How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you think of ultraviolet light, you may picture getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light used in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or hope to reduce the distribution of illnesses across your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!

How Does a UV Light Operate?

The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than a century. UVC rays were originally applied to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are found in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification products.

A UV lamp placed inside your HVAC system boosts the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally requires 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating.

UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t actually ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from the air.

How Successful Are UV Lights?

Assuming they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are very effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University illustrated that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report measured “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial building’s HVAC equipment after four months of using a UV light.

Benefits of UV Lights

Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to make the most of these benefits:

• • Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology sanitizes the air 24 hours a day without adding chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that can be hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or chronic lung illnesses.

• • Lower risk of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can lower the chance of getting viral and bacterial infections.

• • Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can gunk up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working smoothly and efficiently with a hard-working UV light.

• • Lower HVAC maintenance and repair bills: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy lower maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help offset the cost of using a UV light and replacing the bulb.

Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?

If you choose an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer should position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it flows through your home.

If you would rather have a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit close to the AC evaporator coil. There, it deactivates mold and bacteria that grow on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly.

Are UV Lights Safe?

The sun continuously emits invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when hanging out outdoors. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most harming form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes.

Luckily, the atmosphere filters out these rays completely, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface.

Knowing that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is limited to the ductwork where you never come in contact with it, so it creates no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to avoid exposure to the damaging light.

How Long Do UV Lights Last?

UV lights are used constantly and usually last nine to 14 months. Annual HVAC maintenance (once in the spring for your air conditioner and again in the fall for your furnace) is the best possible time to have these bulbs examined and swapped out as required.

Request UV Light Installation

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a range of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be glad to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to suggest the products that are best for you. Rest easy knowing that all work we perform is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.