When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you probably picture getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for enhancing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light applied in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or want to reduce the dispersal of illnesses across your home, a UV light in the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for!
How Does a UV Light Function?
The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been known for over a century. UVC rays were even used to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are used in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp installed into your HVAC system boosts the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It only requires 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating.
UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t physically 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from the air.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
Assuming they are installed like they're supposed to and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at increasing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial building’s HVAC system after four months of operating 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 disinfects the air 24 hours a day without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Unlike some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is toxic to people with asthma, allergies or chronic lung illnesses.
- Lower risk of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can reduce the likelihood of catching viral and bacterial infections.
- 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 hard-working UV light.
- Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable 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 installation technician should position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it circulates throughout 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 constantly emits invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outdoors. The sun also produces UVC rays, the most destructive type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes.
Thankfully, the atmosphere blocks out these rays altogether, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface.
Understanding that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is restricted to the inside of the ductwork where you never 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 down the system temporarily to prevent 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 perfect time to have these bulbs looked at and replaced as required.
Schedule UV Light Installation
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be glad to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to suggest the equipment that will work best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we complete is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.