The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can result in sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still releases them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs 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 purification method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could drastically enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and destroy nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other forms of air cleaning on the market, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these pluses:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely moist, particularly in the summer. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to take hold.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the number of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By sustaining adequate airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system function more efficiently. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment performs more evenly and breaks down less often. It might even run years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which flows away into a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By preventing organic growth initially, UVC lights decrease the odds of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.
Who Should Use Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the benefits they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any home. You are more likely to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into getting germicidal UV lights, speak with Donelson Air Service Experts. We can help you determine the ideal system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s best to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a professional as UVC exposure may lead to skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, call us at 615-953-9885 now!