APPLICATION OF UV-C LIGHT IN AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS

INPAL
Sep 9, 2025
2 min read

Specialized air conditioning is a system that many industries require. However, WHAT WE DON'T SEE IS MORE IMPORTANT. Inside the air ducts, a perfect ecosystem for microorganisms is created: humidity, stable temperature, and absolute darkness. It is the ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and viruses to reproduce undetected, traveling through the air every time the system is turned on.

ENGINE ROOM (HOSPITALS)

The installation of UV-C lamps in ducts completely changes the story. These lamps emit ultraviolet radiation in the range of 200 to 280 nanometers, known as the UV-C spectrum. It is not visible to the human eye, but it is lethal to many microorganisms. When UV-C radiation hits a bacterium, spore, or virus, it penetrates its cell membrane and alters its genetic material —DNA or RNA— preventing it from reproducing. Without the ability to multiply, the microorganism loses its potential to cause disease. It is a method that uses no chemicals, leaves no residue, and acts continuously.

In an air conditioning system, these lamps are strategically placed inside Air Handling Units, Ducts, or in front of A/C Coils. Thus, the air circulating through them receives germicidal treatment before reaching occupied areas. In addition, the radiation acts on the internal surfaces of the equipment, preventing the accumulation of mold and biofilm (a community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.). This not only improves air quality, but also preserves the efficiency of the system, as clean coils emit heat better and reduce energy consumption.

The benefits are clear: clean, healthy air, control of odors generated by fungi and bacteria, less frequent maintenance, and more efficient system operation. On a technical level, it is an energy-efficient solution that works silently and constantly, without requiring user intervention. The lamps only need to be replaced after their useful life, which is usually between 9,000 and 12,000 hours of use.

In terms of safety, UV-C radiation is harmful to the skin and eyes when exposed directly, but in this case it is confined within the ducts, coils, or air handling units without coming into contact with people or animals. The risk only exists if the system is handled while the lamps are on, so technicians must follow appropriate protective measures during any intervention.

Today, the incorporation of UV-C lamps in A/C systems is not exclusive to hospitals or laboratories. Offices, shopping centers, hotels, and residential buildings are adopting this technology as a long-term hygiene and prevention measure.

So, what for many is simply air conditioning, for those who opt for UV-C light becomes a comprehensive climate control and purification system. A silent but efficient technology that works 24 hours a day to make the air we breathe as safe as it is pleasant.

At INPAL, we not only understand UV-C technology, we continuously apply it to benefit health and energy efficiency in industries that require specialized air. Our proven experience in installing germicidal lamps in Air Handling Units, Ducts, and Coils allows us to guarantee real results.