Ultraviolet lights are notorious for their ability to kill certain bacteria. During the pandemic, people realized the importance of the impact that UV lights can have on reducing harmful bacteria. One tactic to improve indoor air quality that many homeowners don’t know much about is installing HVAC ultraviolet lights.
There are a few different types of UV light, but we are concerned with UV-C. UV-C light is the most effective ultraviolet wavelength for germicidal control. Air germicidal HVAC lights operate within the UV-C spectrum, making them the best for purifying the air and eliminating bacteria and viruses. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation can be highly beneficial in a residential HVAC system by stopping microorganisms from circulating throughout the home’s ductwork.
There are two different types of HVAC UV lights: air sterilization and coil sterilization. Air sterilization uses UV-C light to disinfect air while it cycles through the return vents. In air sterilization, UV-C light utilizes the reflective surfaces of the ducts to maximize efficiency. Coil sterilization involves installing UV-C lamps to target problematic areas like condensation pans and cooling coils. This reduces microbial growth in hard-to-reach areas such as fins, grooves, and edges.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of HVAC UV lights.
Prevent illness
Arguably the main benefit of UV lights in your HVAC system is the capability to limit disease transmission. While your cooling system is circulating air throughout your home, it can spread airborne bacteria and viruses. UV lights kill bacteria and tend to kill viruses, mold, mildew, and other toxins and allergens. The thought of having moldy, unclean air circulated throughout your home and ducts is less than pleasant. UV lighting in your air conditioning system can improve indoor air quality and prevent your family from getting sick through air sterilization.
Improved indoor air quality
UV lights kill airborne allergens and bacteria, improving indoor air quality. This is a great benefit, especially if someone in your household suffers from allergies or breathing conditions such as asthma. Additionally, younger children and older adults may be more susceptible to breathing problems as a result of poor air quality.
Increased energy efficiency
Installing UV lighting in your HVAC system may reduce your home’s overall energy consumption by up to 35 percent. UV lights alone don’t decrease the energy use, but rather they work to restore the HVAC system’s performance to optimal levels, which in turn reduces power consumption by helping the system work like new. Even with UV light in your HVAC system, you will need routine maintenance appointments to ensure everything is working properly.
Worthwhile investment
Before installing HVAC UV lights, a professional should evaluate your home’s system to be sure it’s an investment worth pursuing. If it’s determined that HVAC UV lights are a good fit for you, this can be a very cost-effective investment. Every air duct system is slightly different, so when UV lights may be worth it for your neighbor, they may add up for you. Most of the time, the investment will prioritize your family’s health, save you money, and restore your system to heighten efficiency and polish the condition of your HVAC system.
Coil UV lights are the cheapest option, ranging from $60-$280, according to Crawford Services. You will also have to pay for the installation of coil UV lights, costing $100-$225. The lamp costs $10-$60 and the energy would be $15-$30. Air sanitizing lights cost a bit more, at $80-$400, with an installation cost of $150-295, and a lamp is $15-$125. Air sanitizing lights have about the same energy cost as coil UV lights. Typically this investment for residential homes can be kept under $400 and will last 5+ years.
With all of these benefits from HVAC ultraviolet lights, it’s definitely an investment worth considering. Contact a professional today to have your HVAC system evaluated and see if installing UV lighting is an advantageous decision for your home.