What is the disadvantage of UV light in HVAC?

Author: Lorenza Bailey  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

They Don't Solve All Issues: While UV lights are great for killing bacteria, they don't eliminate all harmful substances. They essentially have no effect on things like dust and dander. So, if you're dealing with allergies from dust and dander, just know that a UV light system will not improve your situation.

Should I put an UV light in my air conditioner?

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.

What are the downsides of UV light?

Risks. Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure. UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases if eye protection is not used.

Will UV light damage an air filter?

Another disadvantage of positioning the UV light in the return air duct would be the exposure of the filter to UV light, possibly causing the filter material to prematurely degrade.

Should HVAC UV light stay on all the time?

They need to run 24/7

For example, UV lights fitted in the air handler will be on all the time.

Should I get UV lights to kill AC Mold?

Is the UV light in HVAC harmful?

We are all familiar with common-sense warnings about too much exposure to the sun, as excessive UVA or UVB exposure can cause skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancer. Direct exposure to the UV-C used in HVAC systems is hazardous, particularly to the skin and eyes.

What is the lifespan of a UV light?

How often do I need to change my UV lamp? UV lamps should be replaced once every 12 months. UV lamps have a lifespan of approximately 9,000 hours. Calculated out, this means the lamp can operate for about 375 days before requiring a replacement.

Which is better, UV light or Hepa filter?

HEPA filters are highly recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency because they remove 99.97% or more of all particulate matter.

Does UV light damage AC coils?

No, UV light does not damage AC coils when installed correctly by a professional. In fact, UV lights are used to keep the evaporator coils clean by preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can accumulate on the coils over time. This helps maintain the efficiency of the AC system.

Does UV light destroy mold?

This method is commonly used in HVAC systems with UV lamps to inhibit mold growth on coils and within ducts. Here are the key advantages of using UV light over other methods: Efficiency and effectiveness: UV light has been proven to be highly effective in killing mold.

Do HVAC UV lights produce ozone?

Indeed, HVAC UV lights do create ozone. Specifically, UV-C lights in HVAC systems have the potential to generate ozone. The ozone produced serves a valuable role, enhancing the germicidal effects of the UV-C light itself. This means your HVAC system is not just circulating air, but cleaner, more purified air.

What are the dangers of UV LED?

These LED lamps should always be shielded and never be viewable to the naked eye even though it may appear that little or no light is emanating from the device . Exposure to these wavelengths may cause skin cancer and temporary or permanent vision loss or impairment.

What are the disadvantages of UV detectors?

The advantages of using a UV-Vis detector are its simplicity, low cost, wide availability, and compatibility with most solvents and columns. The disadvantages are its low sensitivity, limited selectivity, and interference from the solvent or other impurities.

How much does it cost to install a UV light in a HVAC system?

Average Cost to Install UV Lights in an HVAC System

You should usually expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 for both the lights themselves and installation. The total cost will mainly depend on which type of lights you choose as the lights themselves can range anywhere from $60 to $400 or more.

What are the pros and cons of UV light?

The beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of a vital nutrient, vitamin D. However, overexposure may present risks. Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer are all risks to overexposure. Keeping you and others protected from UV radiation is an important year-round.

Where should UV light be placed in HVAC?

In an A-Shaped coil, it is a good rule of thumb to install the UV light above, center, and downstream of the coil. The next best option would be to install the UV light below the coil, but in some cases there may not be enough room.

Is it worth getting UV light in HVAC?

The lights kill the germs that hide inside your HVAC system, helping the machine run at its best. All in all, the right HVAC UV light can improve the quality of your indoor air and the functionality of your system. If you have a central heating and cooling system, the light is well worth the investment.

How long do UV lights last in HVAC?

How long do HVAC UV lights last? The bulbs last 1-5 years, depending on the brand and light. Your HVAC professional can help you with a UV light maintenance schedule.

Do hospitals use UV light in HVAC?

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

The use of UV-C in HVAC systems has proven to be an effective way to minimize the threat of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), small particles, and other airborne pathogens commonly found in health care environments.

What is the disadvantage of using UV filters?

Cons of UV protection lens filter

This means that the quality of your image will be slightly reduced. UV filters can reduce the amount of light let into a camera between 0.5% to 5%. This will inherently reduce the resolution of your image. The difference, however, is very minimal.

Do UV lights really make indoor air quality better?

Do UV Air Purifiers Work Against Odors and Allergens? While ultraviolet light is extremely effective at deactivating airborne microbes like viruses and bacteria, its benefits don't stop there! UV air purification can also help mitigate foul odors and allergen levels circulating indoors.

What are the side effects of UV air purifiers?

Just like ozone in the earth's atmosphere reacts with UV rays from the sun, the light and heat in some UV air purifiers can also generate heat that turns free-floating molecules of oxygen (O and O2) and water (H2O) into dangerous ground-level ozone (O3). UV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes.

Can UV lights damage you?

Prolonged exposure to UV rays modifies lens proteins, leading to cataract formation and worsening eyesight. Over time, cataracts can make vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are linked to UV exposure.

What damage does UV light cause?

Too much ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer. Your body needs some UV light for vitamin D, which is a vitamin you need to survive. When your skin has too much exposure to UV radiation, it damages your cells. Within your cells, you have DNA.

Do UV lights use a lot of electricity?

On average, either type of UV light will cost less than $3 per month to run plus anywhere from $20 to $100 each year for a new replacement bulb. This means that UV lights are far more efficient and will use much less energy than most other indoor air quality units such as whole-home air purifiers.

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