The sun releases three varieties of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are probably most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.
UVC light offers exceptional germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a purification method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they work constantly. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning in use, why should you think over placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, namely in the summer. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not grow.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the concentration of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By sustaining adequate airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs each month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment works more evenly and malfunctions less regularly. It could even last years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth initially, UVC lights minimize the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the pluses they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove valuable in any residence. You are more likely to appreciate adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Compromised immune system
If you’re thinking about installing germicidal UV lights, speak with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you determine 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 since UVC exposure can cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights can help, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!