When you look at ultraviolet light, you may picture getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a tool for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light used in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or hope to reduce the spread of illnesses throughout your home, a UV light within the HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for!
How Does a UV Light Function?
The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than a century. UVC rays were initially employed to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are found in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp installed into your HVAC unit boosts the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually needs 10 seconds of contact to disrupt these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating.
UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t literally 'trap' contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
As long as they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study from Duke University illustrated that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial building’s HVAC unit after four months of applying a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Add an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to take advantage of these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t produce ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is very hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or frequent lung diseases.
- Lower chance of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can lower the risk 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 working reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light.
- Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy simpler maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help recoup 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 will position it within 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 will sit close to 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 continuously produces invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s crucial to apply a high SPF sunscreen when enjoying time outdoors. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most damaging type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes.
Fortunately, the atmosphere eliminates these rays completely, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface.
Knowing that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is confined to the inside of the ductwork where you never come in contact with it, so it presents no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut off the system briefly to prevent being exposed to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are used constantly and generally 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 ideal time to have these bulbs examined and changed out as needed.
Request UV Light Installation
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning features 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 suggest the solutions that will perform best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we perform is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.