When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you might imagine 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 kind of light used in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or want to minimize the dispersal of illnesses around your home, a UV light in the HVAC system can be the air quality solution you’ve been hoping for!
How Does a UV Light Operate?
The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than a century. UVC rays were even employed to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing centers, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp added to your HVAC unit boosts the air quality in your home by deactivating microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually requires 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating.
UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents as well as airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. However, UV lights don’t literally 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to remove dust, fibers and other particles from the air.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
Provided they are installed like they're supposed to and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at improving 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 revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial property's HVAC unit after four months of applying a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Add an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to make the most of these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air 24 hours a day without adding chemicals into the environment. As opposed to other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t produce ozone, an infamous lung irritant that is hazardous to those with asthma, allergies or chronic lung diseases.
- Lower likelihood of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lamps can lower the chance of getting viral and bacterial infections.
- A layer of protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can clog up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system operating smoothly and efficiently with a hard-working UV light.
- Smaller 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 recoup the cost of utilizing a UV light and replacing the bulb.
Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?
If you choose an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician should position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it circulates across your home.
If you choose a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit close to the AC evaporator coil. There, it targets mold and bacteria that collect on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly.
Are UV Lights Safe?
The sun constantly releases invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most destructive form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes.
Luckily, the atmosphere blocks out these rays altogether, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface.
Knowing that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel alright with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is restricted to the inside of 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 clean the lamp or swap out the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system for a short time to avoid exposure to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are on continuously and generally 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 checked and swapped out as needed.
Schedule UV Light Installation
Stevenson Service Experts provides 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 advise the solutions that are best for you. Rest easy knowing that all work we perform is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Stevenson Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.