UV Sterilization Systems
(UV Lights)
Ever been told your Air Handler or Furnace has mold, mildew, or microbial growth inside? Your AC company probably told you that you would need to spend anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more on a UV light installation. Before scratching a check to your technician allow me to shed some light on what UV sterilization systems are and how they work. After some education I will kindly show you how to install one yourself for a fraction of the cost if an HVAC company will charge you. UV lights were first installed in fish tanks and ponds to kill algae and many years later were brought into hospital’s and school’s HVAC systems. In the past 8-10 years UV Sterilization Systems finally hit the residential market. Believe me when i tell you these UV Systems are not a gimmick they really do work and if you don’t already have one in your air conditioning system now is the time to start doing your research.
What Does It Do?
UV systems are installed inside the indoor unit to kill microbial growth such as mold and mildew as well as sanitize the air that passes through. Your heating and cooling system circulates the air in your home on average 100 times per day. The 3 causes of indoor air pollution are VOC’s, Particulate, and Bioaerosols. With indoor air pollution is not eradicated it can cause SHS. Sick Home Syndrome or SHS kills upwards of 1 million per year so it is very important for you and your family to breath clean air.
How Does It Work?
The low micro watt economical unit is effective at killing germs and controlling allergens on surfaces that are irradiated. UV Systems use germicidal UVC to kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The ultraviolet lamps reproduce natural germicidal rays that are not a chemical treatment but are deadly to micro-organisms that spread throughout your home. A properly installed UV System poses no threat to people, equipment, or indoor environment
Ordering UV System
UV systems are not sold at your local home improvement stores. In order to find the right UV system you must find the nearest HVAC part house that sells to the public or order online. Below I’ve listed Two different systems that I know work very well and are listed at a very competitive price point. Both UV systems come with a magnetic bracket to help easily install the lamp. The only difference between the two UV systems is the price and the bulb life span. The first system has a bulb life span of 1 year the latter has a lifespan of 2 years. ORDER NOW
Installation
Estimated Job Time: 1 Hour
Tools And Equipment Needed: Drill, Screwdriver, Wire Strippers, Wire Nuts.
Difficulty: Medium
Turn Off The Power- Turn breakers and/or disconnect box off!
Remove The Panels On Air Handler- Using a 5/16 or 1/4 nut driver depending on brand of unit take out between 4-10 screws to remove air handler panels.
Locate Main power Line- This will be easy find the 2-3 wires coming into the side of the air handler. One wire will be black, one red, or occasionally the red could be a white wire instead. There will always be a green(ground wire). The black and red wires will often be wired into bottom of the breaker inside the air handler.
Insert Wires- First, with a flat head screwdriver loosen red and black wires. Next insert the black and red wires from the UV kit in with their matching colors (red with red black with black). Then tighten screws and tug on wires to make sure they are all tight.
Grounding UV System- Find the green wire that is mounted by a brass or green screw. Then loosen the screw and insert green wire and tighten. Check to make sure to tug the wire to make sure it is tight.
Mounting UV Lamp- Attach lamp to magnetic bracket and find somewhere in the air handler to mount so that the UVC rays can reach the most surface area.
Put Air Handler Back Together- Screw panels on tight to avoid air leakage.
Restore Power- Turn power back on at the breaker panel and disconnect box and start reaping the benefits of hospital quality air !
*NOTE- UV lamps will need to be replaced after 1 or 2 years depending on which kit you purchased weather or not the lamp is still glowing.
Do not ever look at UV lamp without protective eye gear UVC rays will cause irreversible damage to you eyes.
I loved this article. I am actually selling my home and have an A/C unit that I need to do something like this with. Will this particular UV system work with most any A/C units? I am having to fix this and this seems a lot cheaper than having the A/C company come out and service the unit. I have already taken care of cleaning it and straightening coils from hail damage.