How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you look at ultraviolet light, you probably imagine 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 type of light applied in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or want to limit the spread of illnesses around your home, a UV light within the HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for! 

How Does a UV Light Operate? 

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

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

UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used 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 need an air filtration system to capture dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air. 

How Successful Are UV Lights? 

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

Benefits of UV Lights 

Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to enjoy these benefits: 

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology sanitizes the air around the clock without adding chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is toxic to people with asthma, allergies or chronic lung illnesses. 

• Lower risk of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can minimize the chance of contracting 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 operating reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
• Reduced 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 utilizing 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 sanitizes the air before it flows through your home. 

If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit around the AC evaporator coil. There, it deactivates 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 know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s essential to wear an effective sunscreen when hanging out outdoors. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most damaging variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes. 

Fortunately, the atmosphere eliminates these rays entirely, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface. 

With the knowledge that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is limited to your ductwork where you can’t come in contact with it, so it creates no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or replace 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 are used constantly and typically last nine to 14 months. Annual 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 changed out as required. 

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 recommend the products 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.