UV Lights For HVAC, How Do They Work

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The average amount of time we spend inside is slowly increasing year by year. With streaming services, gaming consoles, and delivery service, the average American spends nearly 90% of their time indoors. This is one of the many reasons we talk about the importance of indoor air quality. Though we’ve written about indoor air pollutants, and the benefits of an Air Scrubber, we haven’t shared how to have the cleanest indoor air possible. The short answer is UV lights; the longer answer is below. Read on if you want to learn how UV lights for HVAC work.

What is a UV Light?

Simply put, a UV light is an ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet is a “type of electromagnetic radiation“ that will make black light posters glow and will eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in your home air. UV lights broadcast waves of electromagnetic radiation at a high concentration. Many common items use this same principle; think microwaves or x-ray machines. These machines distribute waves of electromagnetic radiation at different levels depending on the machine’s job. UV lights are between x-rays and visible lights on the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.

Where do UV Lights Go in my HVAC System?

When it comes to installing UV lights for HVAC, you have a few options. Rest assured, the lights are not an additional system, they’re add-ons to your existing system. Some UV lights can be installed directly in your AC’s condenser. Another option is to install a UV light system directly into your HVAC system, very close to the air filter.

How do UV Lights for HVAC Work?

UV lights for HVAC systems are engineered to harness the power of UV light found in sunshine, but at much higher intensity. Natural UV wavelengths will give you a sunburn if you’re exposed too long without protection. This same principle works for your HVAC system. The UV waves are at such a high, concentrated level that they will eliminate most airborne viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants as they pass by the light. The UV light systems used by Service Champions target reduce 90% of airborne pathogens, including: E. Coli, Listeria, Staph, Strep, Hep A, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and MRSA.

What Are My Options with Service Champions?

Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & AC offers two great UV air purification options; the Biocide Chamber and the Air Scrubber. Both harness UV power and wavelengths to clean and purify your air, but in different ways. The UV Biocide Chamber is a set of two lamps, each installed on either side of your air conditioning coils. These lamps essentially zap your coils with UV wavelengths, eliminating any mold, bacteria, or other airborne pathogens emanating from the treated air. Another plus of the Biocide Chamber is that it cleans the AC coils. Oftentimes, bacteria can build on the coils and cause them to malfunction, the Biocide Chamber stops that bacteria growth and extends the life of your AC unit.

Another option is our Air Scrubber. An Air Scrubber is installed directly in your HVAC system, very close to the air filter. After air is initially cleaned by the air filter, it goes through the Air Scrubber where treated air gets a second cleaning; eliminating bacteria, viruses, mold, and other airborne contaminants that could be floating around. Another bonus, the Air Scrubber helps reduce kitchen and pet odors and helps clump dust together for easier cleaning.

Interested in UV Lights for HVAC? Call Service Champions

If you want to learn more about UV lights for HVAC, it’s time to call Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning! Our expertly trained HVAC technicians look at your system and help you pick the best option. We are the only SoCal Diamond Certified HVAC company proudly serving Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Feel free to reach out to our friendly call center representatives or schedule an appointment online.