Benefits of UV Lights

Benefits of UV Lights for HVAC Systems Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about using UV light for HVAC systems. Does it really live up to the hype? Here at Walker Heating & Air Conditioning in Woodbridge, VA, we’ve experienced firsthand how beneficial UV lights can be. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality and your family’s health, it’s time to give UV lighting careful consideration. Used as a sterilizing agent for hundreds of years, UV light is an effective way to disinfect air and reduce the spread of germs. Let’s explore the benefits of HVAC UV lighting more in detail: UV Light Kills Bacteria, Viruses and Germs Your HVAC system can be a blessing or a curse when it comes to infection control. For instance, if there’s mold or bacteria present in the system, air circulation can quickly spread it throughout the home. Studies by ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) show the transmission of infectious airborne diseases like influenza and the common cold can be accelerated or controlled by a building’s HVAC equipment. HVAC UV light disinfects the air by reducing and preventing microorganisms from circulating in the ductwork. Reduced microorganisms mean less transferred illnesses. UV lights focus on the coils in your HVAC unit, preventing the growth of fungi, mold, bacteria and pollutants like dust and soot. Without the UV light, these coils can become built up with contaminants. It’s easy to see why HVAC UV lights are adopted in hospitals and healthcare facilities. HVAC UV Light Controls Mold and Other Allergens In the same way UV light kills bacteria and viruses, it also eliminates allergens. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you know just how important a home with clean, allergen-free air can be. With the right UV light in the right place, dust, mold and mildew can be eliminated. Say goodbye to HVAC fungal contamination. The cleaner the air, the less allergy-related symptoms like coughing, wheezing and sneezing. HVAC UV Light Reduces Smells and Odors No one likes a stinky home or workplace, but there may be something more dangerous lurking beneath an unpleasant odor. Some airborne contaminants are hazardous, containing over two to five times more contaminants than outdoor air. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are odor causing chemicals like those from tobacco products, perfume, hair spray, paint, glue and cleaning supplies. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency,) VOCs contribute to health problems like headaches, nausea and sinus irritation. Using a UV light in your HVAC system is a simple way to remove VOCs and clean your air. Additional Benefits of HVAC UV Lights Reduces energy consumption Lowers monthly expenses Improves airflow and efficiency Reduces maintenance requirements Cleaner HVAC system

Air Conditioner Check

Check Your Air Conditioner for Spring Spring has sprung here in Virginia. It’s the perfect time of the year for cleaning, purging, and renewal. During your spring cleaning ritual, don’t neglect your HVAC system. Spring comes with dramatic weather changes, keeping your HVAC systems on its toes. From a warm, sunny day to a suddenly frigid, rainy night, unpredictability outside makes it even more important to have comfort inside.   Here are a 4 easy things you can do to check your air conditioner 1.     Time for a tune-up If you want your Air Conditioning unit to perform efficiently, you need to maintain it properly. Taking care of your Air Conditioning System doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. The best thing you can do to avoid pricey repairs in the future is to schedule an annual AC system tune-up. Here at Walker Heating & Air Conditioning in Woodbridge, VA, we’re offering a $79 AC tune-up. Avoid possible break downs and costly repairs by having your system checked by a trained HVAC technician. During a tune-up, we check air filters, calibrate the thermostat, inspect electrical connections, check refrigerant levels and more. We identify any minor issues and address them early on, before they lead to breakdowns in the middle of the summer heat! For a reasonable price you can ensure your air conditioning system is running properly. Call us today to schedule your $49 AC tune-up while this special offer lasts. Visit our coupons page for this limited time offer. 2.     Time to change the air filters One of the easiest things you can do to maintain your air conditioning system is to consistently change the air filters. A clean filter is important to improve your indoor air quality. Add this routine maintenance task to your calendar or set a reminder to change the filters so you don’t forget! For basic 1″-3″ air filters, manufacturers usually direct you to change them every 30-60 days. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could upgrade the air filter or change them even more often. Or, if you’re in a more remote area or less occupied home (like a vacation home) and there are fewer cars around, annually may be often enough. 3.     Time for a test run Pick a nice, warm day to take your system on its first test run of the season. Turn on the AC and pay special attention to any noises and lingering smells. Check the temperature and see how long it takes for your home to cool down. If your system isn’t cooling, it’s time to contact a professional to see what the issue is. 4.     Time to check out your outdoor unit If you haven’t taken a look at your outdoor unit in a while, now is the time. Just as air filters collect debris, your outdoor unit may have collected debris inside. Check for fallen branches, clear off the cobwebs and remove any covers you may use. Having issues with your A/C? Call Walker Heating & Air Conditioning to find out how we can help! For 24/7 emergency cooling services, and HVAC services contact us today. Homeowners who want to make sure they receive an AC tune-up and a heating system tune-up each year, sign up for the Walker Family Maintenance Plan.