Whether you have a large home or an office space, it is quite possible that you may have an HVAC system installed for the same. While an HVAC is definitely great for maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors, most HVACs do not offer any further functionality.
However, if you also want to use your HVAC system as an air purifier, then there are a few workarounds for the same. One such option is installing a UV light along with your HVAC system, which will make it purify your air. And thus, we are here with a “Complete Guide“ about UV lights for HVAC systems and some of our recommendations for the best UV lights for HVAC systems that you can learn by going through this guide till the end.
What is a UV Light and its Functioning?
Before learning further about UV lights, it is quite important that you learn about the basics of what exactly is a UV light and how it functions. So, as you can most likely tell by the name, UV light stands for ultraviolet light. This means UV lights generally output ultraviolet light with a wavelength of about 254 nanometers. And if you have heard about UV lights in the past, you must know that it can be used as a disinfectant.
This is made possible as ultraviolet light can damage the DNA or the RNA of many pathogens. As a result, UV lights are even lethal to both bacteria as well as viruses. And depending on the power of your UV light, it can kill pathogens, microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses even from a distance. Thus, if you are talking about a UV light for HVAC systems, it is essentially a UV light bulb that gets installed in your HVAC, which helps in killing pathogens and purifying your air.
Types Of UV Lights for HVAC Systems:
Now that we have covered the basics let’s learn more about UV lights for HVAC systems in detail. Starting with the same, let’s take a look at some of the common types of UV lights for HVAC systems available out there. This primarily includes two types of UV lights for HVAC systems which include the following:
1. Coil Sanitizing UV Lights for HVAC Systems
With this type of UV light for HVAC systems, you will find a UV light installed next to the coil of your AC unit. This coil is responsible for heat exchange and absorbs heat from inside your home or office. While this coil is quite important for air conditioning, it can accumulate a lot of microorganisms. Hence, with a coil sanitizing UV light, the UV light falls directly on the coil of your HVAC system. This is done by using either a single or a dual UV light setup.
2. Air Sanitizing UV Lights for HVAC Systems
Apart from the coil of your HVAC systems, a lot of bacteria and viruses can even be present in the air ducts. Thus, with an air sanitizing UV light for HVAC systems, the UV light is installed along with the air duct system. This light then kills all the pathogens which are present in the air flowing through the air duct system.
Why Should You Use UV Lights for HVAC Systems?
While we have already covered the basics of UV lights for HVAC systems, some of you might be wondering about the need for the same. In that case, you will be surprised at how important and beneficial UV lights for HVAC systems can be. The primary benefit or function of UV lights for HVAC systems is that they kill all pathogens present in your HVAC system. This not only cleans up your air, but also prevents any mold build-up inside the air ducts of your HVAC system. Apart from sanitizing everything, a UV light also prevents any build-up on the heating coil of your HVAC system, which helps with improving the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Where Do You Install UV Lights in an AC?
Now that you know all the benefits and functioning of UV lights for HVAC systems, you might be interested in installing one for your HVAC system. However, it is quite important to ensure proper installation before doing the same. As mentioned earlier, there are two types of UV lights for HVAC systems available out there. And the preferred installation location for your UV light depends on the type of UV light you are installing.
If you are going with a coil UV light, then the UV light will be installed right above the heating coil. This will ensure that UV light is directly falling on the heating coil and preventing any pathogen build-up. On the other hand, if you are looking for an air sanitizing UV light, it will be installed directly in the duct way of your HVAC system. It can be installed in any location of your HVAC system with high airflow.
Picking The Best UV Lights For Your HVAC System:
Apart from picking the perfect installation location for your UV light for your HVAC system, you also need to ensure that you are picking the best possible UV light for your HVAC system. Thankfully, you can easily pick the best UV light for your HVAC system by keeping a few factors in mind, which includes the following:
1. Input Power
Just like any other bulb, you should also check the input power of your UV light to ensure that it is a powerful one. As you would expect, any UV light bulb with a high wattage will be more powerful, resulting in better performance. Generally, you will find UV lights that are either under 15 watts or higher than 15 watts of power. And as you would expect, UV light bulbs with a power higher than 15 watts will perform better.
