Are you interested in learning how to install a sanitizing UV light inside of your HVAC?
You are in the right place because even hospitals use UV-C light to disinfect medical equipment and operating rooms.
I created this step-by-step guide on how to install a UV light to keep your A/C system free from mold and mildew protecting your air quality.
In this article, you will learn...
- Why you should never allow a UV light to shine on your eyes or skin (a safety hazard)
- How to determine the best location to place the UV light
- How to use a hole saw to cut into the metal duct (and my top hole saw choice)
- The best way to power a germicidal UV light unit
- Important things to do before installing a UV light (if there is already mold)
The Five Steps To An HVAC UV Light Installation
#1. Choose Where To Install The UV Light
Perhaps the most important step is to choose where to install the UV light. You want it installed where it will be most effective and kill the most mold and mildew.
#2. Drill The Hole(s) For The UV Light
The biggest physical step is drilling the holes in the metal HVAC cover so that the UV light bulb can be inserted. Most holes will be 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" in diameter.
#3. Screw The Germicidal UV Light To The Furnace
In this step, you take screws and secure the UV light housing to the air conditioner. You don't want to tighten the screws too much where you damage the plastic housing.
#4. Power The A/C UV Light System
After the UV light is secured, you will want to add power to the UV light. Usually (and the easiest) is to just plug the UV light into a regular 120-volt outlet.
#5. Change & Clean The UV Light Bulb
After it is installed, the only real maintenance is to change the bulb annually (or at most every two years) and clean the light bulbs seasonally.
#1. Choose Where To Install The UV Light
The first step in installing a UV furnace light is to determine the best location on your furnace or air handler. If the germicidal UV light is installed in the wrong place, it will greatly reduce its effectiveness in preventing mold or mildew growth.
Usually, you want to install the A/C ultraviolet light treatment system so that the evaporator coil gets the most amount of light. According to Lincoln Tech, it is the evaporator coil (and drip pan) that is usually the source of HVAC contaminants.
The evaporator coil is susceptible to the growth of biofilms which are communities of microorganisms that stick together on a surface. The amount of surface area of an evaporator coil is around 5,000 square feet.
The evaporator or A-coil is the part of the air handler that has the copper (or aluminum) tubing where the refrigerant runs through. It frequently has the shape of a tepee or "A" and frequently has the most dust buildup and mold growth.
However, if you have already had mold growth in your HVAC and there is a particular corner or area of the air handler that is prone to mold ---- then you should install the UV light so that it shines the most on the problematic mold area. There is no point in experimenting with locations if you already know that one spot of your A/C gets the most mold growth.
A-Shaped Evaporator Coil
The best location to install a UV light if in the A-shape is above, center, and downstream of the coil. This allows the A/C ultraviolet light to shine the most amount of light on the coil, while killing some of the airborne microbes.
The second best location is below the evaporator coil (if there is room). If none of these locations are feasible, then you can install the UV furnace light to either side of the coil.
N-Shaped Coils
The second most common type of A/C coil after the A-coil is the diagonal N-coil --- it is in the shape of an N or Z (depending on orientation). If the evaporator coil is in this shape, then there are only two options. You can either install the light above the coil or below it. Preferably, you should install the UV light closer to the drip pan and where there will be more moisture.
If you don't feel like the air handler is getting enough UV light, you can always install an extra UV light in a different location or on the other side of the coil.
Read Also: What Are The Best UV Lights For HVAC?
#2. Drill The Hole(s) For The UV Light
The next step is to drill a hole (or two) into the indoor air handler so that the UV light bulb can penetrate inside the unit.
All UV light sanitizing systems are installed so that the main part of the product is mounted to the outside, while only the long ultraviolet light bulbs enter inside.
Take Measurements Before Drilling Holes
It is advisable to remove the cover to the furnace, and take some measurements. You don’t want to drill a hole in the sheet metal only to find out that the location won’t fit for the UV light bulb.
You can also just carefully insert the UV light bulb in the location where it will be installed to get an idea that it will fit correctly.
Remember to avoid touching the A/C UV light bulb. The oils from your skill will reduce the light of the bulb and may damage it.
Using A Hole Saw Drill Bit
Some HVAC UV light systems come with everything you will need to install a UV light--- including the hole saw drill bit---except of course an electric drill. If you bought a UV light without a hole saw, you will need to buy one so that you can cut a circular hole through the metal HVAC cover (or ductwork).
Most UV lights will need either a hole in the range of 1.5" to 3" in diameter. Some hole saws already have the drill bit as part of the hole saw. The drill bit goes in first, which helps grab the sheet metal (and guide the hole saw), and then the hole saw cuts the actual 2.5-inch hole.
