How Do UV Light AC Systems Work?

Indoor air quality is a growing concern among many Florida homeowners. Bad indoor air quality negatively impacts health by exacerbating preexisting conditions, causing respiratory problems, and aggravating allergic or asthmatic symptoms.

Equipping your home with modern indoor air quality solutions like AC UV lights is a fantastic way to safeguard your health, boost indoor air quality, and enhance HVAC efficiency. This blog will thoroughly explain what AC UV lights are, how they work, and the benefits they offer to Florida homeowners.

What Are AC UV Lights?

AC UV lights are specialized devices effectively placed in your HVAC system that are meant to eliminate microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and mold. They perform this function via UV-C light (ultraviolet light), which neutralizes any mold, fungi, or germs within their sight.

AC UV lights are renowned for their ability to assist in controlling the air quality in your home, but as bulbs burn out, indoor air quality begins to deteriorate. It’s important to maintain UV lightbulbs during annual maintenance.

How Do AC UV Lights Work?

AC UV lights emit ultraviolet radiation to disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, terminating their ability to reproduce and eventually killing them entirely. This process consists of:

1. Installation: UV lights are strategically placed within the air handler or ductwork of your HVAC system to work in tandem with the system’s coils.
2. Exposure: Microorganisms in the air are exposed to the AC UV light as they move through the HVAC system.
3. Inactivation: As these microorganisms contact the UV light, their DNA is damaged. This ultimately eliminates their ability to multiply or function properly (and harmfully).
4. Neutralization: As these microorganisms are neutralized, their potential to cause health issues or produce foul smells is significantly reduced.

Types of UV Lights For HVAC Systems

The two most used UV-C lights in HVAC systems are:

• Coil UV Lights: Coil sterilization UV lights are the most commonly used type and are meant to run throughout the day to sterilize AC coils. These coils work with your air handler and play an important role in regulating indoor air quality; the cleaner they are (thanks to UV-C lights), the better that indoor air quality will be.  
• Air UV Lights: These UV lights are installed in the return air duct, cycling with the air handler blower to ensure consistent air sterilization and enhance overall health and comfort. They’re great at providing continuous air sterilization.

How Are AC UV Lights Installed?

• Assessment: Professional installers evaluate your HVAC system to determine the most strategic placement for the UV-C lights and ensure maximum exposure to circulating air and elimination of microorganisms.
• Preparation: The area surrounding the installation site is prepared, and all necessary equipment is gathered.
• Installation: The UV-C lights are securely installed in the proper area and connected to your power supply.
• Testing: Proper and effective function of the UV-C lights in the designated is tested after installation.

Benefits of AC UV Lights

AC UV lights provide extensive benefits, including:

• Improved indoor air quality: The elimination of bacteria, mold, and viruses limits health issues and supports healthy air circulation in your home.
• Enhanced HVAC efficiency: Your AC unit’s components can run efficiently and unharmed by any microorganisms that would’ve inhibited their performance.
• Reduced odor: Since the UV-C lights reduce the buildup of mold or fungi, which would otherwise circulate in your home’s indoor air, foul odors are a thing of the past.
• Lower maintenance costs: Thanks to the reduction of germs or bacteria on your HVAC coils, cleanliness and efficiency are increased, allowing for reduced maintenance requirements.
• Energy savings: Boosted efficiency means your system doesn’t work harder than it needs to. This allows for cut costs on utility bills.

Alternatives to UV Light Systems

If you don’t have a central HVAC system, there are great alternatives for improving indoor air quality, such as:

• Air purifiers: Featuring a highly efficient air filter and motor, these portable IAQ solutions are often placed in specific rooms to eliminate microorganisms.
• Air scrubbers: Commonly used for the removal of harmful gases and chemicals circulating in the air, air scrubbers utilize powerful fans and HEPA filters to increase indoor air quality.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With an AC UV Light System

Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning has proudly provided superior HVAC and indoor air quality solutions to Florida’s residential and commercial properties since 1921. Our team comprises honest, friendly, and knowledgeable professionals who provide free estimates on all service calls and replacement quotes, as well as service for all brands.

As a family-owned and -operated company, we take care to reciprocate as much value in the community as it has placed on us by delivering unmatched services and excellent financing options.

Breathe Easy with Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning’s UV Light Solutions! Reach out to us by calling (386) 337-3502 and get your free estimate today.