How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eradicates Viruses

The sun produces three varieties of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may produce sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.

UVC light provides outstanding germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps eradicate microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may dramatically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize most viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.

5 Advantages of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other kinds of air cleaning in use, why should you think about placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:

1. Cleaner Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often moist, especially in the summer. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not take hold.

2. Cleaner Indoor Air

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

3. Improved Efficiency

By maintaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.

4. Longer HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment performs more steadily and malfunctions less frequently. It may even work years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can block the drain line. By preventing organic growth in the first place, UVC lights reduce the likelihood of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.

Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?

When you think about all the pluses they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any residence. You are most likely to recognize adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory ailment

• • Compromised immune system

If you’re thinking about adding germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can recommend the perfect system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s best to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician as UVC exposure may lead to skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!