How Much Does HVAC UV Light Installation Cost In New Jersey? (2026)

If you’re among the many New Jersey homeowners who face indoor air quality and health issues, someone might have recommended installing a UV light in your HVAC system. 

More so if you’ve been dealing with musty smells, recurring mold on the AC coil, or seasonal allergies. 

And naturally, your very first question would be: How much does HVAC UV light installation cost? 

Now, the quick answer is, most UV light installations in New Jersey cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000 (or more). 

However, the exact cost will depend on the type of UV light you choose and how difficult the installation is. 

In this blog, I will break it all down. You’ll Know:

• What’s the exact cost of HVAC UV light installation
• Why does the price vary so much
• Which kind of UV system is worth the money
• What quote is fair and what’s overpriced?

So, let’s get started. 

Key takeaways 

• Most HVAC UV light installations in New Jersey cost between $250 and $1,000.
• Coil UV lights are usually cheaper; in-duct UV lights cost more to install.
• Your final price depends on the UV system type, brand, wiring requirements, installer labor rates, and warranty.
• Bulb replacements cost $30-$100 once a year.
• Scroll down for the full NJ cost breakdown, itemized pricing, and real homeowner examples.

What is an HVAC UV light and how does it work? 

Before we get into HVAC UV light cost, let’s first understand what these lights actually do inside the furnace or air handler. 

For starters, UV lights used in HVAC systems produce UV-C light, a short-wave ultraviolet wavelength that can break down the DNA of mold, bacteria, and other microbes.

Think of these lights as a microscopic disinfectant that works 24/7 inside your HVAC system, but without chemicals, sprays, or filters.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

Contact us to improve your indoor air
quality with our expert cleaning services in NJ.

Request A Free Quote

Where are UV lights installed? 

Depending on your HVAC setup, an HVAC system professional will place UV lights in one of two locations:

• Over the evaporator coil (this is common in HVACs across New Jersey)
• Inside the supply duct or plenum

Both these spots are high-risk areas for microbial growth. That’s because coils stay wet from AC condensation, making them the perfect spot for mold and slime to grow.

What do UV lights do? 

At their basic, UV lights keep the inside of your HVAC system clean. This ensures your indoor air stays clean too and your system runs more efficiently.

And to do so, these lights eliminate the following: 

• Mold growing on evaporator coils
• Biofilm and slime in the drain pan
• Bacteria and microbes on damp surfaces
• Some airborne pathogens (if you’re using in-duct UV systems)

How much does HVAC UV light installation cost exactly? 

As someone who’s been shopping around for a UV light system in New Jersey, you’ve probably noticed that the prices are  drastically different all over the place. 

One company quotes you $300 while another quotes $900. And suddenly you’re wondering who’s being honest and who’s trying to buy themselves a vacation.

Now, here’s the good part: The pricing actually makes sense once you understand what you’re paying for.

Here’s the average cost of uv lights for HVAC system in New Jersey: 

The UV light installation costs generally fall into two ranges for homes across North, Central, and South Jersey. This includes: 

• Coil (on-coil) UV lights: $250-$650 
• In-duct (air-sanitizing) UV lights: $350-$1,000 (or more) 

You see, coil UV lights are usually the cheaper option because they mount in one specific spot, that is right over the AC coil. 

On the other hand, in-duct UV systems disinfect moving air and need more wiring, more positioning, and more labor, which makes them pricier. 

In short: 

But why do the quotes vary so much from contractor to contractor even for the same kind of installation?

Let’s understand why and how NJ’s labor cost plays a role. 

How does New Jersey’s labor cost determine HVAC UV light cost? 

New Jersey has some of the highest HVAC labor rates in the country, ranging between $125-$180 per hour. This is especially true for the dense North Jersey counties like Bergen, Essex, and Hudson.

And here’s how it impacts your UV light installation cost: 

• HVAC labor costs $125–$180 per hour
• Typical installation time is 1-3 hours depending on system type and access

Now, a quick coil UV light install in a utility closet might take an hour. But a tight attic or crawlspace job in an older home can easily become a 3-hour project.

So, you can expect to pay anywhere between $125-$540 for installation labor. 

