UV Purification
UV Purification | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Athens
Breathe easier in Athens with HEP’s advanced UV purification systems seamlessly integrated into our heating and air conditioning solutions. By neutralizing up to 99% of airborne pathogens before they circulate through your ducts, we help keep every room fresher, healthier, and perfectly tempered—no matter how high the pollen count climbs or how thick the summer heat settles in. Our licensed technicians assess your home’s unique airflow patterns, then customize equipment that balances humidity, controls odors, and maintains whisper-quiet comfort all year long.
Whether you’re retrofitting an older property or safeguarding a brand-new build, HEP combines proven HVAC know-how with cutting-edge technology to maximize ventilation and air quality. Enjoy lower utility bills, fewer allergy flare-ups, and the peace of mind that comes from crystal-clear indoor air, backed by responsive local service just a call away.
FAQs
How does UV purification work within my HVAC system?
Ultraviolet (UV-C) lamps are installed inside the air-handling unit or the supply plenum of your heating and air-conditioning system. As air cycles through, the UV-C wavelength (254 nm) penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, and mold spores—disrupting their DNA so they can no longer reproduce or cause illness. Because the light is mounted where it constantly bathes the moist coil and passing airstream, it sterilizes surfaces and air every time the system runs without introducing chemicals or ozone.
What specific air-quality issues common in Athens can UV lights help address?
Athens’ humid subtropical climate encourages mold growth inside ductwork, especially during long cooling seasons. Pollen from local hardwoods and grasses, as well as airborne bacteria from year-round tourism traffic, also affect indoor air. A properly sized UV system keeps the evaporator coil free of bio-film, kills mold spores before they circulate, and reduces bacterial counts that can aggravate allergies and asthma. When paired with adequate filtration, UV purification significantly lowers overall particulate and microbial load in Athens homes and businesses.
Will installing UV air purifiers increase my energy bills?
The UV lamps themselves draw about the same power as a 40-60 W light bulb, so direct electrical cost is minimal—roughly $2–$4 per month. Indirectly, UV lights can save energy because a clean, mold-free coil transfers heat more efficiently. Independent studies show coil irradiation can restore up to 15 % of lost HVAC efficiency, potentially offsetting the lamp’s power draw and lowering cooling costs during Athens’ hot summers.
How often do UV lamps need to be replaced or maintained?
Most residential UV-C lamps remain effective for 8,000–9,000 operating hours, which equates to about one year of continuous operation. We recommend annual replacement at the start of the cooling season. During a routine maintenance visit, our technicians will also clean the lamp sleeve, inspect wiring, and verify the ballast output to ensure optimal germicidal intensity.
Can UV purification eliminate odors, mold, and allergens in my home?
UV-C technology excels at killing live biological contaminants—mold spores, bacteria, certain viruses—reducing musty odors that come from microbial growth on coils and drain pans. It also lowers allergen levels associated with these organisms. However, it does not remove non-biological particles like dust or chemical fumes, so we typically pair UV lights with high-MERV or HEPA filtration and, when odor control is a priority, with activated-carbon media or photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) units for comprehensive indoor air quality solutions.
Is professional installation required, or can I install UV lights myself?
While some DIY kits exist, professional installation is strongly advised. Our certified HVAC technicians ensure the lamp is positioned for maximum exposure to the coil and airstream without damaging wiring or insulation. We also verify that the housing is sealed to prevent UV leakage that could degrade plastic components or harm eyes. Finally, we integrate the UV system with your air handler’s electrical circuit so it powers on only when the fan operates, extending lamp life and meeting local building codes in Athens-Clarke County.