UV Lights: When Do You Change the Bulb?
Your home is your private sanctuary where you relax after a long day, enjoying time with family and friends. It’s that place where you should always feel safe and secure. But what you may not expect is the often unseen dangers that could be lurking throughout your home. Fungus, mold, bacteria, germs and viruses can cause numerous health issues that threaten to destroy your indoor air quality. Otherwise healthy people can fall ill when exposed, but such pollutants are especially harmful for those who have allergies or respiratory problems like COPD. Luckily, you can fight back and stop these insidious contaminants in their tracks with the aid of UV lights.
How Do UV Lights Work?
Harmful microorganisms tend to collect within the HVAC system, particularly in the moist environment where the coil is. When your HVAC system is in use, these contaminants can be distributed throughout your home. Additionally, the buildup of microorganisms hinders airflow, putting added strain on the heating and cooling system.
Though a UV light’s wavelength is unseen by the human eye, it seeks to kill the contaminants in its path. UV systems are installed within your HVAC system. The type you choose depends on your needs. HVAC components are kept safe with a single-lamp system, while airstream disinfection is optimized with a two-lamp system.
UV Light Bulb Care Tips
- You should replace your bulbs annually if anyone in your home has respiratory problems or other acute sensitivities.
- If your UV light system is only used to keep your HVAC system clean, then you can wait up to two years to replace the bulbs.
- A UV light system loses all of its effectiveness at three years. If you haven’t replaced the bulbs before then, the system should be turned off to avoid energy waste and system failure.
For more advice on UV lights and other related topics, please contact us at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’re proud to say that we’ve been serving the greater Cincinnati area since 1910.