Top Tips for Cleaner Indoor Air
Heating and Air Conditioning, Katy, Texas
Tips for Cleaner Indoor Air
UV Light Germicidal Systems
Installing UV lights to remove harmful microorganisms from your indoor air will help to provide good indoor air quality. To maintain maximum performance homeowners need to know how often the bulbs in ultraviolet light germicidal systems should be replaced.
Keeping your family healthy by providing cleaner air is the main reason for installation of these systems. Air can contain microorganisms such as bacteria, mold spores, viruses and other contaminants can be detrimental to your health, especially for those who suffer from asthma, allergies or other chronic respiratory problems.
Most microorganisms are susceptible to ultraviolet radiation which will kill them. UV lights are typically installed in the duct system where the air is treated as it moves through them, or they are installed to treat the condensate pan and indoor coil where moisture accumulates and can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
The location of UV lights will determine how often the bulbs are changed. UV lights that are located within the ducts should be changed once a year. When located to treat the indoor coil and condensate pan to treat mold and bacteria, they should be good for their maximum life span of two years. UV light bulbs used beyond three years may lead to excessive power consumption of the ballast which can cause overheating of the power supply and lamp causing system failure and reduced effectiveness. Do not use UV bulbs beyond three years, if you cannot replace the bulb(s) before this time turn the system off or disconnect the power supply.
Over time UV light bulbs lose effectiveness, about 15% per year. Remember to never look directly at the lamps, turn the system off before changing bulbs. Dispose of properly according to local and state environmental laws effecting fluorescent lamps containing a small amount of mercury.
The Benefits of HEPA Filters
High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA are 99.7% effective at removing airborne particles 0.3 microns or above. HEPA filters capture particles through the use of a diffusion filter. A pre-filter is required to capture large particles to prevent them from blocking air flow through the HEPA filter.
HEPA technology is especially useful in removing allergen particles that are circulated through the HVAC system such as pollen, mold and other harmful contaminates. This may help to reduces colds, allergies and asthma attacks. HEPA filters must be replaced every three to five years. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after removing a HEPA filter as the filter captures many viruses and bacteria. Humidity above 90% relative humidity can adversely affect a HEPA filter. Turn off the filtration system during periods of high humidity.
HEPA filters are one of the most affordable air purifying systems available, but have other costs associated with a HEPA filter system such as replacing the filters every 3-5 years, and increased electrical usage. While HEPA filters alone will not provide completely purified air, they are a good value for cleaner air in your home and a viable part of a clean air system.
For those family members who require clean air due to chronic health problems, keeping a clean house is a necessity. Dusting, vacuuming and cleaning with safe chemical free products can be a matter of life and death for a respiratory patient. HEPA filters are a good choice for these patients who depend upon clean air. HEPA filters do not give off ozone unlike some air filters, and ozone is a lung irritant.
Clean Ducts
Not all ducts require cleaning, but if it has been 10 years or more since the ductwork in your home has been clean it is a good idea to have it checked. Remodeling can especially cause dirty ducts and a home vacuum cleaner simply cannot reach the full duct system. Ducts located in floors are especially vulnerable to become dirty due to tracked in dirt, dust, lint, pet hair and dander and other contaminants.
New carpet can release formaldehyde and other noxious chemicals. For those with chronic lung problems wood floors are best and leave off rugs which trap dirt and dust.
Use an exhaust fan over the stove that ventilates to the outside. Some exhaust fans simply recirculate air through a filter over the stove. These filters are generally very poor quality, succeeding in filtering nothing more than catching airborne grease.
Schedule Routine Maintenance on the HVAC System
A properly functioning air conditioning system removes humidity in the air making breathing easier. By scheduling routine service and maintenance on your heating and air conditioning system you can avoid most break downs and extend the service life of the system. Refer to your systems manufacturer’s recommendation but the minimal service should be an annual inspection and maintenance, though a bi-annual maintenance call is generally recommended in the spring and fall to ensure the best operation and the least breakdowns. No one likes to turn on the central air only to find the ac blowing warm air on a 95 degree day. Routine maintenance can prevent most breakdowns and keep you and your family comfortable year round.
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning takes your comfort to heart. When you require heating or air conditioning repair in Plano or the Katy, TX region call Cypress’s specialists. Our certified technicians will provide prompt and dependable professional service for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.
