How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eradicates Viruses

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 cause sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still creates 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 highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In reality, 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 like bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may seriously improve your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are placed inside your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air moves 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 cannot reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other forms of air cleaning possible, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:

1. Sterilized Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently wet, namely in the summer. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.

2. Fresher Indoor Air

Media air filters can catch tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.

3. Improved Efficiency

By providing adequate airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs each month.

4. Longer HVAC Life Expectancy

Clean equipment operates more steadily and needs repairs less often. It may even last years longer.

5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away into a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can block the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights lower the odds of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?

When you think about all the perks they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove helpful in any residence. You are more apt to benefit from adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory condition

• • Compromised immune system

If you’re thinking about getting germicidal UV lights, speak with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can recommend 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 professional because UVC exposure might lead to skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 866-397-3787 today!