Indoor Air Quality Services in Athens and Cleveland, TN
Giles Heating and Air improves indoor air quality in Athens, Cleveland and the surrounding East Tennessee counties with ultraviolet light systems installed in ductwork and air handlers to prevent and kill mold, and with duct sanitizing that sends a micro biocide mist through the return air system to kill allergens growing in the ducts. We also address the airflow and humidity problems that cause musty air in the first place.
Why air quality is a problem in East Tennessee homes
Humidity. A cooling coil is wet most of the summer, and the ductwork behind it stays damp and dark. That is where mold grows. Add pollen season, a crawl space, pets and a filter that gets changed twice a year, and the air in the house is not what you want your family breathing.
UV light systems
A UV lamp mounted at the indoor coil or in the supply plenum kills mold, bacteria and viruses on the coil surface and in the air moving past it. It runs quietly, costs very little to operate, and needs the bulb replaced about once a year. We offer several UV products depending on the system and the problem you are trying to solve.
Duct sanitizing
We fog a micro biocide through the return air side of the system so it travels the full length of the ductwork and coats the surfaces where allergens and mold are growing. It kills what is there now. Be aware it does not prevent new growth, which is why we usually pair it with a UV light and fix whatever is letting moisture into the ducts.
Other fixes that improve air quality
- Better filtration (media filters instead of one-inch fiberglass)
- Sealing leaky return ducts that pull air from the crawl space or attic
- Correcting an oversized system that never runs long enough to dehumidify
- Whole-house dehumidifiers for crawl-space homes
- Replacing ductwork that is too far gone to clean (see /services/ductwork/)
Common questions
Does a UV light in the HVAC system really work?
Yes, for mold and bacteria on the coil and in the air passing the lamp. It is not a filter and will not remove dust or pollen.
How often does the UV bulb need replacing?
About once a year. The bulb keeps glowing after it stops being effective, so replace it on schedule.
Is duct sanitizing safe for kids and pets?
The products we use are labeled for occupied homes. We will tell you how long to stay out of the house, usually a short time.
Why does my house smell musty when the AC runs?
Almost always mold on the coil or in the ductwork, fed by summer humidity. A UV light and a sanitizing treatment usually clear it.
Do you do duct cleaning?
We sanitize ducts and repair or replace damaged runs. For heavy debris removal, ask us and we will tell you whether cleaning or replacement is the better use of money.