UV Purification
UV Purification | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Chattanooga
Breathe easier in Chattanooga with HEP’s cutting-edge UV purification systems seamlessly integrated into our heating and air conditioning solutions. By harnessing germicidal light, high-efficiency filtration, and precision humidity control, we target the mold spores, pollen, and lingering odors that love our Tennessee climate—delivering indoor air that feels as fresh as a mountain morning without ever leaving your living room.
From routine tune-ups to full system retrofits, our technicians design custom strategies that elevate ventilation and air quality while lowering energy bills and environmental impact. Ready to trade stuffy rooms for crisp, healthy air? Call HEP today and discover why neighbors all over Chattanooga trust us to keep their homes comfortable, efficient, and refreshingly clean year-round.
FAQs
How does UV air purification work and why is it beneficial for my HVAC system?
UV purification uses germicidal-grade ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light— the same spectrum hospitals use for surface sterilization. When air flows past the lamp, the high-energy light penetrates the DNA or RNA of mold spores, bacteria, and viruses, deactivating them so they cannot reproduce. In Chattanooga’s warm, humid summers a dark, damp evaporator coil can become a breeding ground for bio-growth. A properly positioned UV-C lamp keeps the coil and drain pan clean, improves airflow, helps your system operate more efficiently, and noticeably reduces musty odors.
Will a UV purifier eliminate COVID-19 and other viruses in my Chattanooga home?
No air-cleaning technology can guarantee 100 % virus removal, but laboratory testing shows UV-C irradiation can inactivate up to 99 % of many airborne pathogens, including coronaviruses, influenza, and rhinoviruses. Effectiveness depends on lamp intensity, exposure time, airflow rate, and proper installation. When combined with high-efficiency filtration (MERV-13 or higher), balanced humidity, and adequate ventilation, UV-C lights significantly lower the viral load circulating through your HVAC ductwork—an important layer of protection for families and businesses in the Scenic City.
Where inside my HVAC system is the UV light installed and will it affect maintenance?
For residential split systems we typically mount one or two UV-C lamps just downstream of the evaporator coil and above the condensate pan. This placement bathes the damp coil surface in germicidal light 24/7. In larger package units or commercial rooftop equipment, lamps are positioned both across the coil face and inside the supply plenum. Because the fixture sits behind an access panel, routine filter changes are not impeded. During your seasonal tune-up our technician will visually inspect the lamp and clean the quartz sleeve if needed—adding only a few minutes to your standard maintenance visit.
What ongoing maintenance or bulb replacement is required for UV purification systems?
UV-C output slowly declines as the lamp ages even though it may still glow. To maintain germicidal effectiveness we recommend replacing the bulb every 9,000 operating hours—about once a year if it runs continuously, or every two years on an interlocked cycle. Replacement involves shutting off power, removing the old lamp, wiping fingerprints off the new lamp with alcohol, and re-sealing the view port. Homeowners can do it themselves, but most prefer our technicians handle it during the annual HVAC inspection. Expect replacement lamps to cost $75–$125 depending on wattage.
How much energy does a UV germicidal light add to my utility bills?
Residential UV-C lamps consume roughly 15 –25 watts—similar to an LED lightbulb. Even when operated 24 hours a day the added electrical cost in Chattanooga averages $1–$2 per month. In many cases the energy you save through a cleaner, more efficient coil offsets this usage. For commercial systems we can design UV racks that cycle on with the air handler fan or only run during unoccupied hours to minimize energy impact while meeting ASHRAE recommendations for pathogen mitigation.
Is UV purification safe for people, pets, and materials in my house?
Yes. The lamp is installed inside the sealed HVAC cabinet or ductwork, so occupants are never exposed to the intense UV-C rays. A safety interlock switch automatically shuts the light off when the access panel is removed to protect service personnel. UV-C does not produce ozone at germicidal wavelengths (254 nm), so there are no harmful byproducts. Because the light is contained within the system it cannot fade fabrics or damage plastics. As with any electrical device, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and have the unit installed by a licensed HVAC professional.