Do HVAC UV lights work?

UV light is not a new invention; it has been used for many purposes for years. Its usefulness spans medical use, water treatment, astronomy, fluorescent and lightning, curing, and others. As you can see from the few examples, UV light’s impact is felt in all industries, and the HVAC industry is not left out. 

It is no news that if proper care is not taken, HVAC systems can be the transmitter of bacteria, germs, allergens, and other airborne diseases into the house. To prevent this, the standard procedure is to ensure that your unit is routinely maintained.

Still, experts believe that UV light can also help prevent these viruses’ spread. This has resulted in many questions like Do HVAC UV light work? Does HVAC light kill mold? All these questions and some others are answered in this helpful article. 

Does the air conditioner HVAC UV light work?

Yes, the HVAC UV light works. UV light for HVAC comes in two forms: air sterilization and coil sterilization. If the air sterilization, which is also known as the In-Duct UVC system, is properly installed, it can help to disinfect the air from the unit as it cycles around the return ducts. 

On the other hand, a rightly installed coiled sterilization can help to protect sensitive components of the unit that are prone to damage, like condensation pans, filters, and cooling coils. 

What is a UV light for an HVAC system?

These special ultraviolet lights are installed in HVAC systems to kill or deactivate bacteria, mold, viruses, and other airborne pathogens. This technology is used both in commercial and residential areas and has remained relevant in several industries for almost a century. 

How does HVAC UV light work?

The HVAC UV light simply works by disinfecting the air as it circulates through the return ducts. 

Pros and Cons of UV light in the HVAC system

Pros of UV light in the HVAC system

1. If air from the HVAC system passes through the UV light, the killing rate of bacteria or mold in the duct is 99%, making it an effective way of controlling the growth and spread of airborne pathogens within the unit. 
2. UV light is effective at killing mold, mildew, and every other bacteria and can also help disinfect infectious airborne organisms. 
3. With the use of UV light and the filter system, a lot of energy can be saved. Not only that, but it can also make the unit run more efficiently. 

Cons of UV light in the HVAC system 

1. For the UV light to work effectively, you must make sure to clean the UV bulb regularly as dust builds up quickly around it. 
2. Contrary to popular belief that UV light cab is used as a filter, UV light doesn’t filter the air; it can only help to eliminate particulates. Therefore, you will have to ensure that your filter is working for an effective filtration system. 
3. UV bulbs are not durable; hence, you may need to replace them quite often. 
4. UV light may be very effective at killing bacteria, but they are not effective at killing viruses. 

How long does UV light in HVAC last?

I may not be able to say precisely how long a UV light can last, but what I can tell you is that your UV light will need replacement after a year of use. This is because the more you use UV light, the less effective they become. 

How much does a UV light for an AC system cost?

The average cost of acquiring UV light for an air handling unit ranges between $3000 to $6000. Notwithstanding, you can still find some types of UV lights that are cheaper. An excellent example of this is the air sanitizing light which can cost between $80 to $400. 

Does UV light in the HVAC damage the AC coil?

Yes, UV light in HVAC can damage the coil of an AC. Ordinarily, UV light should not adversely affect your unit, but if they are improperly installed. Furthermore, the coil of the air conditioner might be exposed to the light from the UV bulb, which could lead to oil leakages. The exposure of the coil to the light can also lead to rust or total breakdown of the component over time. 

Do UV lights in HVAC help with allergens?

Yes, UV lights in the HVAC help with allergens. UV light is not only effective at killing bacteria or disinfecting the air against microorganisms, but it can also help to reduce allergies to some extent which could lead to improved health conditions, especially for people who suffer from allergens. UV light can render certain allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores inactive. 

Does HVAC UV light kill mold?

Yes, UV light kills mold. The growth of mold in an air conditioner can be curtailed with the use of UV light. UV light produces shortwaves of energy that can penetrate and destroy mold by breaking up its DNA. However, for this method to be effective, the mold must be directly exposed to UV light. 

Are UV lights for HVAC worth it?

Yeah, HVAC is worth it. If you are the type that suffers from allergens, then try to install UV light as it will help to improve the air quality you are breathing in by helping to disinfect the air in circulation. So it is a worthwhile investment as it can positively affect the health of whoever is using them. 

Are UV lights in HVAC systems effective?

Yes, UV light in HVAC systems is very effective. With a properly installed UV light, you can kill up to 99% of germs, bacteria, and allergens that may be breeding within your unit. This estimate is accurate and speaks a lot about how effective this method is. 

Do the HVAC UV lights stay on all the time?

Yes, the HVAC UV light stays on all the time. The lightwaves produced by UV light helps to produce help to eradicate all sorts of airborne allergens or bacteria hiding within the unit. And to do this, they must stay on continuously for them to work efficiently and effectively.