How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eradicates Viruses
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may result in sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. 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 offers outstanding germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a sterilization method for a long time. 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 placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may drastically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed in your ductwork, where they work continuously. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning on the market, why should you consider placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these benefits:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely moist, namely during warmer months. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to flourish.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By maintaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment works more steadily and malfunctions less frequently. It could even last years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which travels away from a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can fill up the drain line. By stopping organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the odds 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 helpful in any residence. You are more likely to benefit from having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Weaker immune system
If you’re thinking about adding germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you determine the best 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 might cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights can help, or to request a free home comfort consultation, call us at 954-736-4314 now!
