How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Wipes Out Viruses
The sun releases three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might cause 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 come across them in nature.
UVC light grants useful germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a purification method for many years. 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 installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could drastically enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed inside your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize most viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning possible, why should you think over putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often wet, particularly when it’s hot. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to take hold.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the concentration of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By providing normal airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Span
Clean equipment works more evenly and needs repairs less regularly. It might even run years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away from a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can clog the drain line. By preventing organic growth initially, UVC lights lower the risk of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove valuable in any residence. You are most likely to benefit from adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Compromised immune system
If you’re thinking about adding germicidal UV lights, chat with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you determine the ideal system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician as UVC exposure might result in skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights can help, or to request a free home comfort consultation, call us at 954-736-4314 right away!