The sun releases three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can produce sunburn unless you use 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 useful 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 in under 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 inside your ductwork, where they function constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and intense UVC rays inactivate and kill the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning possible, why should you think over installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these perks:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, particularly when it’s hot. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to take hold.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the concentration of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By sustaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more efficiently. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment operates more evenly and breaks down less regularly. It may even run years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which drains away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can block the drain line. By stopping organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights lower the chance of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you think about all the advantages they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove worthwhile in any house. You are more likely to benefit from having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into getting germicidal UV lights, discuss it with All American Air 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 as UVC exposure could result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights can help, or to request a free home comfort consultation, call us at 386-310-2061 right away!