The sun produces 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 separate. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.
UVC light provides incredible germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a cleaning 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 under 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may drastically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they operate continuously. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and intense UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning available, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely moist, especially during warmer months. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to flourish.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By maintaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system work more effectively. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Greater HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment operates more steadily and malfunctions less often. It may even run years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away through a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can block the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights decrease the chance of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the advantages they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove valuable in any residence. You are more apt to recognize installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Weakened immune system
If you’re thinking about installing germicidal UV lights, chat 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 best to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician since UVC exposure could cause skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, call us at 352-414-4006 now!