Most quality UV lamps will emit at least 80% of their original UV-C emission within a year. It is recommended to replace all UV bulbs every three years, regardless of how often they are used. The specific lifespan of a UV bulb will depend on the type of system and the manufacturer's recommendations. Generally speaking, a UV bulb will last between 1 and 5 years.
A “blue tube” system bulb usually lasts 1 to 2 years, while the APCO or APCO X bulb is expected to last more than 3 to 5 years. It is essential to keep track of the age of your UV light in order to ensure that it is providing the best protection for your family. We recommend that you add a reminder to replace the UV lamp to your list of maintenance tasks for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, so you don't forget it. Typically, an ultraviolet or UV lamp lasts 12 months or about 9000 hours of use.
The light stays on for more than 12 months, but after a year of use, its ability to kill bacteria will slowly diminish and it will no longer kill them, leaving your family vulnerable. If the UV or UV system is used seasonally (for example, for 6 months this year) and then it is drained and unplugged, you can use it for next year's season for another 6 months before having to replace the lamp with another one. There are some high-end UV systems in the Viqua Pro series where the lamp lasts for two years in a row, but to be sure, check the manual, since most of them only last a year. HVAC UV light systems use a special type of high-frequency, low-wavelength UV-C light to destroy the nucleic acids that form the DNA of harmful bacteria found in the air and to disinfect the air as it passes through the system. High-frequency UV light has enough energy to destroy the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms, kill them, and disinfect the air.
If you don't replace a burned-out UV bulb, you won't be able to take advantage of the benefits that UV light can provide in your home. HVAC UV lights are also good for limiting mold growth throughout the HVAC system and preventing certain respiratory diseases. The only downside is that working with UV lights can be dangerous, so you should hire a professional to install them or take some safety precautions if you decide to do it yourself. Once installed, UV lights require very little maintenance and only need attention when they need to be cleaned or replaced. The most common type of HVAC light is an entrance light that is placed near the central air system fan. If your UV lamp is three years old or older, it is time to replace it.
Turn off the system until the UV bulb is replaced. Installing UV lights in your air conditioning system is simple, although most people should leave it to a professional. Since germicidal UV light will most likely be installed in your air controller, you won't have to worry about it affecting vulnerable plastic components. The hole location doesn't need to be precise, but make sure it's relatively centered in the return duct housing; you don't want to install the light too close to the return filter. It is important to remember that UV lamps should be replaced every three years regardless of how often they are used.
This will ensure that your family remains safe from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause respiratory diseases. If you are unsure about how often you should replace your UV lamp or how to install one yourself, contact a professional HVAC technician who can help you with this task.
