s good news: installing a germicidal UV light in your ductwork can significantly improve your indoor air quality, and even deliver other benefits to your home and family.

What is a germicidal UV light?

Ultraviolet light (UV) is part of the spectrum of light we can’t see; exposure to it through sunlight can lead to skin cancer and vision problems if doses are high enough. When generated by a light bulb, however, UV light can actually help humans by killing off mold and pollen spores, bacteria, and viruses – great news as spring allergy season approaches.

A UV light is installed either near the supply or return vents of your ductwork or over the air conditioning coil. It assists your air filter, which can’t catch many of the smallest microorganisms that circulate in your home’s air.

3 Key benefits of a germicidal UV light

UV lights are a smart edition to a home’s HVAC system because the provide:

  1. Healthier air – In today’s air tight, well-insulated homes, UV lights can reduce indoor-air pollution levels significantly by killing off the microorganisms that cause respiratory problems.
  2. Continuous operation – UV germicidal lights operate even if the HVAC system is offline, ensuring that your home remains toxin-free 24/7.
  3. Improved efficiency and longer life for your HVAC system – Germicidal UV lights can help extend the life of your home’s heating and cooling systems, since clean air reduces the work load on an HVAC system.

Breathe easier this summer and beyond with a Blue-Tube UV expertly installed by the Oehlert Bros. – contact us today for a FREE estimate.