As an expert in the HVAC industry, I have encountered many questions about the use of UV lights in air conditioning systems. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and it's important to set the record straight. So, do UV lights damage HVAC systems? The short answer is no, but let's dive into the details. First, it's important to understand that the metal used in most HVAC ducting systems is UV resistant and does not wear out or become brittle over time like plastic or other composite materials. This means that UV lights will not cause any damage to the ducts themselves. But what about other components of the system? Since germicidal UV light typically settles in the air treatment system, there is no need to worry about it affecting vulnerable plastic components.
In fact, studies have shown that UV lights can actually improve the overall air quality in a home. A study found that UV lights could reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in a test home by 97%. Another study showed that air purifiers with ultraviolet light could reduce the amount of airborne influenza virus by 90%. These results are significant and demonstrate the effectiveness of UV lights in removing harmful substances from the air. However, it's important to note that UV lights do not remove substances such as dandruff or dust. If these factors are causing you allergies, there are other HVAC system upgrades that can be done to improve your indoor air quality, such as installing an air purifier. If you or your family suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, I highly recommend considering installing a UV air purifier built into the duct.
This will not only improve your health and comfort but also extend the lifespan of your entire air conditioning system. Now, you may be wondering if you can install UV lights yourself. While it is possible, I strongly advise against it. Incorrect installation can not only damage the air conditioning system and the lights but also result in poor UV light performance. It's best to leave this task to a professional HVAC technician. When it comes to the cost, let's compare the price of installing UV lights versus an air purifier.
Both have the same effect of improving indoor air quality, but UV lights specifically target mold and bacteria in the drain tray and coils. This makes them a more cost-effective option in the long run. One interesting fact that many people are not aware of is that most of the time, UV bulbs are not even installed in the ducts. Instead, they are placed near the coils or in the return air duct. This placement is strategic as it allows for maximum exposure to the circulating air. But what about claims that UV lights can kill viruses? While it is true that germicidal UV lights can deactivate viruses, they are not a cure-all solution.
If you are experiencing symptoms like sneezing, dust or dandruff may be the real cause of your problem. Unfortunately, UV lights cannot solve these issues. If you have concerns about working with UV lights, I recommend contacting an HVAC company for maintenance. They have the necessary equipment and technical knowledge to ensure that your air conditioning system is not damaged during installation. Beyond air purifiers, another way to improve indoor air quality is by installing UV lights in the HVAC system. This technology has been proven to protect your health, increase air quality, improve equipment efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your entire system.
