UV Light for HVAC - How Do They Work??

Learn all about what a UV light can do for your family. At Advantage, We Got You.
Here's the original blog: www.advantageh...
Visit our website: www.advantageh...
Facebook: / advantageheatingllc
Instagram: www.instagram....
Tiktok: @advantageheating
Timestamps:
00:32 - Does UV Light Kill Germs?
00:57 - Where Is An HVAC UV Light Installed?
01:38 - How Much Does an HVAC UV Light Cost?
Does UV Light Kill Germs?
There have been several studies into the effectiveness of UV lights and the different methods of using them around home. We’ll reference a few of them as we continue along. In short, lights do, in fact, kill a variety of contaminants.
What Does UV Light Kill?
Viruses
Bacteria
Mold Spores
Fungus
Parasites
There are more classifications of germs that UV light lights kill that are not on this list. These are just the ones most commonly found in a person’s home.
How Does UV Kill Germs?
A UV light creates UV-C light. That means that it’s light with a wavelength between 200 and 400 nanometers. HVAC UV lights typically operate with a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
As we know from when we get sunburns, living cells absorb energy from light. The sun’s light contacts our skin. Our skin cells absorb the energy and, if there’s too much, we develop a sunburn.
When UV-C light contacts germs, it does something similar. The germ will absorb that light. That light stops the germ from being able to create new protein. That means the germ cannot reproduce or repair itself. The germ will die shortly after exposure because it can no longer maintain itself.
Of course, that also means that UV-C light is dangerous to our cells as well. That’s why it’s installed in the HVAC system, where the light cannot contact your skin.
Where is the Light Installed?
UV lights are installed in one of two locations based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Indoor Coil
This is the most common location for a UV light to be installed. A technician will install a UV light in your indoor evaporator unit next to the unit’s coils. These types of lights typically run 24/7 and prevent bacteria and mold growth on the coils.
Ductwork
Another location a technician can install a UV light in is in the ductwork close to the blower fan. These lights can be wired to the furnace to only turn on when the rest of the HVAC system is running. By being placed in this location, any air that passes through your central ductwork will be exposed to the UV light.
Both locations have their merits. The HVAC technician that is installing your UV light will determine where the light should be installed based on the style of light and the design of your current HVAC system.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of installation will depend on the brand of light you purchase, the location it is installed in, and the quality of the installer.
You can expect a UV light for an HVAC system to cost between $800 to $1200. Talk with your HVAC company. They may offer contract discounts, or financing options.
Type and Location
Typically, lights installed next to the furnace or blower fan will cost most. This location requires additional electrical work to connect the light to the fan motor.
Quality of Contractor
A high-quality contractor will charge a higher fee. This is because they will take extra time and care when helping you improve your HVAC system.
A lesser quality HVAC contractor may just give everyone the same light option, which may not even be effective. Then, they may blow out your electrical when they install it. It’s not unheard of for a company that did not do its due diligence to overload a circuit when adding to an HVAC system.
Do You Need a UV Light for Good Air Quality?
If you or a member of your family are immunocompromised, or if your safety of mind requires that you make your home as germ proof as possible, then a UV light for your HVAC system can do a lot to help you reach that goal.
If you just suffer from occasional allergies or have stuffy air, then a UV light might not be a worthwhile investment.
What Else Helps Indoor Air Quality?
Here are some additional steps you can take to improve the quality of air that goes through your HVAC system:
Change You Air Filter
Clean Your Home Regularly
Stay Current on Your HVAC System Maintenance
Get A Separate Air Purifier
Keep Indoor Humidity Low
Keep Rooms Ventilated