2. Bulb Length
Apart from being powerful, the size and form factor of your UV light can also affect its performance quite a lot. This is due to the reason that any UV bulb which has a higher surface area offers better performance. Some of the common sizes that you will find while getting a UV light for HVAC systems range between 8 inches and 12 inches. Out of these options, any UV lights which are longer than 12 inches will offer better performance.
3. Ease of Installation
Once you have picked a UV light for your HVAC system, the last thing you would want is to face issues with the installation. Therefore, you should go with a UV light which is easy and quick to install. Generally, higher-end UV lights for HVAC systems will be much easier to install and use immediately.
Do You Need a UV Light for Your HVAC System?
After learning everything about UV lights for HVAC systems in detail, you might be wondering whether you need a UV light as well or not. And the simple answer to the same is that everyone should definitely install a UV light for their HVAC systems. By doing so, you will not only clean the air in your home, but it can keep your HVAC system functioning well. Since there will be no mold build-up inside your HVAC system, it will ensure proper efficiency at all times.
Best UV Lights for HVAC Systems Reviews
Since UV lights for HVAC systems are quite handy and beneficial, there are a large number of options available out there. And because of the same, choosing the perfect UV light for your HVAC system can be a little tricky. Thus, to help you pick a high-performance UV light for HVAC systems, here are our recommendations for the best UV lights for HVAC systems:
1) REKO UV Light
The Reko Lighting R2000 UV light can be a great option for those looking for a high value for money option. Starting with the size, this is an 8-inch UV light which is to be expected at the given price. However, you do get a 24-watt power rating that is great for optimum performance. As for its power requirements, this UV light runs on 120-volt power.
Best Features:
- Uses an 8-inch UV light bulb
- Runs on 24-watt input power
- Works with 120-volt electric current
2) Bio Shield UV Light
Bio Shield’s 50-BUVAS-E UV light is another value-for-money option that offers a much larger size without paying a premium. To be more exact, this UV light bulb is 17 inches long, which is much higher than other options in its class. And since this large-sized UV light bulb runs at 20-watt power, its performance is quite good. Coming to its power requirements, you can use this UV light with 120-volt electric current.
Best Features:
- Uses a 17-inch long UV light bulb
- Runs on 20-watt input power
- Works with 120-volt electric current
3) OdorStop UV Light
This OdorStop OS36PRO UV light is among one of the best options out there if you want something which is easy to install. Apart from being quite easy to install, this UV light also features a 16-inch UV light bulb. And because it runs at a power of 36 watts, the performance offered by it is quite amazing. Similar to most other UV lights, this one also requires 120-volt electric current for its operation.
Best Features:
- Uses a 16 inch long UV light bulb
- Runs on 36 watt input power
- Works with 120 volt electric current
4) HQtelecom UV Light
The HQtelecom UV light happens to be the most affordable option given here, which makes it ideal for those who are on a tight budget. Even at the given price tag, this UV light features a pretty high length of 14 inches. Although, its power rating of 14 watts does reflect its entry-level price tag. Fortunately, you do get a standard 120-volt electricity requirement with this UV light which is always great to have.
Best Features:
- Uses a 14 inch long UV light bulb
- Runs on 14-watt input power
- Works with 120-volt electric current
5) Honeywell UV Light
Honeywell’s UV2400U5000 UV light is a high-end option that can be suitable for those who want something easy to install. Since it comes as an all-in-one unit, its 16-inch UV light bulb length is quite appreciable. Talking about its power, this UV light bulb has a 16-watt input power rating. And unlike most other UV lights out there, this one runs on 24-volt electricity input.
Best Features:
- Uses a 16 inch long UV light bulb
- Runs on 16-watt input power
- Works with 24-volt electric current
Conclusion –
While an HVAC system can function just fine on its own, installing a UV light along with it can have a lot of benefits. Not only does it keep your air clean, but it also ensures that there is no mold build-up inside your HVAC system, which ensures high efficiency at all times. And because these are so beneficial, we have given a detailed guide on everything about UV lights for HVAC systems.
We have explained things like types of UV lights and factors to consider up above. Most importantly, we have also given a few of our recommendations for the best UV lights for HVAC systems so that you can easily pick one for your needs.
