UV Lights: Germ-Fighting Technology Makes The Transition From Hospital To Home

Hospitals around the world have been utilizing the power of UV lights for decades to inhibit the spread of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and mold. Advances in technology have made UV lights a good fit for residential use as well, much to the benefit of homeowners — particularly homeowners in warm, humid Northeast Florida, where microorganisms thrive.

As the name implies, UV lights emit ultraviolet rays. Given sufficient intensity, UV rays will destroy the genetic code — DNA or RNA — of tiny organisms. This results in either death or sterilization of the microorganism, resulting in a considerable reduction of its presence in your home.

The sun also emits ultraviolet rays, which is why sunlight is effective at killing bacteria. Overexposure to UV rays from the sun can result in sunburn and eye irritation, but in household appliances UV lights are enclosed and have a small, focused range, posing no threat to people or pets.

UV lights are a powerful tool for managing your indoor air quality but aren’t meant to replace particulate-trapping air filters, though many units include a traditional filter in addition to the UV light. UV lights are designed to complement your air-cleaning efforts by addressing the bioaerosol category of pollutants.

Another benefit of UV light systems is odor reduction. Many bacteria, molds and other organisms create unpleasant, lingering odors that will be eliminated as the source is neutralized.

Residential UV lights are available in room units or whole-home systems. Whole-home systems are more efficient and effective and can be easily incorporated into existing HVAC systems. In cases of severe allergies or asthma, however, room units may still prove beneficial, especially in bedrooms.

Selecting the ideal whole-house unit for your home depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home and what systems are already in place. A knowledgeable technician can explain the options available for your unique home in more detail.

Do you still have questions, or would you like to learn more about UV lights and indoor air quality? Contact Action Air to speak with one of our trained technicians.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website

Geothermal Heat Pump System Benefits For Florida Homeowners

Since their first use in the 1940s, geothermal heat pump systems have been used successfully in a variety of climates. However, heat pumps — used to both cool and heat homes — are more efficient than average in warmer climates like Florida’s. Many advances have been made since their first use; the EPA now rates geothermal heat pumps as one of the most energy-efficient technologies available.

The beauty and efficiency of a heat pump lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, which burn fuel to warm or cool your air, a heat pump transfers heat between your home and the earth below ground — where the temperature stays remarkably consistent no matter the weather conditions above ground. A small amount of electricity is used to move and distribute air as needed in your home.

Particularly considering the extensive use of air conditioning during the hot Florida summers, geothermal heat pump systems offer many advantages. Geothermal heat pump systems are:

■Highly efficient. Because a heat pump gets warm or cool air from the earth, not from burning a fuel, they use far less energy than even the highest-rated furnace to produce the same level of comfort or better.

■Durable. The above-ground portion of a heat pump system typically lasts 15 or more years. The underground portion can be expected to last at least 50 years. Traditional furnaces average 10 years.

■Low maintenance. Heat pumps have considerably fewer moving parts than traditional systems, resulting in fewer breakdowns and repairs.

■Clean. Heat pumps create no carbon monoxide or other pollutants.

■Quiet. A heat pump system does not need an outdoor condensing unit like a conventional air conditioner. No more annoying hum!

■Cost-effective. They significantly reduce utility bills. Also, many geothermal systems qualify for federal tax credits.

Please feel free to contact the professionals at Action Heating and Air Conditioning for more information about geothermal heat pump systems. We are always happy to answer questions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website