Kill Mold, Bacteria & Viruses with UV-C Light
UV-C germicidal lights mount inside your HVAC system and destroy 99.9% of mold spores, bacteria, and viruses as air passes through. Set it and forget it — runs 24/7.
How UV-C Air Purification Works
UV-C Technology
- •UV-C light at 254 nanometer wavelength
- •Destroys DNA/RNA of microorganisms
- •Kills mold spores, bacteria, viruses
- •Installed in HVAC ductwork or near coils
- •Silent, chemical-free operation
What UV-C Eliminates
- ✓Mold spores and mildew
- ✓Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella)
- ✓Viruses (flu, cold, COVID-19)
- ✓Yeast and fungi
- ✓Odor-causing microorganisms
UV-C vs Other Purification Methods
UV-C Light
Destroys microorganisms with germicidal light. No chemicals, no ozone.
HEPA Filters
Capture particles but don't kill living organisms. Filters need replacement.
Ozone Generators
Create ozone which can damage lungs and shouldn't be used in occupied spaces.
Mold & Mildew Are a Constant Fight in Portland
165 Rainy Days Per Year
Portland has more rainy days than any other major U.S. city. This creates constant moisture that promotes mold growth in homes, especially in basements, crawlspaces, and HVAC systems.
Portland ranks 2nd in the U.S. for annual rainfall, creating ideal conditions for mold.
Basement Moisture Issues
Many Portland homes have basements that stay damp year-round. Without proper ventilation, moisture leads to mold growth that gets circulated through the entire home via the HVAC system.
UV-C lights target mold at its source - in your HVAC system where spores multiply in dark, damp conditions.
HVAC Coil Mold Growth
Evaporator coils in air conditioners and heat pumps create condensation. In Portland's humid climate, this moisture provides perfect conditions for mold growth. Mold on coils reduces efficiency and circulates spores.
UV-C lights installed near coils kill mold spores before they can grow, eliminating musty odors and improving system efficiency.
UV-C Installation Locations
Evaporator Coil
Most common and effective location. UV-C light shines directly on the coil where condensation and mold growth occur.
- •Prevents mold growth on coils
- •Eliminates musty odors
- •Improves system efficiency
Return Duct
Installed in the return air duct to treat all air entering the HVAC system before it circulates through your home.
- •Treats air from entire home
- •Kills airborne pathogens
- •Whole-home air sterilization
Supply Duct
Located in the supply side to sterilize air after conditioning but before distribution to living spaces.
- •Treats conditioned air
- •Prevents recontamination
- •Maximum air quality
Types of UV-C Systems
Coil Sterilization
Single UV-C lamp mounted near the evaporator coil. Focuses on preventing mold growth where it's most likely to occur.
Best For:
- • Mold prevention
- • Musty odors
- • System efficiency
Power Levels:
18W-36W
In-Duct Air Sterilization
UV-C lamp installed inside the ductwork to kill airborne pathogens as air circulates through the system.
Best For:
- • Airborne viruses
- • Bacteria elimination
- • Whole-home protection
Power Levels:
36W-55W
Whole-Home UV Systems
Multiple UV-C lamps or high-powered systems for thorough air sterilization throughout the home.
Best For:
- • Maximum protection
- • Large homes
- • Health-sensitive families
Power Levels:
55W-110W
What UV-C Does for Your Health
Reduces Mold-Related Allergies
Kills mold spores that trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
Kills Airborne Viruses
Destroys flu, cold, and other respiratory viruses circulating in your home.
Eliminates Musty Odors
Removes mold-related smells by killing the microorganisms that cause them.
Safer for Immunocompromised
Provides continuous pathogen elimination for vulnerable family members.
Reduces Sick Days
Studies show 30-50% reduction in illness from airborne pathogens.
Chemical-Free Operation
No harmful chemicals or ozone - just germicidal UV light.
UV-C Installation Process (1-2 Hours)
Locate Optimal Placement
Determine the best location based on your system type (coil, return duct, or supply duct). We access the area and prepare for installation.
Cut Access Panel if Needed
For systems requiring internal duct installation, we cut a small access panel (patched professionally after installation).
Mount UV Lamp Securely
Install the UV-C lamp in the designated location with proper mounting hardware. Position for optimal exposure to air and surfaces.
Wire to HVAC System
Connect power supply to the HVAC system so the UV light operates when the system runs. Includes safety wiring and power verification.
Safety Shielding & Testing
Install protective shielding to prevent UV exposure. Test operation and calibrate for optimal performance. Final system check.
UV-C System Maintenance
Bulb Replacement
- •UV bulbs last 12-24 months
- •Annual replacement service: $100-$200
- •We track replacement schedule
- •Visual inspection during annual tune-up
Annual System Check
- •Power supply verification
- •Lamp operation testing
- •Shielding integrity check
- •Cleaning of lamp surface
UV-C Air Purification Cost
Single UV-C Lamp
$600-$900
Installed
- • Coil sterilization
- • Mold prevention
- • Basic pathogen elimination
- • 1-2 hour installation
Dual System
$1,000-$1,500
Installed
- • Coil + duct treatment
- • Whole-home coverage
- • Maximum protection
- • Enhanced air quality
Commercial Grade
$1,500-$2,500
Installed
- • High-powered systems
- • Multiple lamps
- • Large home coverage
- • Hospital-grade sterilization
Annual Operating Costs
$100-$200 per year
Bulb replacement and annual maintenance
UV-C Purification FAQs
Is UV-C air purification safe for my family?
Completely safe when properly installed. The UV-C lamps sit inside your HVAC system where nobody can see them or be exposed. Safety shielding contains the light. It only affects microorganisms — harmless to people and pets when it's enclosed in the ductwork.
How often do UV bulbs need replacement?
Bulbs last 12–24 months running continuously. Output drops gradually over time, so annual replacement keeps kill rates at their highest. We swap bulbs during your annual tune-up — $100–$200 for the replacement.
Will UV-C eliminate all viruses and bacteria?
UV-C kills 99.9% of microorganisms it contacts — viruses, bacteria, mold spores, fungi. The caveat: it only works on what passes through the air stream or sits within range of the light. But since your HVAC circulates all the air in your home multiple times a day, most pathogens get exposed.
Can UV-C help with mold problems in my Portland home?
This is one of the best applications for UV-C in Portland. The lights kill mold spores on your evaporator coil and in the ductwork, stopping regrowth at the source. Pair it with humidity control and you'll notice a huge reduction in mold-related allergies and musty smells.
Does UV-C produce ozone?
No. Ozone comes from a different wavelength (UV-V) that we don't install. The germicidal UV-C systems we use are ozone-free and safe for occupied spaces. This is a common concern and a good question to ask any installer.
What's the best UV-C system for my home size?
For most Portland homes (1,500–3,000 sq ft), a single coil sterilization lamp does the job well. Larger homes or homes with active mold problems benefit from dual systems. We'll look at your home size, HVAC setup, and air quality concerns to recommend the right configuration.