When you look at ultraviolet light, you probably picture getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. And yet, 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 suffer from allergies or asthma or would like to reduce the distribution of illnesses across your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!
How Does a UV Light Operate?
The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than 100 years. UVC rays were initially applied to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are found in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification equipment.
A UV lamp added to your HVAC unit improves the air quality in your home by deactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually needs 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating.
UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t actually 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from the air.
How Powerful Are UV Lights?
Provided they are installed like they're supposed to and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University revealed that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report 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 enjoy these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air 24 hours a day without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Compared to some air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, a recognized lung irritant that can be harmful to those with asthma, allergies or frequent lung illnesses.
- Lower likelihood of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can minimize the likelihood of catching 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 smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair bills: 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 choose an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer will position it in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it spreads through your home.
If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit near 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 continuously releases invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to use an effective sunscreen when spending time outside. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most harming form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes.
Luckily, the atmosphere blocks out these rays altogether, so they don’t make it 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 confined to the ductwork where you can't come in contact with it, so it presents no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or swap out the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system temporarily to prevent being exposed to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are on continuously and typically 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 best possible time to have these bulbs checked and changed out as required.
Request UV Light Installation
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be happy to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to advise the products 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. Reach out to your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.