Ultraviolet (UV) lights for HVAC systems, also known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems, are a highly effective way to reduce microbial growth within your air conditioning system. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Niels Ryberg Finsen in 1903 for his work on the use of ultraviolet light radiation to cure skin infections. UV lights work similarly to how hanging clothes in sunlight helps get rid of germs or mold that sticks to them. Mold and bacteria are pesky intruders that can ruin indoor air quality, as they pass through the air conditioning system filter and circulate through your home or business.
The inner coil of your air conditioning system is part of what cools your home, but it can also be a breeding ground for microscopic problems that affect air quality and system efficiency. Numerous health studies have shown that HVAC UV lights help eliminate bacteria and allergens as they pass through the system. As less mold and mildew circulates through the air conditioning system thanks to a UV light unit, drain pipes are also less likely to clog up, one of the most common air conditioning problems. It is the UV-C section of the spectrum that has germicidal properties, since 253.7 nm is the ideal frequency level at which DNA absorbs the most UV light. For example, symptoms of black mold in an air conditioner include headaches that go away when you are outside, coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, nausea and fatigue, and UV lights can prevent the formation of these types of problems right from the start. Even with UV lights in the air conditioning unit, air filters are still needed to remove particulates, such as dust and dandruff, from the air before they circulate around the house.
Types of HVAC UV Lights
Spiral sterilization is the most common type of UV light for HVAC systems because it is less expensive than air sterilization and has a similar efficacy.HVAC UV lights don't remove dust or dandruff from the air circulation, so you can opt for another solution if this is your problem. Unlike spiral sterilizer lights, which point at the air controller coil to sterilize anything in it, this UV light system removes harmful compounds from moving air.
Do HVAC UV Lights Really Work?
HVAC UV lamps are designed to function as air purification, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, but UV lighting does not clean HVAC systems and should not be used as a substitute for cleaning HVAC ducts. A complete UV light unit is connected directly to the air ducts to disinfect the air entering the machine. It's true that the idea of eliminating germs from your home just by shining a light in the air ducts sounds too good to be true, but HVAC UV lights can really improve your home's air quality.Two studies point to the efficacy of UV light in eliminating mold and bacteria, one in hospitals and the other in a commercial air conditioning system. However, it doesn't make sense to install an HVAC UV lamp unless indoor air quality priorities have been followed. In addition, before you start looking for a UV light system for HVAC, you'll need to choose which of the two available types best suits your needs. The cost of installing UV lights in an HVAC system depends on the type of lights you choose and whether or not an HVAC professional installs them.
Conclusion
HVAC ultraviolet lights are an effective way to reduce microbial growth within your home or business's air conditioning system.They work by emitting ultraviolet radiation at a frequency level that DNA absorbs most efficiently. This radiation kills bacteria and allergens as they pass through the system. While they don't replace regular cleaning or filter changes, they can help improve indoor air quality significantly.
