UV Germicidal Lights
UV Germicidal Lights | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Jellico
Breathe easier in Jellico with HEP’s cutting-edge UV germicidal lights, designed to neutralize up to 99% of airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold as air circulates through your heating and cooling system. By bathing the interior coils and ductwork in powerful ultraviolet light, these systems stop microbial growth before it ever reaches your living spaces, all while helping your HVAC run more efficiently and smell fresher.
Our certified technicians integrate UV technology seamlessly into existing equipment, giving homes and businesses a cost-effective boost in ventilation and air quality without major renovations. From the first inspection to ongoing maintenance, HEP delivers friendly local service that keeps your indoor environment healthier, cleaner, and ready for every season Jellico has to offer.
FAQs
What are UV germicidal lights and how do they improve indoor air quality?
UV (ultraviolet) germicidal lights are special lamps that emit UV-C radiation, a wavelength (200–280 nm) proven to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores by disrupting their DNA/RNA. When installed inside the air-handling section or ductwork of your heating and air-conditioning system, the lights bathe the passing air and internal HVAC surfaces (such as the evaporator coil) in germ-destroying UV-C energy. This reduces microbial growth on the coil, prevents biofilm buildup that can harbor odors, and continuously sterilizes the air stream, leading to cleaner, healthier indoor air. Because the treatment happens inside the HVAC unit, the entire conditioned space benefits without adding noise or draft issues.
Will UV lights fit into my existing HVAC system in Jellico homes or businesses?
In most cases, yes. UV germicidal lights are designed with compact housings that can be retrofitted into traditional split systems, packaged units, heat pumps, or rooftop units commonly installed in Jellico. A certified HVAC technician will inspect your air handler or duct plenum to determine the optimal mounting location—usually just downstream of the evaporator coil or across the supply plenum. Standard 24-V and 120-V power options are available, so wiring can be tied into your air handler’s service outlet or transformer. Even if space is tight, low-profile stick lamps or coil irradiation kits can usually be accommodated without major duct modifications.
How effective are UV germicidal lamps against COVID-19, mold, and allergens?
Laboratory studies show that a properly sized UV-C system can inactivate up to 99.9 % of common airborne pathogens, including influenza, coronaviruses (such as SARS-CoV-2), rhinoviruses, and many bacterial species. For mold and mildew, continuous UV exposure on the wet evaporator coil surface prevents colonization and spore release, eliminating one of the biggest sources of musty odors and allergic responses indoors. While UV lights do not physically trap particulates like pollen or dust, they neutralize biological contaminants that often ride on those particles. When UV treatment is combined with MERV-rated filtration, Jellico homeowners get a comprehensive air-quality solution that targets both living and non-living pollutants.
What maintenance is required and how often do the bulbs need replacement?
UV-C output degrades over time even though the lamp may still appear to glow. To maintain germicidal effectiveness, most manufacturers recommend replacing lamps every 9-12 months for residential use and 8,000–9,000 run-hours for commercial systems. During routine HVAC tune-ups, a technician should: (1) verify lamp operation and intensity, (2) wipe any dust off the quartz sleeve with alcohol pads, (3) inspect wiring and ballasts, and (4) ensure safety interlocks are functioning. Replacement is straightforward—lamps are typically plug-n-play and disposal follows standard fluorescent bulb recycling rules. Keeping up with this annual service maximizes pathogen kill rates and protects your HVAC investment.
Are UV HVAC lights safe for my family, pets, and HVAC components?
When installed correctly inside sealed HVAC equipment, UV germicidal lights pose virtually no risk to occupants because the radiation is contained within metal ductwork. The lamps only energize when access panels are closed, and many kits include safety switches that cut power if the panel is removed. UV-C does not create ozone in appreciable amounts, so it will not irritate lungs or damage rubber gaskets. For HVAC components, continuous UV exposure actually keeps the coil cleaner, improving heat-transfer efficiency and extending blower life by reducing microbial slime that can restrict airflow. Technicians wear protective eyewear and gloves during service to avoid direct exposure.
How much do UV light installations cost in the Jellico area and do they save energy?
Residential UV coil-irradiation systems in Jellico generally range from $350 to $700 installed, while whole-home air-stream units with dual lamps may cost $650 to $1,100 depending on lamp length and power supply. Commercial or larger custom duct installations can vary widely ($1.50–$3.00 per CFM treated). Although UV lights draw a small amount of electricity (15–60 W per lamp), they can lower overall utility bills by keeping the evaporator coil free of microbial film, which restores heat-exchange efficiency and can reduce compressor run-time by 5-15 %. Cleaner coils also mean fewer service calls and extended equipment life—adding indirect savings that often offset the modest operating cost within the first few years.