The sun emits three varieties 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 aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light provides incredible germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a cleaning method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could seriously boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed in your ductwork, where they function around the clock. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other methods of air cleaning on the market, why should you think about putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these benefits:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely moist, particularly during warmer months. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not flourish.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system function more efficiently. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.
4. Greater HVAC Life Span
Clean equipment functions more steadily and breaks down less regularly. It might even run 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. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights lower the odds of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the advantages they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove useful in any home. You are most likely to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weakened immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can suggest 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 can cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to request a free home comfort consultation, call us at 919-578-4329 today!