The sun releases three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. 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 comes with 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 destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may dramatically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate continuously. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and strong UVC rays inactivate and destroy the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning available, why should you think about putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these pluses:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely moist, namely in the summer. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot take hold.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By providing steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more effectively. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Extended HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more steadily and breaks down less regularly. It may even run years longer.
5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can collect in the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights minimize the likelihood of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the perks they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove helpful in any house. You are most likely to benefit from adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Weakened immune system
If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, chat with Wesley Wood Service Experts. We can suggest 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 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 484-401-7577 today!