When you think of ultraviolet light, you might picture getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. And yet, UV light is also a tool for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the form of light found in air purification. If you struggle with allergies or asthma or hope to minimize the spread of illnesses across your home, a UV light within the HVAC system could be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for!
How Does a UV Light Work?
The germicidal effects of ultraviolet light have been understood 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 placed inside 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 blocking them from replicating.
UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in cleaners and repellents alongside airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. However, UV lights don’t actually 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to extract dust, fibers and other particles from your home's air supply.
How Effective Are UV Lights?
Assuming they are installed like they're supposed to and feature the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at enhancing 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 revealed “significantly lower” fungal levels within a commercial business' HVAC system after four months of applying a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Place an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to take advantage of these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology sanitizes the air around the clock without adding chemicals into the environment. As opposed to other air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t generate ozone, a recognized lung irritant that is hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung illnesses.
- Lower chance of getting sick: When used in tandem with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV lights can reduce the likelihood 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 running reliably and efficiently with a hard-working UV light.
- Smaller HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help recoup the cost of running a UV light and replacing the bulb.
Where Do UV Lights Get Installed?
If you choose an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician will position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp sanitizes the air before it circulates throughout your home.
If you would rather have a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will 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 continually 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 harming type of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, like the skin and eyes.
Fortunately, the atmosphere filters 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 alright with installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is limited to the inside of the ductwork where you won't come in contact with it, so it presents no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or change the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut down the system for a short time to avoid exposure to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are on around the clock 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 best possible time to have these bulbs looked at and replaced when necessary.
Schedule UV Light Installation
Winnipeg Supply 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 suggest the solutions that will perform best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we complete is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to your local Winnipeg Supply Service Experts office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.