How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you might imagine getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. However, 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 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 Work? 

The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than 100 years. UVC rays were even employed to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification products. 

A UV lamp added to your HVAC unit improves the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It only needs 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or preventing them from replicating. 

UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t actually ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still need 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 like they’re supposed to and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at improving indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University illustrated 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 within a commercial property’s HVAC unit after four months of operating a UV light. 

Benefits of UV Lights 

Add an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to make the most of these benefits: 

  • Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air nonstop without adding chemicals into the environment. Unlike other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is very toxic to people with asthma, allergies or chronic lung illnesses. 
  • Lower chance of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can reduce the chance 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 running reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
  • Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy simpler maintenance requirements and fewer 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 installer should position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it spreads across your home. 

If you choose a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should 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 continuously emits invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s essential to wear an effective sunscreen when enjoying time outdoors. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most damaging type 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 dangerous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is confined to the inside of the ductwork where you won’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 change the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut off the system briefly to avoid being exposed to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights are used around the clock and usually 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 best possible time to have these bulbs checked and changed out as required. 

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

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