Question 1

What is a UV germicidal light?

Accepted Answer

UV lights are installed inside your HVAC system to kill mold, bacteria, and viruses as air passes through. They're especially effective at preventing mold growth on the evaporator coil.

Question 2

Do whole-home air purifiers really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whole-home HEPA filtration and electronic air cleaners are far more effective than portable room units because they treat all the air in your home as it circulates through the HVAC system.

Question 3

How do I know if I need a humidifier or dehumidifier?

Accepted Answer

If you experience dry skin, static electricity, or cracking wood in winter, you need a humidifier. If your home feels sticky or you see condensation on windows in summer, a dehumidifier will help.

Question 4

Is duct cleaning really necessary?

Accepted Answer

Duct cleaning is worthwhile in specific situations: after construction or renovation, if you've had a rodent or mold problem in the ducts, or if you can see significant dust and debris buildup inside the registers. For routine maintenance, changing your filter regularly and keeping your system clean matters more than periodic duct cleaning. We'll be straight with you — if your ducts don't need cleaning, we'll tell you.

Question 5

What type of air filter should I use for my HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

For most residential systems, we recommend a MERV 8–11 pleated filter — it catches dust, pollen, and pet dander without restricting airflow too much. MERV 13+ filters are great for air quality but can reduce airflow in systems not designed for them, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. If you want higher filtration, talk to us about whether your system can handle it or if a whole-house air purifier is a better fit.

Question 6

What do MERV ratings mean for air filters?

Accepted Answer

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) measures how well a filter captures particles. MERV 1–4 catches only large debris. MERV 8 catches dust, pollen, and mold spores. MERV 11 adds pet dander and smog. MERV 13+ catches bacteria and some viruses but requires a system designed for the extra resistance. Higher isn't always better — if the filter is too restrictive for your system, it causes more harm than good.

Question 7

Why is my house so humid even with the AC running?

Accepted Answer

Your AC dehumidifies as a byproduct of cooling, but if the system is oversized, it cools the air too quickly and shuts off before it can remove enough moisture. Short run times mean poor dehumidification. Other causes include a fan set to 'ON' instead of 'AUTO,' a dirty evaporator coil, or leaky ductwork pulling humid crawlspace air into the system. Western NC's summer humidity makes this a common complaint in our service area.

Question 8

Do I need a whole-house dehumidifier?

Accepted Answer

If your home stays above 55–60% relative humidity even with the AC running, a whole-house dehumidifier is the best solution. It installs inline with your duct system and removes moisture independently of whether the AC is running. This is particularly valuable in WNC where spring and fall bring high humidity without high temperatures — your AC won't run much, but the dampness can still cause mold, musty odors, and dust mite problems.

Question 9

Do UV lights in HVAC systems actually work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — UV-C germicidal lights installed near the evaporator coil kill mold, bacteria, and viruses that would otherwise grow on the wet coil surface. They're especially effective at preventing the biofilm that causes that musty smell when your AC kicks on. We recommend coil-sterilization UV lights over air-sterilization types because the exposure time on air passing through is too short to kill most pathogens at residential airflow speeds.

Question 10

What kind of air purifier works best with my HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

Whole-house air purifiers that install in the ductwork are far more effective than portable units. Media-based purifiers (like the Honeywell F100) offer excellent filtration with low maintenance. Electronic air cleaners (like the Trane CleanEffects) capture ultrafine particles but need regular cleaning. For maximum protection, we recommend pairing a high-quality media filter with a UV light — that combination handles particles, biologicals, and odors.

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