Ultraviolet (UV) lighting systems are an excellent way to improve indoor air quality while also reducing energy costs. Installing a UV light in your HVAC system can help keep it clean by eliminating bacteria, mold and mildew so they don't pass through the air and circulate throughout your home. This will also help reduce allergens and other contaminants from circulating throughout your home. A UV lamp can be added to your existing HVAC system and is installed on the evaporator coil or in the ducts near the coil.
It works by using UV-C light (a wavelength of light of 254 nanometers) that is absorbed by the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing damage to ducts, walls, ceilings, and carpets. A study conducted in a commercial office building showed that the use of ultraviolet light can significantly reduce levels of fungi. Another study found that UV lights could reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in a test house by 97%. UV lights must always be on to be effective, and bulbs lose effectiveness over time, so they need to be replaced at least once a year.
For example, it is recommended to replace a Carrier UV coil lamp every 9000 hours of operation or every year. The cost of an HVAC UV lighting system will depend on the size of the system and the type of UV light you choose. To work their magic, UV light has to be properly installed in the air conditioning system (and UV lights can damage your eyes if you're not careful). You can place a spiral sterilization lamp inside your HVAC system, or you can install an air sterilization light in your ducts.
In addition to air purifiers, another way to improve indoor air quality is to install UV lights on the air conditioning system. If the air conditioning system has damaged or leaking ducts, the holes or gaps in the ducts can create a vacuum that attracts new contaminants (such as dust and debris) from attics and mezzanines, which do not pass through ultraviolet light and, therefore, are not sterilized. While you don't want too much UV light getting on your skin, it's been proven to be effective at purifying the air in your home. With proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy cleaner air while also saving money on energy costs.