HVAC UV Lights

Clean Air Starts Inside Your HVAC System In Ville Platte

We've seen what grows inside air conditioners in Louisiana's humid climate, and it's not pretty. UV lights kill bacteria, mold, and viruses right inside your system before they can spread through your home. These germicidal lights work 24/7 to protect your family's health and keep your equipment running clean.

After 50 years of serving Acadiana, Smith Air Conditioning has learned that preventing problems beats fixing them every time. Contact us online or call 337-363-1866 to learn how UV lights can improve your indoor air quality.

Air Purification Uv Diagram

What Is An HVAC UV Light?

UV lights use germicidal energy to eliminate microorganisms in your system.

  • UV-C Technology: The lights emit UV-C rays that destroy the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on contact. This is the same technology hospitals use to sterilize equipment. When microorganisms pass through this light or grow on surfaces it hits, they're killed or rendered unable to reproduce.
  • Installation Location: We mount the light inside your air handler near the evaporator coil or in your return ductwork. It stays completely contained within your system and never shines into your home. You won't see it, hear it, or know it's there except for the cleaner air.
  • How It Works Continuously: The light runs either 24/7 for coil protection or whenever your system operates for air purification. Unlike filters that trap particles, UV lights actually kill living organisms. Microbes can't develop resistance to UV energy the way they sometimes do with chemical treatments.
  • Safe For Your Family: The UV light never enters your living spaces and poses no risk to people or pets when properly installed by trained technicians. We follow manufacturer specifications and safety protocols on every installation to ensure everything is contained and secure.
  • Proven Technology: Studies show UV lights can eliminate up to 99% of certain bacteria and mold. This technology has been used in hospitals and healthcare facilities for decades. Now it's available for your home at a price that makes sense for most families.

Ready to breathe cleaner air? Call 337-363-1866 today.

How Much Do UV Lights Cost?

Most homeowners invest between $500 and $1,200 for a complete installation.

  • Equipment Cost: The UV light unit itself typically runs $200 to $600, depending on whether you choose a coil-sanitizing or air-sanitizing model. Coil lights are less expensive since they're simpler to install. Air-sanitizing lights cost more but provide more comprehensive air purification throughout your entire home.
  • Professional Installation: Installation adds $300 to $600 to your total investment. We mount the light in the right location, wire it correctly to your system, and make sure it's operating safely and effectively. Proper placement is critical for maximum effectiveness, and we don't cut corners on safety.
  • Annual Bulb Replacement: UV bulbs lose effectiveness over time and need replacement every 12 months, even if they still appear to glow. Replacement bulbs run $50 to $150, depending on the model. We can handle this during your annual maintenance visit to keep everything on schedule.
  • Operating Costs: UV lights use minimal electricity, typically less than $36 per year to operate. That's about $3 per month. The energy savings from keeping your coil clean often offset this cost, especially in Louisiana, where your AC runs most of the year.
  • Long-Term Value: Many homeowners find that UV lights pay for themselves within 2 to 4 years through reduced maintenance costs, lower energy bills, and extended system life. The health benefits from cleaner air are harder to measure, but often matter most to families with allergies or respiratory concerns.

Want a quote for your home? Call 337-363-1866 now.

HVAC UV Light FAQs

Do UV lights really work?

Yes, studies show UV lights eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and mold in HVAC systems. Duke Medicine research confirmed UV lights killed 97% of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The technology works by disrupting a microorganism's DNA. However, UV lights kill living organisms but don't remove dust or pollen, so you'll still need good filtration for allergies.

Are UV lights worth the investment?

For most Louisiana homeowners, yes. The $500 to $1,200 investment typically pays for itself within 2 to 4 years through reduced maintenance and energy costs. In our humid climate, where AC systems run 8 to 9 months yearly, and mold thrives, UV lights prevent problems before they start. Health benefits matter most for families with allergies or asthma.

Can I install a UV light myself?

We don't recommend it. Installation requires cutting into your air handler or ductwork, electrical wiring, and handling UV-C light that can damage eyes in seconds. Improper placement dramatically reduces effectiveness. We've fixed installations where other contractors positioned lights incorrectly or failed to shield them properly. Professional installation ensures safety and effectiveness from day one.

What's The Difference Between Coil Sanitizing & Air Sanitizing Lights?

They target different areas and serve different primary purposes.

  • Coil Sanitizing Lights: These mount directly above or next to your evaporator coil inside the air handler and run 24/7. Their main job is preventing mold and bacteria from growing on the coil, which stays damp whenever your AC runs. This is especially important in Louisiana's climate, where humidity keeps coils wet.
  • Air Sanitizing Lights: These install in your return ductwork and turn on whenever your HVAC system runs. They treat the air as it passes through, killing airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores before they reach your living spaces. This provides more comprehensive air purification for your entire home.
  • Best For System Protection: Coil lights are the better choice if your main concern is keeping your equipment clean and efficient. They prevent the mold buildup that causes musty odors, restrict airflow, and lead to drain line clogs. We recommend coil lights for most Louisiana homes.
  • Best For Air Quality: Air lights are ideal if someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system. They do a better job of purifying the air you breathe by treating it directly as it circulates. They also help sanitize system components near the light.
  • Installation Differences: Coil lights are simpler and less expensive to install since we just mount them in the air handler. Air lights require more work because we integrate them into your ductwork and wire them to your system. Both are effective when properly installed.

Questions about which type is right for you? Call 337-363-1866 today.

How Long Do UV Light Bulbs Last?

Most bulbs need replacement every 12 months for maximum effectiveness.

  • Standard Lifespan: UV-C bulbs typically last 9,000 to 12,000 hours, which is roughly one year of continuous operation. Some higher-end models can last up to 2 years. The bulb may still appear to glow after this time, but its UV output drops significantly, and it's no longer effective.
  • Why Annual Replacement Matters: UV bulbs lose about 15% of their germicidal effectiveness each year. After 12 months, the light isn't producing enough UV-C energy to kill microorganisms effectively. You're wasting electricity running an ineffective bulb, and you're not getting the air quality benefits you paid for.
  • We Track It For You: During your annual maintenance visit, we check your UV bulb and replace it if needed. We keep records of when it was installed, so you don't have to remember. This is one more reason why regular maintenance matters for your HVAC system.
  • Warning Signs: If you notice musty odors returning or see biological growth on your coil during a maintenance visit, that's a sign your UV bulb has lost effectiveness. Sometimes you can see a faint blue glow through small gaps in the ductwork if the bulb is still working.
  • Safety During Replacement: UV-C light can damage your skin and eyes in seconds, so we handle all bulb replacements ourselves. We shut off power, use proper protective equipment, and dispose of old bulbs safely. This isn't a DIY job we recommend for homeowners.

Need your bulb replaced? Call 337-363-1866 to schedule service.

Protect Your Family With Professional UV Light Installation

UV lights eliminate the mold, bacteria, and viruses that Louisiana's climate encourages inside your HVAC system. We install these systems correctly the first time, following written standards that ensure safety and effectiveness. Our NATE-certified technicians have the factory training to position lights properly and integrate them seamlessly with your equipment. With an A+ BBB rating and 260+ five-star reviews, we've built our reputation on doing quality work that's worth your investment. Contact us online or call 337-363-1866 to schedule your UV light installation today.