Do UV Lights in HVAC Systems Improve Air Quality?

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps designed to emit wavelengths in the short wave UVC range have germicidal properties which eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.  UVC lamps designed to emit wavelengths specifically close to 254 nm for germicidal applications and 185 nm for ozone applications are most effective.  Germicidal lamps are proven to quickly eradicate even stubborn bacteria such as antibiotic resistant superbugs and inactivate viruses, including beta coronaviruses such as MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. 

By cleaning the air that passes through air handling units of HVAC systems, UV lights in HVAC systems help to improve indoor air quality and also prevent mold and fungi from building up on internal HVAC components. This is one of the biggest benefits of UV lights for HVAC systems, as heating coils are susceptible to contamination, a build-up of mold and fungi due to the moist environment. UV lamps directed at heating coils and in ducts prevent mold build up and contamination, thus improving HVAC performance and energy efficiency.

UV Lamps in HVAC for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

UVC lamps have long been used in the medical field and in hospitals to protect patients and staff from lingering viruses and bacteria. Upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is proven to help protect patients against tuberculosis and has been used for decades with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, an environmental control of tuberculosis bacteria with UV lamps in upper room UVGI for air sterilization. 

Several additional studies examine the effectiveness of UV lamps in HVAC systems for air sterilization and purification, such as the study by Dick Menzies, et al, published in the National Institutes of Health, which examined the effects of UV air purification lamps on work related illnesses and symptoms of employees. The study showed a clear correlation between improvements in health-related worker symptoms when UV lamps were used in HVAC systems to promote improved indoor air quality.

LightSources Is a Leading Provider of UV Lamps for HVAC Systems

LightSources is an industry leader in providing UV lamps for any application including high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps found in sterilization systems worldwide. We offer a wide selection of germicidal UV lamps in standard and high output quartz, compact quartz and soft glass, low pressure Amalgam and proprietary spot pellet Amalgam technology, medium pressure, ozone lamps and more. We offer high-quality electronic ballasts and custom designed UV germicidal lamp prototype solutions to meet your exact specifications.

LightSources offers UV germicidal lamps for water, surface, and air sterilization systems worldwide. Our lamps are proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps, designed with proprietary technology by lighting engineers with in-depth knowledge of UV radiation. Contact us to learn more about our UV lamp solutions including germicidal lamps for HVAC systems.