How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eliminates Viruses
The sun emits 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 use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light grants fantastic germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a cleaning method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed 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 work around the clock. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and destroy nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning possible, why should you think over putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these pluses:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, particularly 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 tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By sustaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system run more easily. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment functions more smoothly and malfunctions less often. It could even work years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away from a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the risk of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you review all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove useful in any residence. You are more apt 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 looking into adding germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can recommend the best system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a professional since UVC exposure might result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 954-736-4314 today!
