Do I Really Need a UV Light for My Air Conditioner?
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners took a severe interest in indoor air quality. While many products claim to clean the air of viruses, allergens and bacteria, only a few truly make a difference. UV lights have been used for many years as a germicidal and sanitizer in hospitals, restaurants and grocery stores. Now, the technology has been redesigned to a size suitable for residential use.
Are Air Conditioner UV Lights Dangerous?
No, the type of UV light used in the HVAC industry is safe for home use. The ultraviolet light used in whole-house air cleansing is called Far-UVC. This is not the conventional germicidal UV light that hospitals use to sanitize unoccupied rooms. The innovative technology available for residential applications acts like a whole-house air purifier. While studies have shown that using UVC lights in occupied indoor areas is safe, your kit is typically located inside the air handler or ductwork where you or your family would not be exposed to it.
How Does The Ultraviolet-C Purify My Indoor Air?
Whether your UV light kit is installed in the air duct or on the evaporator coil, it works the same to prevent microbials. As the air passes the light, it eliminates bacteria, pathogens, mold, dust and allergens. In simple terms, the light breaks up harmful particulates and turns them into harmless airborne hydrogen peroxide. Because air filters cannot filter everything, adding a whole house UV light can help combat indoor air pollution.
Can UV Light Eliminate Covid-19 and Other Illnesses?
According to a study done at Columbia University, the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) can safely be eliminated using indoor UVC lights. The researchers tested the airborne coronavirus and found that 99.9% of the live pathogens had been neutralized. This is good news for homeowners and businesses wanting to sanitize the air they breathe.
Installing a UV light into air conditioner units has shown the potential to reduce illnesses. By targeting airborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses, ultraviolet light can help prevent the circulation of harmful microorganisms within the air conditioning system. While not a guaranteed solution, it can improve indoor air quality. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as the type of UV system and maintenance. Regular filter changes and system upkeep are still vital. Ultraviolet light, as a supplementary measure, can play a role in fostering a healthier indoor environment.
Additional Benefits Of Using HVAC UVC Lights
Ultraviolet lights for air conditioning systems can help keep your evaporator coils clean. This means no dust and mold build-up in your system. Not only is this excellent news for your health, it’s great for your AC because when but its coils are clean, run more efficiently, and use less energy. Using a UV air purifier also eliminates the need to clean the coils with harsh chemicals that could end up circulating in your indoor air.
UV Light Options for your HVAC System
These innovative air sanitizers are also known as purifying lights, germicidal lights, sanitizing or sterilization lights. Since we’ve already mentioned the two different application types for UV lights, we’ll further explain them here:
Coil UV Lights
Air conditioner coils are a mold and bacteria hotspot because dust, pet dander, and other particles stick to the wet surface as air passes over it. This makes mold and bacteria ideal for growing and circulating through the air in your home. Coil Sanitizing lights come in single or dual lamp models. They are installed facing the coil surface, and the light shines on it continuously to eliminate unhealthy particles.
AC Ducts Air Purifying Lights
This type of UV light application is described right in the name. They are installed in the ductwork that returns air to the system. Airborne germs and mold are killed as the air passes the stick or U-shaped UV lamps. Some sterilizing HVAC lights are hardwired into your air handler to turn on and off with the blower motor.
Whole-House Air Purifier with UV Light Installation
First Degree Air Conditioning believes reducing indoor air pollution is the key to a healthy house and occupants. Air filters changed every 1-3 months cannot trap everything. Smaller particles, mold, odors and germs can pass through your filter. Installing a UV light purifier neutralizes the contaminants that slip through before they end up in the air you and your family breathe.
We offer top-of-the-line UV products from companies such as Fresh-Aire UV and REME HALO® Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifiers. Both are successful at providing air disinfection for residential HVAC applications. Detox your indoor air today by calling us to discuss which UV light is best for your home and air conditioning system.
