When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you probably imagine getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also something you can use for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards 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 minimize the dispersal of illnesses around your home, a UV light within the HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for!
How Does a UV Light Operate?
The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been known for more than a century. UVC rays were even employed to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment plants and air purification equipment.
A UV lamp installed into your HVAC system improves the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually needs 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating.
UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols such as 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 home's air supply.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
As long as they are installed properly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably 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 noted “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial business' HVAC system after four months of using a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to enjoy these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air nonstop without dispersing chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, a known lung irritant that is hazardous 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 products can reduce the risk of catching 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 running smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair bills: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy lower maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help counter the cost of utilizing a UV light and replacing the bulb.
Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?
If you select an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician should position it inside 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 should sit near the AC evaporator coil. There, it deactivates mold and bacteria that grow on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly.
Are UV Lights Safe?
The sun constantly emits invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s essential to apply 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, such as the skin and eyes.
Thankfully, the atmosphere blocks out these rays entirely, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface.
Understanding that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is limited to your ductwork where you can't come in contact with it, so it poses no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or swap out the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut down the system temporarily to avoid being exposed to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are on 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 best possible time to have these bulbs examined and swapped out as needed.
Schedule UV Light Installation
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning features a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be glad to analyze your home and your family’s needs to recommend the equipment that will perform best for you. Rest assured 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.