Has anyone out there installed UV lights into their heating/AC systems? They supposedly kill bacteria/mold/ fungus and other evils that you may be recirculating through your home every time your system is running. If so, can you tell any difference?
Next the catch is finding someone to do the install at a reasonable price. Many overcharge at $1,000 - $2,000 for light and install. From my research it appears this can be easily done for less than $1,000.
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If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your HVAC system and its role in your indoor air quality. However, your HVAC system is a key part of keeping your home’s air clean and healthy. Beyond air purifiers, another way to boost your indoor air quality is to install UV lights in your HVAC system. Since you spend up to 90% of your time indoors, it’s important to consider the impact pollutants can have on your long-term health and how UV lights for your HVAC can help.
An HVAC UV light is a light that helps to clean and purify the air in your home. These lights are installed in the air handler or ductwork of your HVAC system. As air circulates through your home it carries with it germs and allergens which eventually pass through the UV light which sanitizes the air as it recirculates through the home.
Ultraviolet light is one of several types of light that exist within the entire light spectrum. UV-C light, also known as short wave, is the type used in most HVAC systems. With the power to kill some nasty contaminants, UV-C light is the sweet spot for HVAC systems.
Germicidal UV lights for HVAC systems are special ultraviolet lights that kill or deactivate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other airborne pathogens. They are commonly utilized in both residential and commercial settings. UV lights aren’t a new technology and have been used for almost a century to treat issues like tuberculosis in hospitals.
The light produced by the systems is similar to that of sunshine but at a greater intensity. Such intense illumination is capable of destroying the nucleic acids of bacteria. The bacteria’s DNA is destroyed as a result, leaving the germs unable to replicate (some die right away).
UV lights have been found very effective in reducing microbial growth inside your HVAC system. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was given to Niels Ryberg Finsen in 1903 for his work using UV light radiation to cure skin infections. UV lights are so effective that many hospitals, restaurants, stores, and other businesses use them to sterilize equipment.
Studies of UV lights in HVAC systems have also shown significant results. One study found that UV lights were able to reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in a test home by 97%. Another study showed that UV light air purifiers were able to reduce the amount of airborne flu virus by 90%.
There are two main types of UV lights for HVAC systems:
Coil sanitizing lights are designed for AC units that sit near your evaporator coil which holds the refrigerant that cools your home. This is also a moist area for mold and bacteria to breed while dirt, debris, and pet dander accumulate.
Air sanitizing lights are placed in your supply vents, which are part of the ductwork of your central HVAC system. These UV lights sanitize the air before it is circulated throughout the home.
Airborne viruses, mold spores, and bacteria are all around us but they thrive in sensitive areas deep within your AC system that tends to get moist. By installing UV lights in your HVAC system to disinfect the vulnerable edges and grooves, you can help eliminate contaminants from circulating throughout your home.
When installing UV lights for a furnace it is important to check and clean your air ducts. If your ductwork is leaking, the efficacy of your UV light will be reduced. Through the holes in the ductwork, a significant amount of pollutants could be drawn in, limiting the impact.
An HVAC air filter prevents dust, pollutants, allergens, and large particles from passing through the cooling coil when the air conditioner is on. But even if you use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter, particles less than 0.3 microns will be able to pass through. UV lights for AC systems supplement your air filtration system and provide an extra layer of protection.
UV lights are safe when properly handled and installed. A qualified professional will take the proper installation precautions and follow these safety tips:
It may surprise you but the air pollution in your home can be worse than outdoor pollutants. The main benefits of HVAC UV lights are:
If you are concerned about the quality of your indoor air, upgrading to a UV light system will improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system while also reducing your energy costs.
Additional reading: 7 Secrets To Extending The Life Of Your HVAC System
The main disadvantages of HVAC UV lights are:
If you or someone in your family has respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma, you know how important it is to have good indoor air quality. By installing an HVAC UV light, you can eliminate mold and mildew, kill viruses and bacteria, and reduce odors, all of which will improve the quality of your indoor air.
Additionally, UV lights increase the efficiency of your HVAC. The UV lamps will clean the coils and air that passes through the HVAC system naturally. As a result, your HVAC system capacity could be restored by up to 35%. A cleaner HVAC system also means lower energy bills.
Read next: Are Air Purifiers Actually Worth It?
The cost of an HVAC UV light system will depend on the size of your system and the type of UV light you choose. But, in general, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $2000 for a quality UV light system.
UV lights should be replaced every 1 to 5 years, depending on the model and manufacturer. For instance, a Carrier coil UV light is recommended to be replaced every 9000 run time hours or every year. For a REME HALO is is every 2 to 3 years and a REME HALO LED is 4 to 5 years. You may need to replace your UV bulb sooner if it’s not working properly or if you notice a decline in indoor air quality.
Also, during your regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance checks ask your HVAC professional to:
Our recommendation for the best UV light for an HVAC system is the RGF REME-HALO. REME-HALO has a distinctive design that is able to actively reduce pollutants. Designed to combine a UV-C light on an advanced catalyst, the REME-HALO creates low concentrations of gaseous hydrogen peroxide in the air that disperses throughout your space.
REME HALO® Whole Home In-Duct Air PurifierHydrogen peroxide is an excellent natural disinfectant for reducing viruses, germs, mildew spores, smells, VOCs, and other microorganisms in the air and on surfaces in your house. REME-HALO’s ability to produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide in the air that circulates through your air conditioning system and indoor spaces means it is both actively reducing growth in your air conditioner and improving air quality throughout your home.
Installing a UV light in your HVAC system is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. UV lights are safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive. But this isn’t a DIY job. In order to work its magic, the UV light has to be installed correctly into your HVAC system (and UV lights can be damaging to your eyes if you aren’t careful). Make sure to consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure proper installation.