UV lights are a great way to keep your HVAC system clean and safe, but how long do they last? Quality lamps typically emit at least 80% of their original UV-C emission after a year, and replacement bulbs are an ongoing cost. The UV lamp can have one or two bulbs, and each must be changed every 6 to 12 months. This depends on factors such as how often you use the system and how you use it. Generally, a germicidal UV light used to disinfect indoor air should be replaced every 9000 hours, which is approximately 12 months. If you or your family members suffer from allergies or asthma, it's essential to maintain a regular UV bulb replacement plan.
We recommend installing a UV light system designed to disinfect the air in the return air duct of the air conditioner. The most common type of HVAC light is a duct light placed near the central air system fan. Mounting UV lights on system ducts is not recommended, as filters need to be replaced more often than bulbs in a UV lighting system. This makes them difficult to maintain and reduces their effectiveness if you forget to change them. Whether you want to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning system or avoid the effects of allergens, investing in a UV lamp is a smart long-term decision. Most UV HVAC lamps are designed to draw energy from the fan, so they only work when the air controller is turned on.
If you're convinced of the advantages of UV lights for your air conditioning system, use the following tool to find the best HVAC installers in your area and get the best offer on installing UV lights. While it's true that UV light can damage some materials, you don't have to worry about it damaging your air conditioning system. Once installed, UV lights require very little maintenance and only need attention when they need to be cleaned or replaced. Several studies suggest that UV lights kill germs at a high rate, even though its cleaning power isn't visible to the human eye. This means that when the boiler or central air conditioning system blows air through the house, the UV light will turn on when there is no air circulation and will be turned off to save energy.
However, like any air purification product or service, UV lights aren't indestructible and won't last forever. UV lights disinfect air as it circulates through ducts, eliminating harmful bacteria, mold and other airborne contaminants. Poor installation can defeat the purpose of installing a UV light, so hire a professional if you have questions about how to complete the job. A more complicated system with lights mounted on all ducts will be better for keeping the system clean, but it is more difficult and expensive to install.
