The sun produces three varieties of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can result in sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light offers useful germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a sterilization method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps eradicate microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they run continuously. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other methods of air cleaning in use, why should you consider installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these perks:
1. Sterilized 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 will not take hold.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By sustaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system function more easily. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment performs more evenly and needs repairs less frequently. It might even last years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which drains away into a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can obstruct the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights lower the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the advantages they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any residence. You are more likely to benefit from adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weakened immune system
If you’re considering adding germicidal UV lights, speak with Stevenson Service Experts. 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 may lead to skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 937-503-7896 now!