How Long Does a UV Light Last for Optimal Air Quality?

Most quality UV lamps will emit at least 80% of their original UV-C emission within a year, so replacing light bulbs is an ongoing cost that you'll have to consider. Depending on the type of UV lamp, it can have one or two bulbs, and each should be changed every 6 to 12 months. While UV lights are effective at killing the coronavirus, the intensity and dose of the light varies. If the UV or UV system is used seasonally (say for 6 months this year) and then emptied and unplugged, you can use it for next year's season for another 6 months before having to replace the lamp with a new one.

According to Engineered Air technicians, HVAC UV lights are very effective at controlling mold inside the air treatment system. If you cannot replace the UV lamp after a period of two years, turn it off or unplug the power supply until it is replaced. In short, the right HVAC UV light can improve indoor air quality and the functionality of your system. Spiral disinfectant lights are great for keeping the air conditioning system clean, but air disinfectant lights are the ones that best clean the air itself. The UV lights that are installed in air conditioning systems are ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights, which are used to eliminate COVID-19 in tests that are being conducted.

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. Installing a UV light coil is also important as this is where fungi and bacteria tend to grow. The spiral sterilization lights are installed so that they can illuminate directly on the surface of the coil and are left on continuously. Since HVAC UV germicidal irradiation lights are on full time in most cases, the dose is considered quite high. Like a regular bulb, UV lights have a finite lifespan, so they need to be changed regularly.

The process requires accessing the coil cabinet or duct network, installing a lamp that does not have a magnetic support with sheet metal screws, and plugging it in. By preventing mold and bacteria from accumulating in the humid components of the air conditioning, UV lights can also prevent airborne biological contaminants from circulating through your home's indoor air. A poor installation can defeat the purpose of installing a UV lamp, so it's best to hire a professional if you have questions about how to complete the job.