How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may think of getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. However, UV light is also a tool for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards 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 reduce the dispersal of illnesses around your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been searching 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 applied to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification equipment. 

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

UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents as well as 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 home’s air supply. 

How Successful Are UV Lights? 

Provided they are installed properly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University found that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study noted “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial business’ HVAC equipment after four months of applying 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 around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Unlike certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, a known lung irritant that is very hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or frequent lung illnesses. 

• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can minimize the likelihood of contracting viral and bacterial infections. 
• Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can negatively impact your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light. 
• Reduced 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 offset the cost of using 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 in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it circulates through your home. 

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

Are UV Lights Safe? 

The sun continually releases invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outdoors. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most harming form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes. 

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

Knowing that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is confined to 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 maintain the lamp or change the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to prevent exposure to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights are on continuously and usually 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 perfect time to have these bulbs examined and swapped out as needed. 

Request 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 happy to analyze your home and your family’s needs to advise the products that will perform best for you. Rest easy knowing that all work we produce is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.