How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you look at ultraviolet light, you might imagine getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. However, UV light is also a strategy for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light applied in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or hope to limit the distribution of illnesses around your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for! 

How Does a UV Light Work? 

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

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

UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in cleaners and repellents as well as airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. However, 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? 

Provided they are installed correctly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study from Duke University revealed that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial business’ HVAC unit after four months of applying 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 helps clean the air nonstop without adding chemicals into the environment. Compared to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is very hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or frequent lung diseases. 

• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can minimize the chance of getting 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 quality UV light. 
• Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair bills: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy simpler maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help counter the cost of running 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 sanitizes the air before it flows across your home. 

If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit around 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 constantly releases invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to apply an effective sunscreen when hanging out outdoors. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most destructive type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes. 

Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays entirely, 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 confined to the inside of the ductwork where you won’t come in contact with it, so it creates no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to clean the lamp or swap out the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut off the system temporarily to avoid exposure to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run continuously and usually 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 ideal time to have these bulbs checked and changed out when necessary. 

Schedule 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 glad to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to advise the solutions that will perform best for you. Rest easy knowing that all work we complete 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.