The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are likely 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 emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.
UVC light comes with incredible germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi in just 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 used in your ductwork, where they work around the clock. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and intense UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other forms of air cleaning possible, why should you consider placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely wet, namely during warmer months. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not take hold.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the number of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By providing steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system function more easily. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs each month.
4. Greater HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more evenly and breaks down less frequently. It may even run 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 block the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights reduce the risk of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the advantages they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any residence. You are most likely to recognize adding 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, talk with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can suggest the best system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s best to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert as UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to request a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 954-736-4314 now!