How Do UV Lights for HVAC Systems Work?

When you think of ultraviolet light, you may picture getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a strategy for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the kind of light found in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or want to minimize the spread of illnesses around your home, a UV light in the HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for! 

How Does a UV Light Operate? 

The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been known for more than 100 years. UVC rays were even used to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems. 

A UV lamp added to your HVAC unit improves the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms like 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) found in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. However, UV lights don’t physically ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from the air. 

How Effective Are UV Lights? 

Provided they are installed correctly and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at improving 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 report measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial building’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 disinfects the air nonstop without adding chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, a known lung irritant that can be toxic to those with asthma, allergies or chronic lung diseases. 

• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can minimize the chance of contracting viral and bacterial infections. 
• Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can gunk up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system running reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light. 
• Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy lower maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help offset the cost of running a UV light and replacing the bulb. 

Where Do UV Lights Get Installed? 

If you choose an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician will position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it circulates through your home. 

If you would rather have a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit close to 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 continually emits invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when enjoying time outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most damaging form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes. 

Thankfully, the atmosphere blocks out these rays completely, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface. 

With the knowledge that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is confined to your ductwork where you never come in contact with it, so it poses no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to clean the lamp or change the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system temporarily to prevent exposure to the damaging light. 

How Long Do UV Lights Last? 

UV lights run constantly 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 perfect time to have these bulbs checked and swapped out as needed. 

Schedule UV Light Installation 

Levy & Son Service Experts offers a number of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be glad to assess your home and your family’s needs to advise the equipment that are 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 Levy & Son Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.