The sun emits three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might produce sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still emits 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 sterilization method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could drastically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed within your ductwork, where they work around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and intense UVC rays inactivate and kill the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning in use, why should you think over putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these pluses:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently damp, especially in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more easily. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs each month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment functions more evenly and malfunctions less often. It can even work years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which flows away through a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the likelihood of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove valuable in any house. You are most likely to notice installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Compromised immune system
If you’re thinking about installing germicidal UV lights, chat with Comfortech Service Experts . We can suggest 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 can cause skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights work, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, call us at 601-852-3105 today!