UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) systems are the popular name for ultraviolet (UV) lamps used in HVAC systems. UVGI systems claim to “sanitize” your interior air as well as the HVAC system by producing the same ultraviolet light found in sunlight. In principle, it makes sense, but the assertions don’t hold up under close inspection. Install UV Light in Your Home’s HVAC System?
There are more cost-effective and less expensive solutions to improve the quality of your indoor air.
Certain bacteria have been known to be killed by ultraviolet light. They are utilized in hospitals and can also be found in air purifiers that enhance the quality of indoor air. These lights can also be installed within your HVAC system to protect it from bacteria, mold, mildew, and other contaminants.
Strong energy rays emitted by ultraviolet (UV) light kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They are frequently utilized in residential and business settings.
UV lamps have been in use for almost a century, despite their futuristic-looking appearance. Hospitals employed these lights in the 1930s to treat diseases including TB.
UVA, UVB, and UVC are the three kinds of UV radiation. UVA and UVB rays are blocked when you wear sunscreen.
The third type, UVC, is utilized in lasers and HVAC lights. The only rays with sufficient energy to destroy microscopic germs are UVC rays, which have the maximum energy of the three.
Increase in Air Quality Due to the Installation of UV Lights
Yes, provided that they are properly placed and are using the right UV light spectrum. The homeowner is responsible for making sure the installation is done appropriately by a licensed HVAC expert and that the environment is suitable. When establishing a system, an expert with UVGi system installation experience must consider a variety of factors2. Effectiveness is influenced just as much by the right number and positioning of UVGi lamps as it is by indoor humidity and temperature.
Types of UV Lights Installation
There are two types of UV light installations for HVAC systems: coil sterilization and air sterilization. An in-duct UVC system, also known as air sterilization, uses UV-C radiation to cleanse the air as it circulates through the return ducts. The efficiency of the UV-C light is increased by improving the reflecting surface within that portion of the ductwork, which maximizes UV-C light in all directions. Coil sterilization involves installing UV-C lamps to specifically target delicate and prone-to-issue components such as cooling coils, condensation pans, and filters. This makes it possible to focus microbial growth in hard-to-reach places like grooves, fins, seams, and edges.
Advantages of UV light in HVAC
⇒ A UV sanitizing lamp is a fantastic technique to protect the health of your family and the HVAC system.
⇒ Germs that aggravate illnesses like asthma and COPD are targeted by UV lights. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give off smells like cigarette smoke can be destroyed by these lights.
⇒ Additionally, both types of cleaning lights prevent dirt from amassing and migrating through your HVAC system. Your system can run longer and better with this cleaning power.
⇒ You’ll spend less on repairs and upkeep if you have an efficient unit. This is why adding UV sanitizing lights to a home with a central HVAC system can be beneficial.
⇒ Whether you want to keep the impacts of allergies at bay or enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Process of Installing a UV Light
Let’s now focus on the installation of a UV lamp in your HVAC system. Of course, the simplest solution is to pay an HVAC expert to complete the task for you, but if you have advanced DIY skills, you might be able to complete the task yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Install UV Light in Your Home’s HVAC System?
The majority of UV light devices provide a set of installation instructions so that you can do it yourself. Depending on the unit and the complexity of your HVAC system, they could be simple or complicated. For instance, some UV lights have a conventional 110V connector that you may use to quickly provide the device with electricity. If you don’t have much experience with electrical wiring, it’s advisable to hire a professional to establish a hardwired system because others must be hooked into your system, which involves some electrical knowledge and skill.
Additionally, some devices include a magnetic bracket that makes it simple to snap the unit into place. Others need the item to be attached with sheet metal screws.
Installation Costs of HVAC UV Light
As you can see, depending on the type of unit you choose and how you intend to install it, there are a number of potential expenses you’ll need to consider.
You must first consider the cost of the light unit itself. Your UV system’s structural core, which is made to survive for many years, will be this. You might be able to get an inexpensive coil light for as little as $60. The costs here can reach $300 or more depending on the components, the unit’s quality, and other elements.
A unit for your ducting will cost a little bit more because it performs more work. In this market, entry-level models range in price from $80 to $500.
Conclusion:
Let’s be clear: UV lights are effective at killing airborne microbes like mold, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They function as they are supposed to. They will operate consistently and cleanly, providing them with a significant edge over natural remedies and household cleansers that make similar claims about the purification of the air.
The prices are also fair. Even with professional installation, you can frequently have a new unit up and running for less than $1,000 and maintain it for only a few bucks a month.