Shut Off Power & Use Paper Template
It is important to first shutoff the power to the HVAC system before installing a UV light---you don’t want to accidentally get shocked. Locate the breaker at the panel box, and flip the switch.
Most AC UV light products will come with a paper template for the mounting. Tape the template to the area where you wish to install the UV light. The template will help you cut the holes at the proper distance apart (if there are two bulbs).
Start slowly as you cut into the sheet metal, and as the hole saw makes a small groove, gradually push the saw into the ductwork to cut the hole. It may help to rock the drill bit back and forth to get a more effective cut.
Read Also: How To Prevent Mold in Air Conditioners (What To Do?)
#3. Screw The Germicidal UV Light To The Furnace
The third step is to screw the UV light to the air handler. The UV product should of come with a few screws for the install. Simply use a cordless drill or a phillips screwdriver to secure the UV light to the metal.
Make sure not to install the screws too tightly where it may crack the plastic of the UV light. As a reminder, do not plug in the UV light bulb before it is fully installed. The UV light can burn your skin and may damage your eyes.
#4. Power The A/C UV Light System
With the UV light sanitizer secured to the furnace, now you want to power the system. Most new UV lights will come with 5′-7′ long extension power cords. All you will need to do is plug the unit into an existing outlet. Most utility rooms will already have an outlet.
Another option is to hardwire the UV light into the furnace. You can even wire it so that the UV light only turns on when the furnace or A/C turns on so it isn't on 24 hours.
After you have plugged in the UV light, simply flip the power switch on the unit, and check the sight glass to make sure that the UV light is actually on. There should be a bluish glow in the sight glass.
HVAC UV Lights Installed On The Return Side
My favorite UV lights for HVAC systems are made by a company called OdorStop.
These UV lights by OdorStop will only turn on when your HVAC is on — which means it will save energy and extend the life of your bulb.
These UV air purifiers can be installed on the return duct side, which makes it less likely that the UV light will damage any critical HVAC wiring or other plastic parts.
#5. Change & Clean The UV Light Bulb
Most UV light bulbs will last about one year. If there is blue light shining, this doesn’t mean that the bulb doesn’t need replacement. The actual UV-C frequency that kills mold is invisible to humans. There may be blue light emanating from the unit, but it is no longer shining enough UV-C light frequency.
It is also recommended to clean the UV light bulb every few months or after every season. To clean the unit, you will need to take out the bulb, and clean it with a soft lint-free cloth such as a microfiber rag. You can use regular glass cleaning solution to clean the bulb from dust and debris.
Read Also: Does UV Light Kill Mold? (How Effective?)
What's The Bottom Line On A UV Light Installation For The HVAC?
If you follow the steps in this guide, it shouldn't be too difficult to install a UV light to kill mold and mildew in your indoor air handler. The basic idea is to cut a hole in the best location, insert the bulb, use screws to secure the light, and plug it in.
If you have all of the supplies, you should be able to install a UV light within 15min to 30min. However, if you want to hardwire the UV light to your furnaces power, it may take longer. Other than that option, using the hole saw to cut the hole(s) will likely be the most challenging aspect of a UV light install.
5 thoughts on “How To Install An HVAC UV Light? (5 Step Guide)”
Purchased a uv light kit from Amazon. The power supply can switch from 110v to 220v. I have no 110v outlet near my hvac and the unit has only 220v wired with no neutral available inside the unit. Only two 110v legs and a ground wire. Can I attach to 220v in hvac, switch the power supply to 220v and not be concerned about a lack of neutral wire in the unit.?
If the UV light is on only while the blower is on allow enough time/light to keep the biofilm in check?
Hi Charles,
In general, if the UV light has an air flow sensor, like some of the OdorStop products, then these are installed on the return side of the furnace which is prior to the coil — so UV light doesn’t even hit the coil. The other type of UV light is installed above the coil on the supply side — and it is always on. So the air treatment UV lights are meant to kill microbes in the air stream which is why they only turn on when the furnace is actually running. I think they both do a good job, though I think the air treatments lights are of a higher quality.
Good luck!
Can the 2bulb unit withstand the heat in the plenum when furnace is in heat mode?
Hello Jack,
I haven’t heard of UV lights not being able to take the heat. Usually, it is the other way around — the UV light is damaging certain furnace components. You may want to consult your furnace manual to see if there are any areas that need to be protected or sensitive to UV light. You could also install air treatment UV lights which are installed on the return side of the furnace so it won’t be exposed to as high a heat such as this one by Honeywell.
Good luck!