How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may think of getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a strategy for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the kind of light applied in air purification. If you struggle with allergies or asthma or hope to minimize the dispersal of illnesses around your home, a UV light within the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for! 

How Does a UV Light Function? 

The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than 100 years. UVC rays were originally applied to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are used in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification equipment. 

A UV lamp added to your HVAC unit helps the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually takes 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating. 

UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents as well as airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t literally ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air. 

How Effective Are UV Lights? 

As long as they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at improving indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial business’ HVAC unit after four months of applying a UV light. 

Benefits of UV Lights 

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

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. As opposed to other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is toxic to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases. 

• Lower chance of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can reduce the chance of catching viral and bacterial infections. 
• A layer of 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 simpler 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 select an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer will position it in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it circulates across your home. 

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

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun continually produces invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when hanging out outdoors. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most harming variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes. 

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

With the knowledge that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is restricted to the inside of the ductwork where you won’t come in contact with it, so it presents no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or change the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut off the system temporarily to prevent exposure to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights are used constantly and generally last nine to 14 months. Yearly HVAC maintenance (once in the spring for your air conditioner and again in the fall for your furnace) is the perfect time to have these bulbs looked at and replaced when necessary. 

Schedule UV Light Installation 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing features a range of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be happy to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to recommend the products that are best for you. Rest assured that all work we produce is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.