How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may imagine getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also something you can use for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light applied in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or hope to limit the distribution of illnesses across your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for! 

How Does a UV Light Operate? 

The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been known for more than 100 years. UVC rays were originally applied to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are common in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification equipment. 

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

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

How Successful Are UV Lights? 

Provided they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly 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 study noted “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial property’s HVAC system 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 introducing chemicals into the environment. Compared to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t produce ozone, an infamous lung irritant that can be harmful to individuals with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases. 

• Lower risk of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can minimize the chance of contracting viral and bacterial infections. 
• Stronger protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can negatively impact your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system operating smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light. 
• Lower HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and minimal need for 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 inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it spreads across your home. 

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

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun continually emits invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when enjoying time outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most destructive type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes. 

Luckily, the atmosphere filters out these rays entirely, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface. 

Knowing that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is restricted to your ductwork where you never come in contact with it, so it poses 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 being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights are used around the clock and generally 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 replaced when necessary. 

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 analyze your home and your family’s needs to recommend the solutions that will perform best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we complete 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.