When you hear the phrase ultraviolet light, you may imagine getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a tool for increasing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light found in air purification. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or want to minimize the dispersal of illnesses across your home, a UV light in the HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been searching for!
How Does a UV Light Work?
The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been recognized for more than 100 years. UVC rays were originally employed to treat tuberculosis. Nowadays, germicidal lamps are implemented in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment plants and air purification systems.
A UV lamp added to your HVAC system boosts the air quality in your home by wiping out microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It usually requires 10 seconds of contact to disrupt these germs’ DNA, killing them or stopping them from replicating.
UV lights also target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. Still, UV lights don’t actually 'trap' contaminants, so you still need an air filtration system to capture dust, fibers and other particles from the air.
How Powerful Are UV Lights?
Assuming they are installed like they're supposed to and utilize the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are remarkably effective at increasing indoor air quality. One study from Duke University found that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial building’s HVAC unit after four months of operating a UV light.
Benefits of UV Lights
Install an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to make the most of these benefits:
- Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology disinfects the air nonstop without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Compared to certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a known lung irritant that can be hazardous to individuals with asthma, allergies or prolonged lung conditions.
- Lower chance of getting sick: Alongside good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can lower the chance of catching viral and bacterial infections.
- Protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can gunk up your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system running smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light.
- Reduced 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 decide on an air-sanitizing UV light, your installer should position it inside your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it flows throughout your home.
If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it should sit near 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 already know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s crucial to wear a high SPF sunscreen when hanging out outside. The sun also gives off UVC rays, the most damaging form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes.
Fortunately, the atmosphere blocks out these rays entirely, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface.
With the knowledge that UVC rays are dangerous, why should you feel alright 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 change the bulb, your HVAC technician will turn off the system temporarily to avoid exposure to the damaging light.
How Long Do UV Lights Last?
UV lights are used 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 looked at and replaced as needed.
Schedule UV Light Installation
Orangutan Home Services provides a number of air quality solutions, including UV lights for HVAC systems. We would be delighted to analyze your home and your family’s needs to recommend the products that are best for you. Enjoy the peace of mind that that all work we complete is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get in touch with your local Orangutan Home Services office to schedule UV light installation or request a free home health consultation today.