How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you think of ultraviolet light, you may think of getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light found in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or hope to minimize the dispersal of illnesses throughout your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for! 

How Does a UV Light Function? 

The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been known for more than 100 years. UVC rays were initially applied to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification equipment. 

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

UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used 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 capture dust, fibers and other particles from your home’s air supply. 

How Successful Are UV Lights? 

Provided they are installed properly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at improving indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University illustrated that UV light deactivated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another analysis noted “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial building’s HVAC system after four months of using a UV light. 

Benefits of UV Lights 

Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to take advantage of these benefits: 

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air 24 hours a day without introducing chemicals into the environment. As opposed to some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that can be harmful to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung conditions. 

• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can minimize the risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections. 
• A layer of protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can clog up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
• Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair bills: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and minimal need for 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 installation technician will position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it circulates through your home. 

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

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun constantly emits invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s crucial to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when hanging out outside. 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. 

Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays altogether, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface. 

Knowing that UVC rays are harmful, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is restricted 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 shut down the system briefly to prevent being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run constantly and usually last nine to 14 months. Routine HVAC maintenance (once in the spring for your air conditioner and again in the fall for your furnace) is the ideal time to have these bulbs looked at and swapped out when necessary. 

Request UV Light Installation 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides a range of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to recommend the solutions that are best for you. Rest assured 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.