How Do UV Lights for HVAC Work?

Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, that’s one of the many reasons it’s so important to ensure healthy, clean air is circulating through your house. We’ve talked about why air quality matters and how indoor air pollutants are potentially lurking in your home; but we haven’t truly touched on the best way to purify your indoor air. There’s been a lot of chatter about UV lights and their usefulness for killing bacteria, but how to they work? More specifically, how do UV lights for HVAC work?

What is a UV Light?

To start, we’re looking at what specifically is a UV light. UV stands for ultraviolet; a “type of electromagnetic radiation.” This electromagnetic radiation can make black light posters glow, give you sunburns, and kill floating bacteria and harmful microbes in your home. UV lights have electromagnetic radiation, which is broadcast in different waves. These waves are known as wavelengths. Electromagnetic wavelengths are found in many common items such as microwaves, x-rays, and radio waves. UV lights are on the spectrum in between x-rays and visible light. UV light bulbs harness and distribute ultraviolet wavelengths that cause damage to the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous airborne pathogens.

How Do UV Lights for HVAC Work?

UV lights for HVAC systems are made to target very specific types of airborne contaminates. These lights are known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation systems (UVGI). UVGI lights are engineered to eradicate air contaminants, specifically bacteria, viruses, and airborne microbes. These UV lights use the same UV rays that can cause sunburn, but at a much higher, more concentrated level. These concentrated wavelengths essentially zap the pathogens that cause some bacteria and viruses and airborne mold particles. Some UV lights can reduce 90% of airborne contaminates, including: E. Coli, Listeria, Staph, Strep, Hep A, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and MRSA.

How are UV Lights Installed in my HVAC System?

UV filtering options are an add-on to your existing HVAC system. You do not need to buy a new system or install new ductwork. When air is pushed through the air filter, it is then purified by the UV lights, ensuring nothing but clean, pristine air circulates through your home.

What Are my UV Light Options?

At Moore Home Services, we offer two options for anyone interested in UV lights for HVAC. The Air Scrubber and the Biocide Chamber. The biocide chamber is a set of UV lamps installed above and below your air conditioning coil. These lamps will eliminate the airborne pathogens listed above, but they will also help protect your air conditioning coil. Bacteria and mildew can grow on the AC coil itself, leading to repairs and even replacements. The Biocide Chamber helps clean and purify the AC coils, preventing costly cleaning and repairs. The other option is an Air Scrubber. The Air Scrubber is installed directly into your air conditioning system. After air passes through the air filter, it is then blasted by the Air Scrubber, which eliminates the airborne contaminants listed above. Additionally, the Air Scrubber helps reduce home odors from cooking and cleaning, as well as bacteria and odor from pets.

Call Moore Home Services to Learn More About UV Lights for HVAC

Do you have any questions about UV lights for your HVAC system? Want to learn more about the Biocide Chamber or the Air Scrubber? Ask one of the expertly trained HVAC technicians at Moore Home Services. We are a Diamond Certified company and proudly serve Santa Rosa and most surrounding communities. Please reach out to our friendly call center representatives or click here to request an appointment online.