The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can produce sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still releases them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light offers highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can dramatically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and kill the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other forms of air cleaning available, why should you think over installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these pluses:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, especially in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to grow.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the amount of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Better Efficiency
By providing adequate airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more easily. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs each month.
4. Longer HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment functions more steadily and needs repairs less regularly. It could even last years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can fill up the drain line. By stopping organic growth in the first place, UVC lights minimize the risk of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the perks they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove useful in any house. You are most likely to notice having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weakened immune system
If you’re thinking about installing germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can recommend the perfect system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert because UVC exposure might lead to skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights perform, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 305-440-1505 right away!