How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you probably think of getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects 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 minimize the dispersal of illnesses across your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for! 

How Does a UV Light Operate? 

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

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

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

How Powerful Are UV Lights? 

As long as they are installed properly and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at increasing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light deactivated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another analysis revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial property’s HVAC unit after four months of operating a UV light. 

Benefits of UV Lights 

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

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air 24 hours a day without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Unlike other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t produce ozone, a known lung irritant that can be toxic to those with asthma, allergies or frequent lung diseases. 

• Decreased chance of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can lower the risk of getting viral and bacterial infections. 
• A layer of protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can negatively impact your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system running smoothly and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
• Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help counter the cost of utilizing 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 helps clean the air before it flows throughout your home. 

If you would rather have 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 continually releases invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s important to wear a high SPF sunscreen when hanging out outside. The sun also produces UVC rays, the most destructive form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes. 

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

With the knowledge that UVC rays are harmful, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is restricted to the inside of the ductwork where you can’t come in contact with it, so it poses 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 down the system briefly to prevent exposure to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run continuously 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 best possible time to have these bulbs looked at and replaced as required. 

Schedule UV Light Installation 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to analyze your home and your family’s needs to suggest the equipment 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.