When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may picture getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a tool for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the kind of light applied in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or would like to limit the distribution of illnesses across your home, a UV light in the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!
How Does a UV Light Work?
The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been understood for over a century. UVC rays were initially used to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are common in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp added to your HVAC system improves the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It only requires 10 seconds of contact to disrupt these germs’ DNA, killing them or blocking them from replicating.
UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t actually 'trap' contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to capture dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
Provided they are installed like they're supposed to and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are very effective at improving indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University found that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study measured “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial business' HVAC unit after four months of operating a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to take advantage of these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air nonstop without adding chemicals into the environment. Unlike other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a known lung irritant that is very toxic to those with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases.
- Lower risk of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can minimize the risk of getting 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 reliably and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Lower HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help counter the cost of running a UV light and replacing the bulb.
Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?
If you decide on an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer will position it in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it spreads throughout your home.
If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will 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 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 gives off UVC rays, the most destructive type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes.
Fortunately, the atmosphere eliminates these rays entirely, so they don’t make it to the earth’s surface.
Knowing that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is limited to the ductwork where you won't come in contact with it, so it creates no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut down the system temporarily to prevent exposure to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are used 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 perfect time to have these bulbs looked at and swapped out as required.
Request UV Light Installation
Fras-Air/General Service Experts 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 recommend the products that will work best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we produce is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to your local Fras-Air/General Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.