The sun produces three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are probably 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 produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.
UVC light offers outstanding germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a purification method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may seriously boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they work constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other forms of air cleaning possible, why should you think over placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often moist, particularly when it’s hot. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not flourish.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Extended HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more steadily and malfunctions less frequently. It can even last years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which drains away through a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can clog the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights decrease the likelihood of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the benefits they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any residence. You are more apt to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory issue
- Compromised immune system
If you’re thinking about installing germicidal UV lights, talk with Strand Brothers Service Experts. 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 trained technician since UVC exposure could cause skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights function, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 512-592-3072 today!