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.
UV air purifiers are generally considered to be safe and effective devices for removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air. However, like any other device, there is a small risk of injury or damage if it is not used properly.
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.
Optimal Placement: Ideally, UV lights designed for coil sanitization should be placed close to the evaporator coil itself. This placement ensures that the UV-C rays can directly target the coil surface where microbial growth is most likely to occur.
Not necessary, but if UV-C lamps of sufficient power output are installed within line of sight of all parts of the indoor coil it can prevent microbial growth on the cool moist coil during cooling season (condensate from humidity).
These move much less air, are generally less powerful, and don't come with a separate condenser and steel cover. As such these little guys can use the added help of shade. Their efficiency can actually be increased by about 10% by shading them.
Complementary to Air Filters
Many UV lights work very well in conjunction with air filters to enhance the purification of air. While the air filter captures larger particles, UV lights will work to neutralize smaller airborne particles like viruses and bacteria.
No, furnace UV lights do not use a lot of electricity. They typically consume between 15 to 30 watts per bulb, similar to a standard light bulb. This low energy consumption means they have a minimal impact on overall electricity usage, making them an energy-efficient option for improving indoor air quality.
Air sanitizing lights have a light cost between $80-$400, an installation cost between $150-$295, a lamp cost between $15-$125 and the same energy cost as coil lights. Before you decide to make any changes to your HVAC system, consider your needs and concerns.
They need to run 24/7
For example, UV lights fitted in the air handler will be on all the time.
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.
UV lights zap away things like bacteria and mold, but they do not eliminate dander or dust. If factors like these cause your allergies, there are other HVAC system updates you can do to feel better, like installing an air purifier.
The UV lights in air purifiers aren't powerful enough to kill all viruses in one pass. On the other hand, HEPA filters are great at capturing viruses. Data shows they can capture over 99.9% of viruses in a single pass.
UV-C lights can also produce ozone that will accumulate in enclosed environments. Since the ozone is also germicidal it will have a beneficial use inside your air conditioning system. As the lights continue to shine, the UV-C will produce ozone that will be distributed throughout your house when the furnace starts.
Installing a UV light in your HVAC system is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. UV lights are safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive.
Yes, SOME UV air purifiers really work. Numerous health studies have shown that UV-C light in a specific wavelength and duration very effectively inactivates viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi by breaking down their DNA or RNA, leaving them unable to perform vital functions or reproduce.
Depending on the type of furnace UV light you choose, you may install it directly along the air handler for best results. If you're using multiple furnace lights, you may also install one in the air return or in other strategic areas throughout the ductwork.
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.
To calculate the required UV light intensity for your HVAC system, multiply your airflow rate (in cubic feet per minute or CFM) by 12. This will give you the minimum UV light intensity needed in microwatts per square centimeter (μW/cm²) for your system.
Air Ducts: Before the Cooling Coil: Installing UV lamps just before the cooling coil in the air ducts ensures that the air passing through is treated, targeting airborne microorganisms and preventing them from reaching the coil and other components.
Should I filter my water before UV light disinfection? Yes. It is important to filter water before treatment with a UV light to make sure that all suspended particles are removed. UV light is not a filter so microorganisms and suspended matter will not be removed from the treated water.
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.
Armed with all of this knowledge, we can ask again: Are UV light purifiers safe? And we can easily answer it with: yes! As long as it accounts for and deals with ozone generation, which is a feature you should certainly look into when shopping for superior IAQ products.