| Dirty Sock Syndrome: UV Treatment Systems Can Help |
If you have a smelly Heat Pump, there is a cure...
"Dirty Sock Syndrome" is caused by the growth of mold and bacteria on the indoor coil and the drain pan of the Heat Pump. All Summer long, moist cooling coils can serve as an ideal breeding ground for mold. But why is it only with Heat Pumps?
When heating season starts, hot air furnaces have a heat exchanger which puts out enough heat to kill the microbes that thrived on the damp evaporator coil and drain pan. Heat Pumps on the other hand, put out much lower temperatures. Just warm enough to heat up the organic debris which releases the spores and toxins into the air and produces the so-called "Dirty sock smell".
Having the coils, drain pan, and drain line cleaned regularly may help solve this problem but installing a UV System is the best answer. Ultraviolet Air Treatment Systems zap airborne germs and prevent mold spore growth on air conditioning coils.
Honeywell, among other companies, offers several models to choose from. See below.
| About Ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) |
The Sun has been nature's Outdoor Air Purifier for years. Scientists have known that one of the most effective air purifiers is natural sunlight. Not the light we see when we look out the window, but the invisible "C" band, ultraviolet rays that make up part of the sun's light spectrum. The sun's UV-C rays act as a natural outdoor air purification system, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria,viruses, fungi & molds. However, this natural process does not occur indoors.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) replicates the natural outdoor purification system of the sun by destroying the allergy and disease-causing microbes living and multiplying in indoor air. By itself, or in combination with a quality filter, it is the most effective way to reduce airborne bacteria and the health risks they represent.
With tighter building construction, in recent years, the quality of indoor air has declined dramatically. The air circulating in the ductwork of the average home or office can be concentrated with contaminants including molds, bacteria, yeasts, dust mites, and viruses. We fill our lungs up to 20,000 times each day. Over time, these contaminants can cause allergies, inflammation of the mucous membrane, upper respiratory problems, asthmatic conditions, headaches and flu-like symptoms.
Indoor air in a typical residential forced-air HVAC system will be recirculated over 50 times a day. With a UV generating lamp mounted in the HVAC duct, cumulative exposure can be very effective in controlling indoor bacteria. UV rays will also kill germs that breed in drain pans and A/C coils. Properly positioned, an ultraviolet system can significantly reduce indoor air contamination and prevent the growth of new microorganisms.
The treatment of indoor air with ultraviolet radiation has been successful in health care facilities, food processing plants, schools, laboratories and other applications. It is a safe, silent, and proven method of improving indoor air quality.
| Mold and what you need to know about it |
Mold can wreak havoc with human health. A 1999 Mayo Clinic study found that mold was the culprit in nearly all chronic sinus infections. Other recent studies have implicated mold as a factor linked to a tripling of the asthma rate over the past 20 years. In our homes, we trap pollutants, such as the chemicals released from carpets and cleaning products, radon gas, auto exhaust, emissions from combustion appliances, and more. Indoor humidity levels that are too high, or too low, also can affect the well-being of occupants, and the durability of the home or building itself.
Today's homes are built tighter and insulated better than ever. They keep us warm and cozy in winter and save money on heating bills. But the construction methods and materials that keep modern homes more energy-efficient than older, draftier houses can have a troublesome side effect: Many of today's houses are too airtight. Without adequate air circulation and dehumidification, moisture can build up in a home's hidden places; inside walls, under floors, above ceilings, behind shower walls, allowing mold to form.
UV air treatment systems kills a high percentage of airborne bacteria and surface mold passing by the light.
 UV100A1000
Single Lamp Return |
 UV100A1018
Dual Lamp Return |
 UV100A1059
Coil Plus Model |
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Features
- UV-C light kills airborne and surface bacteria.
- Continuously emits ultraviolet energy.
- UV lamp does not produce ozone.
- Sealed unit design prevents accidental installer and homeowner contact with the voltage and with the ultraviolet rays.
- Safe design prevents lamps from lighting unless the base is correctly mounted on the HVAC duct.
- Light pipe to safely view the lamp operation.
- Power cord that plugs into 120 Vac electrical outlet.
- Quick and easy lamp replacement.
- Easy lamp maintenance.
- AIRWATCH™ Indicator can be installed to remind customers when to change the lamp.
- To capture and minimize microorganism pass-through in residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, combine the Ultraviolet Air Treatment System with a high-efficiency air filtration system that includes an electronic air cleaner.
Click here for more information on Honeywell UV Products
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