Are UV Lights for HVAC Worth It?

Since the 1930s, people have used ultraviolet lights to kill germs and bacteria. Today, countless homeowners now choose to install UV lights for HVAC systems to harness the many ultraviolet sterilization benefits. You might wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but those same rays work wonderfully to prevent mold growth and guard your indoor air quality.

The experts at Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning can help you decide whether you need UV lights and provide UV light installation and HVAC services in Los Angeles, CA and surrounding areas. Until then, keep reading to learn whether using germicidal UV lights in your HVAC system might fast-track cleaner breathing air for you.

Understanding UV Lights

A few years ago, it was strange to think that simple light bulbs could give you pathogen reduction, but now we’re much more familiar with the power of ultraviolet light. 

There are three types of UV rays:

• UV-A and UV-B: These light rays cause sunburns and potentially cancer. Sunscreen protects you from these.
• UV-C: A UV-C wavelength is stronger than UVA and UVB. The ozone layer protects us from these rays, which have the power to kill germs.

UV-C rays kill microorganisms by destroying their DNA, causing germs like bacteria to die. If you use UV lights for HVAC systems, you’ll kill off germs before they can travel inside. In essence, the lights offer an effective type of air purification.

Types of UV Lights for HVAC

Air sanitizing UV lights for HVAC are the most powerful. They’re installed in the ductwork to provide thorough HVAC disinfection by treating the air that comes through the return vent. Though it’s the better option, it’s more expensive to install, making it less popular.

The more common option is evaporator coil lights. These go above the coils and kill any bacteria trying to form on the coils, allowing them to last longer. They’re less expensive and easier to install, so they’re often the preferred choice despite not doing as great of a job as the others.

Deciding If You Need Ultraviolet Lights in Your HVAC

If you’re unsure about installing UV lights in Los Angeles, consider these benefits:

• You’ll have better indoor air quality.
• The lights remove volatile organic compounds, reducing odors like cigarette smoke.
• Your HVAC system will run more efficiently, so it should last longer.
• The bulbs are easy to install and only need replacing every six months to two years.

As with any decision, you need to consider these downsides of UV lights, too:

• UV lights for HVAC systems can be expensive to install.
• The rays only kill bacteria that pass through them (they won’t sanitize everything).
• Direct exposure to UV light can damage your skin and eyes.

Experts recommend UV lights for HVAC systems if you have severe allergies or live in a humid environment where mold growth is common. A licensed technician can tell you more about whether UV lights will fit your budget and specific health concerns.

Let Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning Install Some UV Lights for Your HVAC

Are UV lights for HVAC systems worth it? Call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning at (424) 341-0487 for advice or to schedule installation!