Plus, add in travel time, dense traffic, parking issues in urban areas, and higher overhead for licensed/insured HVAC companies, and you can see why pricing changes so much. 

HVAC UV light installation cost: What are you actually paying for? 

Most homeowners think UV lights are expensive because the equipment itself costs a lot.

But here’s the surprise: the equipment is usually the cheapest part of the whole job.

So what are you really paying for? 

Here’s a breakdown of each line item that goes into your final quote: 

1. UV lamp cost: $30-$200

• Basic replacement bulbs: $30-$80
• Branded lamp assemblies or high-output lamps: $100-$200

Better UV lamps have stronger output, last longer, and come with longer UV-unit warranty-coverage, so the price increases.

2. Mounting hardware: $10-$75

Depending on your furnace or air handler, the installer might need:

• Simple clamps
• A mounting bracket
• A small sheet-metal adapter (common in older NJ homes)

3. Wiring, transformer, and electrical parts: $30-$250

The exact cost will depend on whether:

• The system needs a new low-voltage transformer
• The installer needs to create a new junction box
• The wiring has to be run through an attic or crawlspace

4. Electrical work: $60-$300

You need an electrician or highly trained HVAC technician to handle this step.

Here, the price can go up if your UV system needs to be: 

• Tied into your HVAC control board
• Hard-wired 
• Switched
• Or connected to a new power source

5. Labor: $125-$180 per hour 

As we saw earlier, labor cost makes up for the largest part of your final cost. They charge an hourly fee and can take up-to three hours depending on the job. 

For instance: 

• Easily accessible coil installations take 1-1.5 hours
• In-duct systems take 2 hours or more
• Tight attic or crawlspace can take up-to 3 hours or more 

6. Travel or service call fee: $0-$100 

Some contractors roll this into labor. But others might add a service fee, especially for far or off-hour appointments.

7. Brand / warranty markup: $0-$200

Premium UV lights offer:

• Stronger UV output
• UV-resistant housings
• Better warranties
• Verified safety ratings

This quality comes at a small premium, but it’s usually worth it.

In short: 

UV light installation cost examples for New Jersey homes

Now that you’ve seen the line-by-line breakdown of HVAC UV light installation cost in New Jersey, let me give you examples of how much it might actually cost you.

These examples are based on the kind of installations my team does almost every day. 

And once you look at how the parts and labor stack up, the prices start to make a lot more sense.

1. Simple coil UV installation

This is the kind of job every HVAC technician hopes for. Here, the air handler is easy to reach, the electrical panel is right there, and the UV light mounts cleanly without any surprises.

In a setup like this, you’re typically paying for:

• UV lamp: $60
• Basic mounting hardware: $20
• Minimal wiring or transformer needs: $40
• Labor (1.5 hours × $150/hr): $225
• Travel/dispatch: $30

Everything goes smoothly, so the final price lands around $375. 

2. Standard in-duct UV installation 

This scenario is very common in suburban homes with basements or mechanical rooms. Here, the ductwork is accessible, but placing the UV light in the right spot (where it actually hits the moving air) takes a bit more time and wiring.

In this case, the bill usually includes:

• Higher-output UV lamp/unit: $120
• Mounting hardware: $40
• Wiring/transformer parts: $80
• Labor (2 hours × $150/hr): $300
• Travel: $50
• Brand/warranty upgrade: $75

Put it all together, and you’re looking to pay roughly $665.

3. Older home with difficult access 

And then, there’s the reality of many New Jersey homes, especially older ones in towns like Montclair, Bloomfield, Rahway, or parts of Bergen County. 

Here, the system is tucked in an attic, or the wiring is outdated, or everything is just harder to reach.

When this happens, the price climbs, not because of the UV lamp, but because the installer’s job suddenly gets a whole lot tougher.

A scenario like this might include:

• UV lamp: $120
• Custom brackets or sheet-metal work: $75
• Extensive wiring, new transformer, or additional safety components: $200
• Labor (3 hours × $160/hr): $480
• Travel/time premium: $75
• Warranty/markup: $100

By the time everything is installed safely and up to code, your total lands around $1,050 or more. 

In short: 

Bonus: Here are the annual running costs of HVAC UV lights

You might also want to read: How To Clean HVAC Ducts Yourself (DIY Guide)?

