How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eliminates Viruses
The sun produces three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might produce sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.
UVC light provides outstanding germicidal benefits. In reality, 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 like bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed inside your ductwork, where they run constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning available, why should you think about installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these pluses:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often moist, especially when it’s hot. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not flourish.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By providing steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system operate more effectively. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs each month.
4. Greater HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment works more evenly and malfunctions less often. It might even last years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which flows away from a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can fill up the drain line. By stopping organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights reduce the odds of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the perks they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove valuable in any home. You are more likely to notice having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weakened immune system
If you’re considering getting germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can recommend 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 professional as UVC exposure can lead to skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 954-736-4314 right away!
