Most quality lamps will emit at least 80% of their original UV-C emission within a year. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the UV lamp every 9000 hours or approximately every 12 months. An annual replacement program is also recommended for those with allergies and other respiratory conditions. Keep in mind that it is recommended to replace all UV bulbs every three years no matter how often they are used.
You may have heard your HVAC technician tell you that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months, or 90 days. But why is this important when it comes to HVAC UV lights? The answer lies in the fact that these lights should be replaced every 1 to 5 years, depending on the model and manufacturer. For example, it is recommended to replace a Carrier Coil UV lamp every 9000 operating hours or every year. In the case of a REME HALO, it is every 2 or 3 years and in a REME HALO LED, 4 to 5 years. You may need to replace the UV bulb first if it doesn't work properly or if you notice a decline in indoor air quality.
The most common type of HVAC light is an entrance light that is placed near the central air system fan. In addition to air purifiers, another way to improve indoor air quality is to install UV lights in the air conditioning system. UV light has germicidal properties, making it ideal for disinfecting air as it passes through the air conditioning system. UV lights are not a new technology and have been used for nearly a century to treat problems such as tuberculosis in hospitals. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Niels Ryberg Finsen in 1903 for his work on the use of UV radiation to cure skin infections. This means that when the boiler or central air conditioning system blows air through the house, the UV light will turn on when there is no air circulating and the light will turn off to save energy.
To work its magic, UV light has to be properly installed in the air conditioning system (and UV lights can damage your eyes if you're not careful). As air circulates around the house, it carries germs and allergens with it, which eventually pass through ultraviolet light, which disinfects the air as it recirculates around the house. High-frequency UV light has enough energy to destroy the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms, kill them, and disinfect the air. Like a regular bulb, UV lights have a finite lifespan, so they need to be changed regularly. Mounting UV lights to all ducts in the system will require more work and is not recommended.
By installing an HVAC UV lamp, you can eliminate mold and mildew, eliminate viruses and bacteria, and reduce odors, all of which will improve indoor air quality. To ensure that your HVAC UV light is working properly and efficiently, it's important to change its filter regularly. We recommend changing your filter once every three months. To do this, turn off the air conditioning system, remove the lamp and wipe the UV bulb with a soft cloth.
