How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you might think of getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a tool for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light used in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or would like to limit the dispersal of illnesses around your home, a UV light within the HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for! 

How Does a UV Light Operate? 

The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than a century. UVC rays were initially applied to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are used in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment plants and air purification systems. 

A UV lamp placed inside your HVAC unit boosts the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally requires 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating. 

UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t literally ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from your home’s air supply. 

How Powerful Are UV Lights? 

Assuming they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are very effective at improving indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study noted “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial business’ HVAC equipment after four months of applying a UV light. 

Benefits of UV Lights 

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

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air 24 hours a day without adding chemicals into the environment. Unlike some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is very harmful to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases. 

• Lower likelihood of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can reduce the likelihood of getting viral and bacterial infections. 
• Stronger protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can clog up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working reliably and efficiently with a quality UV light. 
• Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy simpler maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help offset the cost of utilizing a UV light and replacing the bulb. 

Where Do UV Lights Get Installed? 

If you decide on an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician will position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it circulates through your home. 

If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit close to 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 constantly produces invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s important to use a high SPF sunscreen when spending time outside. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most destructive type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes. 

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

Understanding that UVC rays are harmful, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is restricted to your 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 change the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut down the system for a short time to prevent being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run around the clock and generally 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 ideal time to have these bulbs checked and swapped out when necessary. 

Request UV Light Installation 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a number of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be happy to analyze your home and your family’s needs to suggest the solutions that are best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we produce is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.