When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may picture getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. However, UV light is also something you can use for enhancing indoor air quality. Sunscreen safeguards against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the kind of light applied in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or hope to limit the dispersal of illnesses throughout your home, a UV light within the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for!
How Does a UV Light Function?
The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than 100 years. UVC rays were even employed to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification equipment.
A UV lamp installed into your HVAC unit boosts the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It generally needs 10 seconds of contact to disrupt these germs’ DNA, killing them or preventing them from replicating.
UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents as well as airborne bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t literally 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to capture dust, fibers and other particles from your indoor air.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
Assuming they are installed correctly and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at enhancing indoor air quality. One study out of Duke University illustrated that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another report measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial business' HVAC system 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 around the clock without introducing chemicals into the environment. Unlike other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung diseases.
- Lower risk of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can reduce the risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections.
- Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can gunk up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working reliably 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 installer will position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp helps clean the air before it circulates through your home.
If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit close to 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 continually emits invisible UV radiation. As you know, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin, so it’s crucial to wear an effective sunscreen when hanging out outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most damaging variant of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, such as the skin and eyes.
Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays altogether, so they don’t reach the earth’s surface.
Understanding that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel okay with installing a UVC light in your home? It’s simple—the light is confined 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 swap out the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system briefly to avoid being exposed to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are used constantly and generally 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 ideal time to have these bulbs checked and changed out as required.
Request UV Light Installation
TML Service Experts provides a suite of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to assess your home and your family’s needs to advise the solutions 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. Contact your local TML Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.