How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you might think of getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the kind of light applied in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or would like to reduce the distribution of illnesses throughout 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 Work? 

The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than a century. UVC rays were initially employed to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are common in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment plants and air purification products. 

A UV lamp installed into your HVAC system helps the air quality in your home by deactivating microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally requires 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating. 

UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t actually ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from the air. 

How Successful Are UV Lights? 

As long as they are installed like they’re supposed to and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University revealed that UV light eliminated 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 

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

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Unlike some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is very harmful to individuals with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases. 

• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can minimize the risk of contracting 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 reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
• Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy lower maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help recoup 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 installation technician should position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it spreads across your home. 

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

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun constantly releases invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s crucial to wear an effective sunscreen when enjoying time outside. The sun also produces UVC rays, the most damaging variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes. 

Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays completely, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface. 

Understanding that UVC rays are harmful, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is limited to the inside of the 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 change the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut down the system briefly to avoid being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run around the clock 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 perfect time to have these bulbs examined and changed out when necessary. 

Request UV Light Installation 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides a number 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 equipment that are best for you. Rest assured that all work we produce 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.