How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you look at ultraviolet light, you might think of getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. And yet, UV light is also something you can use for enhancing indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light used in air purification. If you struggle with allergies or asthma or want to limit the spread of illnesses around your home, a UV light in the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for! 

How Does a UV Light Work? 

The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than 100 years. UVC rays were even used to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are used in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification products. 

A UV lamp installed into your HVAC unit improves the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally takes 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or preventing them from replicating. 

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

How Effective Are UV Lights? 

Provided they are installed properly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are very effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University revealed that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another analysis noted “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial business’ HVAC unit 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 nonstop without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Compared to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t produce ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is hazardous to individuals with asthma, allergies or frequent lung conditions. 

• Decreased risk of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can lower 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 smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light. 
• Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy lower maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help recoup 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 installation technician will position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it flows throughout your home. 

If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit near the AC evaporator coil. There, it deactivates mold and bacteria that accumulate on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly. 

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun constantly releases invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s essential to apply an effective sunscreen when hanging out outdoors. The sun also produces UVC rays, the most destructive variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes. 

Thankfully, the atmosphere filters out these rays entirely, so they don’t make it to the earth’s surface. 

With the knowledge that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is confined to your ductwork where you can’t come in contact with it, so it presents no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to clean the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to prevent being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights are on continuously and typically 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 perfect time to have these bulbs examined and replaced as required. 

Request 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 suggest the products that will perform 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.