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IAQ · UV Sterilization
UVC germicidal lights installed inside your ductwork or on the AC coil. Continuously sanitize air as it passes through. Kill mold, bacteria and viruses on contact. Coil-side units also keep the AC coil mold-free.
What UV does
UVC light (wavelength 253.7 nm) breaks DNA and RNA bonds in microorganisms. Bacteria, viruses, mold spores hit by UVC are inactivated — they can no longer reproduce or cause infection. The technology has been used in hospitals, water treatment and food processing for 100+ years.
In residential HVAC, UVC lamps are installed inside the ductwork or on the air-conditioning coil. Coil-side placement targets the coil itself (which stays wet during AC operation, breeding mold). Duct-side placement targets air passing through the return duct.
UVC does NOT filter dust or particulates — that's what filters do. UVC targets living microbes. A comprehensive IAQ system uses both: filter for particulates + UVC for microbial control + humidifier for moisture balance. Related in Las Vegas: AC installation.
Install day
Coil-side vs duct-side decision based on coil condition, ductwork access, and IAQ concerns. Coil-side prevents mold; duct-side treats air passing through.
UV lamp model (single or dual), install labour, electrical connection (120V), and 2-year bulb replacement schedule.
Hole cut in ductwork or air handler cabinet. UV lamp housing mounted (safety interlock prevents UV exposure to installers or homeowners). Wired to 120V outlet.
System energized. Lamp confirmed lit through viewport. Homeowner shown viewport location for annual visual check. Bulb replacement reminder set for 2 years out.
Realistic expectations
UVC in HVAC ductwork is effective for what it targets: continuous microbial control at the coil (major benefit — keeps coil clean, extends AC life, prevents musty smell). Duct-passing air gets 1-2 seconds of UV exposure — enough to inactivate a meaningful portion but not 100%.
For 100% inactivation of specific pathogens (e.g., COVID or flu concerns), UVC would need to be combined with slower air passage and higher-output bulbs. Residential in-duct UVC is not designed for that.
Where UVC clearly wins: preventing coil mold and biofilm. AC coils are dark, wet and dust-fed — perfect for mold. A coil-side UV lamp keeps them clean without chemicals. That alone is often worth the cost in older systems. Related in Las Vegas: AC installation and AC repair.
Related services
Whole-home filtration for particulates.
Learn more40% RH for comfort and health.
Learn moreMERV upgrades with UV combined.
Learn moreCoil-side UV added during new AC install.
Learn moreDuctwork cleaned before UV install for max effect.
Learn moreBalanced ventilation complements UV control.
Learn moreUV purifier FAQs
AC was starting to smell musty every summer. Coil-side UV lamp installed, smell gone within a week. No more coil cleaning needed at annual service.
Went with a dual-lamp system for both coil and duct treatment. IAQ measurements improved measurably in the first month. Peace of mind for our family.
Family with respiratory sensitivity. UV complements our air purifier — filter catches particles, UV handles microbes. Winter cold season noticeably milder.
Older HVAC system was breeding mold in the coil. UV lamp + coil clean revived it. Instead of $8k for new equipment, $1k for UV extended the life 5+ years.
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