When you look at ultraviolet light, you might picture getting sunburned after a long day at the pool. And yet, UV light is also something you can use for improving indoor air quality. Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light applied in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or would like to minimize the spread of illnesses across your home, a UV light within the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!
How Does a UV Light Operate?
The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been understood for more than 100 years. UVC rays were even used to treat tuberculosis. Today, germicidal lamps are found in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp installed into 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 disrupt these germs’ DNA, killing them or preventing them from replicating.
UV lights also combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents as well as airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t literally 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from your home's air supply.
How Powerful Are UV Lights?
As long as they are installed correctly and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are very effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study from Duke University revealed that UV light eliminated more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report noted “significantly lower” fungal levels inside a commercial building’s HVAC system after four months of using a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Place an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to enjoy these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology sanitizes the air around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Compared to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is harmful 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 lamps can lower the risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections.
- Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can clog up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair bills: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help offset 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 will position it in your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it spreads through your home.
If you would rather have a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should 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 continuously releases invisible UV radiation. As you probably know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when hanging out outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most harming variant 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 make it to the earth’s surface.
Understanding that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is confined to the ductwork where you never 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 off the system temporarily to avoid exposure to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights run around the clock and typically last nine to 14 months. Yearly 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
Epperson Service Experts provides a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to evaluate your home and your family’s needs to advise the equipment that are best for you. Rest assured that all work we perform is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Epperson Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.