You spend most of your time indoors, so why settle for subpar air quality? Your home’s HVAC system plays an essential role in keeping your family comfortable, cool, and healthy. But if you’re looking to take your air quality to the next level, consider adding a UV light to your HVAC system.

One of the most effective ways to maintain clean air and a well-functioning HVAC system is to install a UV light in your HVAC unit. Not only can it improve the air you breathe, but it can also enhance the overall efficiency of your system.

At Total Comfort, we specialize in air filtration system installation, including UV lights. We are here to help you understand how UV lights work in HVAC systems and the many benefits they can bring to your home’s air quality.

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What Is a UV Light for an HVAC System?

Ultraviolet (UV) lights for HVAC systems are designed to purify and clean the air in your home by reducing airborne allergens and germs.

Installed by professional HVAC technicians, these lights are placed in the air handler or ductwork of your system. As air circulates through the system, the UV light traps and neutralizes harmful contaminants.

While there are various types of UV light, UV-C, or short-wave, UV light is the most commonly used in HVAC systems due to its powerful ability to eliminate contaminants in indoor air.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

HVAC UV lights use specialized ultraviolet light that’s powerful enough to kill or deactivate bacteria, mold, and viruses. The intense UV rays target the nucleic acids of bacteria, damaging their DNA and effectively eliminating harmful germs.

UV light’s germ-killing properties aren’t new. Hospitals have used it for airborne germ and bacteria control for nearly a century, which led to its application in HVAC systems.

A study by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association found that UV-C lights reduced airborne bacteria by 25-30% when used on HVAC drip pans and cooling coils. Additionally, the study showed that on hard surfaces like evaporator coils and drain pans, UV-C light can achieve a kill rate of up to 99.9% for harmful organisms.

Are UV Lights Safe?

Your biggest concern with any new installation in your home is safety. We can assure you that a UV light for HVAC systems is safe when properly installed and handled by Total Comfort’s expert team.

Our qualified technicians take these proper steps to ensure the safest and most effective installation:

Select and use the correct spectrum of UV light.
Install according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Wear gloves and eye protection during installation and handling.
Ensure proper installation so the UV light will not reach you or your family’s eyes.

Types of HVAC UV Light Systems

When installing UV light for your HVAC system, you have two primary options: coil sterilization and air sterilization. Both provide enhanced air purification and offer varied options for installation locations and operation.

Coil sterilization: This system is mounted inside the air handler, near the evaporator coil. The UV light runs 24/7, continuously preventing bacteria growth on the coil while also sterilizing air pollutants that pass through the HVAC system.
Air sterilization: Mounted in the return air duct, this system activates only when the HVAC system is running. It purifies the air before it enters the system, ensuring that all incoming air and the HVAC components near the purifier are sanitized.

Benefits of HVAC UV Lights

Choosing to install UV lights within your HVAC system is a commitment to enhancing your comfort indoors and overall health. Here are a few of the specific benefits to your health and home:

Prevents Mold Growth

UV lights prevent mold and bacteria growth that commonly occurs in the damp environment created by your AC system.

Reduces Airborne Viruses & Bacteria

The air circulating in your home often contains harmful contaminants. HVAC UV lights work to sterilize these signs of bacteria and viruses, ensuring that only clean air is recirculated into the house, reducing risks, especially for family members with weaker immune systems.

Eliminates Odors

Common household volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as paints, solvents, and aerosols, can produce strong, unpleasant odors. HVAC UV lights neutralize these compounds, eliminating unhealthy and unwanted smells.

Improves HVAC Energy-Efficiency

UV lights enhance HVAC energy efficiency by preventing bacteria buildup on the evaporator coil. This buildup can obstruct airflow and cause the AC unit to ice up. By reducing these issues, UV lights help avoid costly repairs and ensure your system runs efficiently by reducing these issues.

The Downsides of HVAC UV Lights

While UV lights provide enhanced air quality and benefits for your HVAC system, it’s important to also keep in mind the following limitations:

Up-Front Installation Costs

We recommend hiring a trusted professional for an accurate quote on a UV light system that will benefit your HVAC system and your family’s needs. Our team at Total Comfort will ensure a proper and safe installation.

If you’re worried about the up-front costs, keep in mind that a UV air purifier will help save you money in the long run by enhancing your HVAC efficiency.

Requires Regular Maintenance

While the UV light for HVAC effectively reduces air pollutants and the risk of mold growth, the strain on the actual bulb requires maintenance and repair. The professionals at Total Comfort will take care of those needs!

Doesn’t Remove Allergens

While HVAC UV lights sterilize indoor air, they don’t eliminate all allergens, such as dust and other particles. If you suffer from allergies, these may still affect you. To boost effectiveness, pair the UV light with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes 99.9% of contaminants.

How Often Do UV Lights Need to Be Replaced?

UV lights typically need to be replaced every 1 to 5 years, depending on the model and manufacturer. However, if the light stops functioning properly or you notice a decrease in indoor air quality, replacement may be needed sooner.

For any maintenance needs, contact our trusted HVAC technicians at Total Comfort. We’ll take the following steps to ensure your system is working properly:

Clean any dust on the lamps that may reduce the strength and effectiveness of the UV light.
Avoid touching the surface of the UV light to prevent oils from fingerprints, which can diminish UV output or cause uneven heating.

HVAC UV Light Installation: Is it Worth It?

HVAC UV light installation is your solution to a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable indoor space. UV lights take care of the work for you— killing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants—so you can sit back and relax knowing your space is safe and healthy for you and your family.

HVAC UV lights will also help keep your energy consumption and costs low, enhancing the system’s energy efficiency and lifespan.

While the benefits of HVAC UV lights are far worth it, we also want you to be prepared for certain limitations, such as high upfront costs, safety hazards, and limited effectiveness in areas.

When it comes to deciding if HVAC UV light installation is right for you, reflect on its pros and cons with consideration for your home’s air quality needs and your preferences—our team can help!

Enhance Air Quality with Professional UV Light Installation

Don’t wait for unpleasant air quality or odors while trying to enjoy your space—learn more about HVAC UV light installation from the experts at Total Comfort.

UV Light for HVAC: Do They Really Improve Air Quality & Efficiency?