How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Kills Viruses

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

UVC light comes with fantastic germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a sterilization method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps eradicate microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could dramatically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are installed in your ductwork, where they run around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Pluses of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other methods of air cleaning possible, why should you consider installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these pluses:

1. Cleaner Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is frequently damp, especially during warmer months. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not 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 restricting airflow.

3. Improved Efficiency

By sustaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs every month.

4. Longer HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment performs more evenly and needs repairs less often. It can even work years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away through a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can obstruct the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights minimize the odds of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.

Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?

When you consider all the perks they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove valuable in any residence. You are more apt to notice installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory issue

• • Compromised immune system

If you’re considering getting germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can help you determine the perfect 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 because 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, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!