Key Takeaways
- UV add-ons are primarily used to control microbial growth inside your HVAC system, especially around damp areas like the coil and drain.
- UV is best thought of as one layer, not a full replacement for filtration, ventilation, and humidity control.
- Keep in mind that ‘UV in the duct’ and ‘whole home air purification’ are not the same thing, even though they are sometimes marketed that way.
Why Does Indoor Air Feel Stale in Winter?
In spring and fall, a lot of homes get accidental fresh air. People open doors and windows. A few mild days roll in, and the house breathes a little.
In the winter, most buildings are sealed up tight. This means your indoor air is affected by a few main factors:
1. What is being produced inside, like cooking, pets, cleaning products, and even normal breathing, all of which add particles and moisture.
2. How well your HVAC system filters and circulates the air.
3. How much fresh air your home actually gets, even if you are not opening windows.
That is the backdrop for why UV comes up more in winter. When the same air is recirculating, indoor air upgrades start feeling more relevant.
What Does a UV Air Purifier Actually Do?
Most UV systems that are added to HVAC setups are designed to target microbes, not dust or larger particles.
A common place to install a UV light is near the evaporator coil, since that is where moisture tends to collect. When moisture sits for a while, it can lead to microbial growth. Placing a UV light in this area helps reduce that growth and keeps the system cleaner over time.
Some UV systems are also meant to treat the air as it passes through the ductwork, but how well they work depends on things like how long the air is exposed to the light, how strong the lamp is, and the overall system design. The main thing to remember is that UV can help prevent parts of your HVAC system from becoming a spot where microbes grow, which is especially important when your home is closed up for the winter.
Does UV Help With Germ Control When Windows Stay Closed?
It can, but it is not magic, and it works best as part of a layered approach. According to the CDC’s overview on germicidal ultraviolet, UV is most effective when it is used alongside other strategies like ventilation and filtration, not as a standalone fix.
This is especially important in winter, since most people are not bringing in as much fresh air as they do in warmer months. UV can be a helpful addition, but you still need good filtration and proper airflow from your system.
What Is the Difference Between UV Add-ons and Full Purification Systems?
This is a common area of confusion, and it is understandable because marketing can be unclear. UV add-ons are usually focused on controlling microbes inside your HVAC system. They are often installed near the coil or in a spot where they can treat the air as it passes by.
A full purification system is more comprehensive. It usually combines several tools, such as stronger filtration, improved airflow, and sometimes other treatments, depending on your building and what you are trying to address. If you are deciding between UV and a full purification system, start by asking yourself the question most homeowners overlook.
What are you trying to fix?
If you notice musty smells when your system runs, or if you have had moisture problems around your HVAC components in the past, UV might be a good option. If your main concern is dust, pet dander, or allergy triggers, you will want to make sure filtration is part of your solution as well.
If you want to see the difference in plain terms, our UV option is here: UV air sanitizer.
If your issue is more about particles and allergens throughout the home, this is the direction to look: whole home air filtration system.
And if you are not sure which category your situation falls into, this overview ties the options together: indoor air quality.
What Are the Winter Signs That UV Might Be Worth It?
UV is not necessary for every home, but winter often brings out certain patterns that can help you decide if it is right for you.
Here are a few common signs we see in Charlottesville homes during the winter.
- A musty or dirty sock type smell when the heat kicks on
- You have had visible buildup or repeated microbial issues near the indoor unit
- The building feels stuffy fast, especially in bedrooms or back rooms
- You are dealing with recurring respiratory irritation that gets worse when the system is running
None of these signs automatically mean you need a UV system. They do mean it is worth taking a closer look at your HVAC system to see if microbial growth could be part of the issue.
What It’s Like Working With The Otter Guys
Here’s how we have helped customers in the past:
“Malec was terrific . He was professional and extremely knowledgeable about how to address our plumbing issues. He provided excellent information and options that suited our needs and budget . We have used other plumbers before but we wll be swimming with the “ Otter Guys “ from this point forward .
Thank you Malec!
Paul & Win Forch”
Read the review here.
If you are tired of dealing with stale winter air and want to know if UV is the right solution for your home or building, give The Otter Guys a call. Our team will help you figure out what is really causing the problem and recommend the best solution for your needs, without any pressure or sales pitch.
