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IAQ Works
Last Updated on January 21, 2022

UV Lights for HVAC

Do you want to reduce the amount of bacteria and mold in your HVAC system? UV-C light, when properly installed, can reduce the amount of specific, targeted microorganisms on surfaces in the HVAC system where the light shines. This means that your cooling coil will be cleaner and more efficient which could lead to a lower energy bill! It also means fewer germs floating around your home.
You’ll feel better knowing that there are fewer germs living inside your air conditioner or furnace. And if you have allergies or asthma, this is especially good news for you because it reduces exposure to allergens and irritants which can cause symptoms like coughing and sneezing. Plus with a clean AC unit, you won’t need to replace it as often (another money saver)!

Table of Contents

How UV Light Works in Your HVAC System

UV-C light penetrates the cell wall of microbes, damaging their DNA. The damaged microbes cannot reproduce and therefore become ineffective in causing illness among humans who come into contact with them. Intensity and exposure time determine how quickly UV-C disables these organisms.

What Is UV Light? UV stands for ultraviolet. Ultraviolet light represents the frequency of light between 200 nanometers (nm) and 400nm and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Within the UV spectrum lie three distinct bands of light: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Longwave UV light (315nm to 400nm), or UV-A, refers to what we commonly call “black light.” UV-B (280nm to 315nm), or midrange UV, causes sunburn. Germicidal UV light (200nm to 280nm), or UV-C, is effective in reducing microbial growth. Research has demonstrated that within this spectrum, UV-C is the most efficient frequency for microbial destruction is between 254nm and 265nm. Germicidal lamps that produce the majority of their output in this range will be the most effective in microbial control and destruction.

Looking for a Deep Dive Into UV Light Technology? You can’t always control the quality of air in your home, but you may be able to reduce or eliminate airborne allergens with an UV-C air purifier. We wrote an article covering everything you need to know about these units! Get the facts on UV lights and what they can do for your home’s air quality →

uv lights for hvac home systems

Product Highlights

Ultraviolet Lights for HVAC Systems

  • Cleans cooling coils, drain pans and duct surfaces with germicidal UV energy 24/7 where the light shines
  • Lightstick Direct Connect custom design allows lamp to be installed directly in A-coil delta plate for optimal UV exposure
  • Fast, easy and versatile installation
  • Quick disconnect lamp connection enables easy lamp replacement and service
  • Low maintenance

What Does an UV Light Do for HVAC?

Our air conditioners, heat pumps and ventilation systems are not designed to kill germs, bacteria or viruses. The inside of your air conditioning system is a dark and humid place that can quickly turn into a science experiment. Germicidal or UV lights are engineered to prevent just that!

Proper installation is critical to ensure maximum effectiveness.

If you’re like most people, you don’t know how to properly maintain an HVAC system. And it’s really tough to know what’s going on inside the system. The Lightstick and Lightstick Plus are designed to keep your HVAC system free of mold, bacteria and viruses with germicidal UV-C light, giving you peace of mind year-round.

It’s important to consider UV-C as just one part of the air purification process because there is no guarantee pathogens will remain under the light long enough. We recommend combining it with a whole-home air purifier and high-efficiency air filter.

Why You Should Get a Whole-Home Purification System: Improve indoor air quality with a whole-home purifier and minimize the pollution in your living space. Targeting and removing any kind of contaminant is one way to reduce harmful substances around you, which can have an impact on all aspects related to your health. You can learn more here →

The Best UV Light for HVAC Home Systems (Buying Guide)

An UV light is obviously a great way to protect your HVAC system from the buildup of bacteria and mold. But how do you know which UV light is best for your system? There are a few factors to consider before you go shopping. Your UV light needs to be compatible with your HVAC unit in order to be effective. It must be powerful enough to clean the surface it’s sitting on and emit an appropriate wavelength that will kill off any germs that may linger. Additionally, the light needs to be the correct size and shape to fit on or in your unit. Make sure you read reviews, customer feedback and ask questions before making a purchase!

The most important factor in the performance of your UV light will be its placement and positioning. It needs to be placed in a spot where it can easily reach all of the surfaces in your HVAC system. The light should also be directed at the coils or damp areas to ensure that all of the bacteria and mold are eradicated.

For this type of product, we strongly recommend that you consult with your local IAQ expert before making a final decision or purchase.