Homeowners in the Houston, TX area know all about the importance of a reliable HVAC system. However, moisture, mold, dust, and other airborne contaminants in your system can infiltrate your home when the AC is running. One way to create a healthier home environment is by using UV lights for HVAC systems.
Learn about how UV lights work, their benefits, the different options available, and how the team at Trilogy AC Cooling and Heating can provide professional HVAC UV light installation to help improve your indoor air quality for a healthier home.
How UV Lights Work in HVAC Systems
UV (ultraviolet) lights in HVAC systems work by emitting ultraviolet radiation to target and destroy potentially dangerous microorganisms. These lights kill viruses, bacteria, and mold spores to help improve your home’s indoor air quality. A UV light in your HVAC system sanitizes the air that circulates through the ductwork by exposing it to the UV light as it passes through before entering your home.
When bacteria or other harmful microorganisms come into contact with UV light, it damages their DNA and makes them unable to replicate. In most cases, the light effectively “kills” the tiny organisms as they pass through. A UV light for an HVAC system is an add-on feature typically installed in the air handler or the return ductwork for best results.
Benefits of UV Lights for Your HVAC System
Here are some HVAC UV light benefits and how UV lights improve indoor air quality when added to your HVAC system.
Minimizes microbial growth
UV lights are effective for mold prevention in HVAC systems because the light directly targets and kills mold. It also kills bacteria and other microorganisms that accumulate on an HVAC evaporator coil and inside the ductwork. Adding a UV light to your HVAC system improves indoor air quality and your family’s health.
Improves system efficiency
UV lights prevent microorganisms from reproducing, so they also help to prevent buildup and clogs in your air filter and ductwork. As a result, your system has better airflow, which prolongs its service life and increases efficiency. When the air filter, ductwork, and other important components are clean and clog-free, the system runs much more efficiently and saves you money on monthly energy costs.
A healthier household
HVAC UV lights keep the air inside your home clean and healthy by reducing contaminants like mold, viruses, and bacteria. These powerful lights also reduce the production of germs and odors and help remove dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air. Using a UV light with your HVAC system prevents asthma and allergy symptoms, such as respiratory issues, rashes, eye irritation, headaches, and fatigue. UV lights are an excellent option for those with chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
Extends system lifespan
An HVAC system is a big investment, so adding a UV light is a smart way to prolong its lifespan. Bacteria, mold, and other microbes can start degrading expensive HVAC components over time, eventually causing costly repairs or a full system breakdown. UV light helps extend the life of your system by protecting it from these harmful contaminants and ensuring optimum performance.
Types of UV Lights for HVAC Systems
What are the best UV lights for HVAC systems? Two types of UV lights are used for HVAC systems: coil-sanitizing lights and air-sanitizing lights.
Coil-sanitizing UV Lights
Air conditioning systems use an evaporator coil, which is located at the indoor air handler. This coil carries the refrigerant used to cool your home. This air is moist and cool, making it a perfect environment to promote mold and bacteria growth.
A coil-sanitizing UV light targets and kills the microorganisms that reproduce in and near your evaporator coil. These lights are typically long and resemble traditional fluorescent light bulbs. One of our experienced technicians will install them directly above or next to your evaporator coil. They stay on 24/7 and are particularly helpful in humid climates or areas where you may run your air conditioner frequently during the summer.
Air-sanitizing UV Lights
An air-sanitizing UV light works as an in-duct air purifier that operates like a whole-home air purifier. The UV light targets and kills airborne bacteria, mold spores, and viruses, which enter your home through the air ducts and return air vents.
This particular type of HVAC UV light functions as a light for both the furnace and the air conditioner, so it works year-round to keep your home’s indoor air clean. You can have these lights hardwired so they only come on whenever your system is operational. This option helps protect your household against the spread of viruses and bacteria in any season.
Are HVAC UV Lights Worth It?
Do HVAC UV lights work, and are they worth it? Here are some quick facts about these lights to help you determine whether adding one to your system is the right choice for you:
- HVAC UV lights are an innovative solution to improve indoor air quality because they act as whole-house air filters and cleaners.
- A Duke Medicine study found that UV lights are highly effective and can even kill drug-resistant superbugs.
- UV lights are safe for your family and pets if installed by a skilled professional.
- These lights are installed inside the enclosed evaporator coil and/or your ductwork so they don’t shine into any areas of your home.
- HVAC UV lights require very little energy to operate and increase your system’s overall efficiency to help lower energy bills.
Installation and Maintenance of HVAC UV Lights
HVAC UV lights should be installed by a professional to make sure the light is placed in the right area and wired correctly. The UV light must be installed in the air handler and positioned downstream of the air filter and cooling coil for best results. A hardwired UV light should be connected to your HVAC system’s transformer using the proper wiring techniques for safe operation.
For HVAC maintenance with UV lights, most bulbs last between one and five years before needing to be changed. A regularly scheduled annual HVAC inspection is the best way to make sure your UV light is still working. Wipe the light clean every so often to remove dust and dirt and to prevent obstruction of the UV rays.
Contact Trilogy AC Today
An HVAC UV light improves indoor air quality and system efficiency and extends the service life of your system. Trust the experts at Trilogy Air Cooling and Heating for all of your Houston area home heating and cooling needs, including repairs, new system installations, maintenance, and more. Contact us today to schedule a professional HVAC UV light installation.
