How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Kills Viruses

The sun produces three types 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 separate. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.

UVC light provides highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a purification method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed 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 work continuously. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize most viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Benefits of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other kinds of air cleaning in use, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these advantages:

1. Clean Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is frequently wet, especially during warmer months. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.

2. Healthier Indoor Air

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

3. Improved Efficiency

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

4. Greater HVAC Life Span

Clean equipment performs more evenly and malfunctions less regularly. It might even work years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

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

Who Should Use Germicidal UV Lights?

When you review all the advantages they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any house. You are more apt to notice having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory issue

• • Compromised immune system

If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, speak with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can recommend the best system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert as UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 866-397-3787 today!