Do You Need UV Lights In Your HVAC System?

Do UV Lights Kill Bacteria and Germs?

If you’re concerned with your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), especially during the cooler months, consider installing UV lights. These popular additions to HVAC systems can kill off bacteria, germs, etc. before they enter your home.

Of course, you need to know if HVAC UV lights actually work before you proceed with having them installed. This post will provide you with evidence supporting UV lights, show you what’s available, and what their benefits are.

Scientific Evidence Supporting HVAC UV Lights

UV lights, their overall effectiveness and their uses have been studied for decades. Several studies show that UV lights can successfully kill off bacteria and germs. UV lights have been used by hospitals and other businesses to kill viruses, mold and bacteria for over 100 years.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of HVAC UV lights is also easy to find. This study shows that UV lights can successfully kill a variety of airborne particulates. These studies are 2 among many . By installing an HVAC UV light, you can rest-assured they will improve the quality of your home’s air.

Who Will Benefit from HVAC UV Lights?

Every member of your family will reap the benefits of using HVAC UV lights; some more than others. If you have a compromised immune system or suffer from COPD, allergies or asthma, definitely consider installing UV lights.

Types of Residential HVAC UV Lights

When shopping for residential UV lights, you’ll come across coil cleaning UV lights and air cleaning UV lights. There are several different terms that manufacturers use to describe these lights: sanitizing, cleaning, purifying, etc. However, all residential UV lights fall into one of those categories.

Air Sterilizing UV Lights

These UV lights are only active while your HVAC system is on. Air cleaning UV lights are designed to kill particulates that are in the air before they enter your home. These lights are installed within your air ducts.

Coil Sterilizing UV Lights

These UV lights are always on. They are installed near your indoor evaporator coil and keep your HVAC coils free of bacteria and mold. Most homeowners choose this type of HVAC UV light.

Even More Benefits to Using UV Lights

In addition to improving your home’s IAQ, UV lights have many other benefits. They can lower your bills by increasing your energy-efficiency, make your air fresher and improve your home’s airflow.

Call Maxwell Heating & Cooling Today!

If you’re shopping around for an HVAC UV light, call Maxwell Heating & Cooling. We can learn a little bit about you and your system and then pair you with the best UV light for you and your family.

SEER2 vs SEER Explained

By Michele Smith • May 15, 2025
If you're in the market for a new HVAC system, you may have noticed new terms popping up—SEER2 ratings and A2L refrigerants, to name a couple. At Maxwell Heating & Cooling, we want to help our customers in Carrollton and the surrounding areas make informed decisions, so let’s break down what these changes mean and why they matter for your comfort and energy savings. What is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it's been the standard measurement for air conditioner and heat pump efficiency for decades. A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency. For example, a 16 SEER system uses less energy to cool your home than a 13 SEER system. Introducing SEER2 Beginning in 2023, the Department of Energy introduced SEER2—a new testing standard that better reflects real-world conditions, including external static pressure in ductwork. SEER2 uses updated testing procedures that are more stringent, meaning the ratings are slightly lower than traditional SEER values for the same equipment. In short, SEER2 is not a different product—it’s a more accurate measurement of how that product performs in the real world. For example, a unit previously rated at 16 SEER might be rated closer to 15.2 SEER2 under the new testing method. Why the Change? The SEER2 standard ensures that homeowners get a more realistic picture of how efficiently their system will run under typical installation conditions. It's all about transparency and long-term energy savings. What Are A2L Refrigerants? In addition to changes in efficiency standards, 2023 also ushered in a shift to A2L refrigerants. These are mildly flammable, low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants that are better for the environment than older options like R-410A. A2L refrigerants are part of the HVAC industry's move toward more sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. How SEER2 and A2L Work Together As manufacturers adapt to A2L refrigerants, they're also designing new HVAC systems that meet SEER2 requirements. This combination ensures that new equipment is not only more environmentally responsible but also performs more accurately according to how it’s truly used in your home. What This Means for You If you're considering upgrading your HVAC system, you’ll likely encounter SEER2 ratings and A2L refrigerants. At Maxwell Heating & Cooling, our team is fully trained and certified to install and service this new generation of equipment. We’ll guide you through selecting the right system to match your comfort needs, budget, and energy goals. Ready to Upgrade? Contact Maxwell Heating & Cooling today for a free estimate or to learn more about how SEER2 and A2L refrigerants can impact your home comfort for the better. Call us or schedule your consultation online today!
common hvac myths

Common HVAC Myths Debunked

By Michele Smith • May 13, 2024
Common HVAC myths can lead to misconceptions about how heating and cooling systems operate, potentially impacting energy efficiency, comfort, and maintenance practices. Let’s debunk some of these myths and provide accurate information:
regular hvac maintenance

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR HVAC MAINTENANCE: WHY IT’S WORTH THE INVESTMENT

By Michele Smith • May 10, 2024
Regular HVAC maintenance is a vital aspect of responsible homeownership or property management. While it’s tempting to overlook or neglect routine maintenance, doing so can lead to costly repairs, reduced system efficiency, and compromised indoor air quality. By investing in regular HVAC maintenance, you can enjoy numerous benefits that make it well worth the effort and cost.