When you think of ultraviolet light, you might imagine getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also something you can use for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light found in air purification. If you struggle with allergies or asthma or want to minimize the distribution of illnesses around your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for!
How Does a UV Light Function?
The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been known for more than a century. UVC rays were even applied to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are common in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp added to your HVAC system improves the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally takes 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating.
UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t physically 'trap' contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air.
How Powerful Are UV Lights?
Assuming they are installed correctly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study from Duke University found that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in 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 enjoy these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air 24 hours a day without adding chemicals into the environment. Unlike some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is very hazardous to individuals with asthma, allergies or chronic lung diseases.
- Lower likelihood of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can lower the risk 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 operating reliably and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair bills: 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 using a UV light and replacing the bulb.
Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?
If you select an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer should position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it spreads through your home.
If you would rather have a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit near the AC evaporator coil. There, it targets mold and bacteria that collect on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly.
Are UV Lights Safe?
The sun constantly releases invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s essential to apply an effective sunscreen when spending time outdoors. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most destructive form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes.
Luckily, the atmosphere eliminates these rays completely, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface.
Knowing that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is limited 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 clean the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to avoid being exposed to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are used continuously 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 swapped out as needed.
Request UV Light Installation
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides a number of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to analyze your home and your family’s needs to suggest the solutions that will perform best for you. Rest assured that all work we produce is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.