The sun releases three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can produce sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.
UVC light provides exceptional germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a purification method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could drastically enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they function around the clock. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other forms of air cleaning possible, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, namely in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the amount of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By sustaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more easily. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs every month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Span
Clean equipment works more smoothly and malfunctions less regularly. It could even last years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away into a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can clog the drain line. By stopping organic growth initially, UVC lights reduce the chance of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the perks they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove worthwhile in any residence. You are most likely to benefit from adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Compromised immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, speak with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can recommend the perfect system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s wise to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician because UVC exposure can result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights can help, or to request a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 866-397-3787 right away!