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

Contact us to improve your indoor air
quality with our expert cleaning services in NJ.

Request A Free Quote

Conclusion

By now, I am sure you know how much does HVAC UV light installation cost exactly. 

You see, UV light is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make for your home.

While the price can vary widely, for an investment of $250-$1,000, the long-term benefits are hard to ignore:

And if you’re in New Jersey, Clean Air Technologies can help you choose the right system, install it safely, and keep it running at peak performance.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to improve indoor air quality or you’re comparing quotes across different contractors, we’re here to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

FAQs about HVAC UV light installation? 

Is installing a UV light in HVAC worth it?

For most New Jersey homeowners, yes; especially if you’re dealing with musty odors, coil mold, or persistent indoor air quality issues.

UV lights are worth it when:

• Your HVAC coil has a history of mold growth
• You live in a humid area 
• You or someone in the home has asthma/allergies
• You want cleaner coils and better airflow
• You want to reduce biofilm and bacteria inside the system

However, here’s what UV lights don’t do:

• Remove dust
• Capture allergens
• Filter VOCs
• Replace a real air purifier

So, if you expect a UV light to do everything, it’ll disappoint you.

But if you want cleaner coils and reduced microbial growth, they’re one of the most cost-effective solutions you can install.

How long do HVAC UV bulbs last?

Most HVAC UV-C bulbs last about 9,000 hours, which equals about:

• 1 year for coil lights (they run 24/7)
• 12-18 months for in-duct lights (they run only when blower is on)

Even if the bulb still glows after a year, the UV intensity drops, meaning it stops sanitizing effectively.

Does a UV light reduce mold in New Jersey homes?

Yes, UV lights are one of the most effective ways to stop mold growth inside your HVAC system, especially in NJ’s humid climate.

They help by:

• Killing mold spores on the evaporator coil
• Preventing the slimy biofilm that restricts airflow
• Reducing musty odors coming from vents
• Keeping the drain pan cleaner

However, UV lights do not remove mold inside ducts, drywall, or basements. They’re strictly for sanitizing the inside of your HVAC equipment.

Which is better, coil or in-duct UV?

Both are useful, but they serve different purposes:

For instance, coil UV: 

• Prevents mold directly on the coil
• Keeps HVAC efficiency high
• Reduces musty odors
• Lowest operating cost

Similarly, in-duct UV: 

• Sanitizes moving air
• Helps reduce airborne bacteria and viruses
• Is better for households with respiratory issues

Many NJ homeowners eventually install both for full coverage, but if you’re picking just one, coil UV is usually the best place to start.

Do UV lights kill viruses?

Yes, UV-C light can deactivate viruses, including many respiratory viruses, by damaging their DNA/RNA.

But here’s the realistic picture:

• UV works best when microbes pass directly through the light
• Airflow speed can limit exposure time
• It reduces viral load, but does not eliminate all viruses
• It is not a substitute for filtration or ventilation

Think of it as a helpful layer of protection but not a miracle solution.

Can UV lights damage HVAC components?

UV lights are safe when installed correctly.

However, incorrect placement or cheap lamps can cause problems like:

• Plastic parts fading or becoming brittle
• Wire insulation degradation
• Damage to non-UV-rated materials

Professional installers use:

• UV-resistant mounting equipment
• Shielding for wiring
• Correct placement away from sensitive plastics

When installed properly, the UV light only affects microbes but not your equipment.

How much does it cost to replace a UV bulb in NJ?

In New Jersey, the typical replacement cost is:

• DIY bulb: $30-$100
  
• Bulb and professional replacement: $60-$150

If done during a seasonal AC tune-up, many homeowners only pay for the bulb itself.

Higher-end models (dual-lamp systems or premium brands) might cost up to $120-$160 per bulb.

Do I need a professional to install a UV light?

Technically, you can install certain UV light models yourself.

But for most New Jersey homeowners, professional installation is strongly recommended.

Here’s why:

• Most installations require tapping into HVAC electrical
• Proper placement affects performance
• Incorrect mounting can damage coils or plastics
• An improper seal can cause UV leakage
• DIY installs can void manufacturer warranty

Professional installation also ensures the UV light is UL-approved, properly wired, and safely shielded.