The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are likely most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may produce sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.
UVC light grants outstanding germicidal benefits. In fact, 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 eradicate microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning on the market, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these benefits:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, particularly when it’s hot. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot flourish.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can catch tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the amount of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By providing enough airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more effectively. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs each month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment performs more evenly and malfunctions less often. It might even work years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth initially, UVC lights minimize the odds of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the benefits they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove worthwhile in any house. You are most likely 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 installing germicidal UV lights, chat with Atmostemp Service Experts. 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 because UVC exposure could cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 856-310-4824 today!