How Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eliminates Viruses

The sun emits three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are probably most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may cause sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. 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 outstanding germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a cleaning method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can dramatically improve your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are installed inside your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and intense UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.

5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other kinds of air cleaning available, why should you think over installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these pluses:

1. Cleaner Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, namely when it’s hot. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to flourish.

2. Healthier Indoor Air

Media air filters can latch onto minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.

3. Enhanced Efficiency

By sustaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.

4. Extended HVAC Life Span

Clean equipment works more smoothly and needs repairs less frequently. It may even run years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which travels away through a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can collect in the drain line. By preventing organic growth initially, UVC lights decrease the risk of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?

When you consider all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove valuable in any residence. You are more likely to appreciate adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory issue

• • Weakened immune system

If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can suggest 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 trained technician because UVC exposure might result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights function, or to request a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 866-397-3787 right away!