When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you might think of getting sunburned after spending a day at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a strategy for enhancing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light used in air purification. If you struggle with allergies or asthma or hope to reduce the distribution of illnesses around your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!

How Does a UV Light Function?

The germicidal influences of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than 100 years. UVC rays were originally applied to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment plants and air purification equipment.

A UV lamp added to your HVAC system improves the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally takes 10 seconds of contact to affect these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating.

UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t physically ‘trap’ contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from your home's air supply.

How Powerful Are UV Lights?

Provided they are installed correctly and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial property's HVAC system after four months of operating a UV light.

Benefits of UV Lights

Place an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to make the most of these benefits:

• Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology sanitizes the air 24 hours a day without dispersing chemicals into the environment. As opposed to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, an infamous lung irritant that can be toxic to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases.
• Decreased likelihood of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can reduce the risk of catching viral and bacterial infections.
• Stronger 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.
• Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair needs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy simpler maintenance requirements and minimal need for emergency repairs. These savings can help counter the cost of using a UV light and replacing the bulb.

Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?

If you decide on an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician should position it in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it flows throughout your home.

If you choose a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit around 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 continuously produces invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when enjoying time outdoors. The sun also produces UVC rays, the most harming variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes.

Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays altogether, 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 home? It’s simple—the light is limited to your 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 clean the lamp or change the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to prevent exposure to the damaging light.

How Long Do UV Lights Last?

UV lights run around the clock and usually 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 examined and replaced when necessary.

Schedule UV Light Installation

 offers a range of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be happy to assess your home and your family’s needs to suggest the equipment that will work best for you. Rest easy knowing that all work we complete is backed by a one-year Service Experts Guarantee. Reach out to your local Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.