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Why get a UV System?

A UV LIGHT REDUCES ALLERGIES

More than 60,000,000 people in the United States are affected by allergies. Mold is one of the 5 most common of allergens. The dark, cool and moist surfaces that typically exist in HVAC systems are very favorable places for mold growth. The spores released from the growth are distributed throughout the structure. Applying UV light in these vulnerable areas can make a huge difference in the spore counts in the air.

A UV LIGHT KILLS GERMS

Fresh outside air is healthy to breathe in part because natural UV from the sun controls the level of airborne microorganisms. Our new Ultravation® products bring UV indoors to help control microorganisms in indoor air. With a UV system installed in your HVAC system, the numbers of airborne bacteria and viruses that cause colds and other illnesses will be reduced as air is circulated through the system.

With most people spending as much as 90% of their time indoors, optimizing indoor air quality becomes increasingly important. The HVAC system now has an increased role in maintaining indoor air quality—adding UV disinfection along with filtration and other enhancements helps it fulfill that role.

A UV system uses about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb. Yet it can help your HVAC system increase its efficiency, so you may use less power overall. When mold becomes established on cooling elements, it begins to insulate it from the passing air. This makes the heat transfer from the air to the elements more difficult. When this happens the HVAC system begins to run a little longer and then cycles more often to accomplish the same temperature setting. This obviously uses more energy and in addition, increases wear and tear on the system. Of course we recommend quality filtration to keep the elements as well as the UV lamps free of dust, and then the UV will keep the mold away and help to optimize efficiency.

A UV LIGHT CONTROLS MOLD

Have you ever wondered what that smell is when the air conditioner turns on—especially after it has been off for a while? Chances are it’s MOLD. Those mold spores spread around, landing everywhere in the house. Or, if mold is growing in a damp place elsewhere in the house, the air conditioner helps distribute the spores as the air is recirculated. UV can plan an important—if not vital—role in controlling home damaging mold. As insurance companies raise rates and even exclude mold damage from their coverage, UV can be a big help—ECM can tell you more about current products that help prevent mold.

HOW A UV SYSTEM PAYS FOR ITSELF

A UV system uses about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb. Yet it can help your HVAC system increase its efficiency, so you may use less power overall. When mold becomes established on cooling elements, it begins to insulate it from the passing air. This makes the heat transfer from the air to the elements more difficult. When this happens the HVAC system begins to run a little longer and then cycles more often to accomplish the same temperature setting. This obviously uses more energy and in addition, increases wear and tear on the system. Of course we recommend quality filtration to keep the elements as well as the UV lamps free of dust, and then the UV will keep the mold away and help to optimize efficiency.

For more information about IAQ, please visit these websites:

The American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/lk/ links.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=36056

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/

Dept. of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/default.html

For more information about indoor mold and your health, we suggest the following links:

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ community/indoor-air/mold.htm

Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/mold/

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