The sun emits three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may produce sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.
UVC light comes with exceptional germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a sterilization method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps eradicate microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could seriously boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning on the market, why should you think about putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these benefits:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often wet, especially in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to grow.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the concentration of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Better Efficiency
By sustaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system run more effectively. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment works more steadily and malfunctions less often. It might even work years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can collect in the drain line. By stopping organic growth initially, UVC lights reduce the risk of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the pluses they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove useful in any home. You are more apt to recognize installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, speak with Eveready Service Experts . We can help you determine the ideal system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s wise to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert because UVC exposure may cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights function, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, call us at 804-548-4480 today!