The sun produces three varieties of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are probably most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can produce sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still releases them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light comes with fantastic germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a cleaning method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can seriously boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed inside your ductwork, where they operate around the clock. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning on the market, why should you think over installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these advantages:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently wet, especially during warmer months. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not grow.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the amount of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By providing steady airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system function more easily. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs from month to month.
4. Greater HVAC Life Span
Clean equipment works more steadily and malfunctions less often. It can even work years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can collect in the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights lower the likelihood of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the benefits they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove useful in any residence. You are more likely to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, discuss it 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 important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician as UVC exposure may cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to request a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 321-428-7635 now!