How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eliminates Viruses

The sun emits three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might produce sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still releases them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.

UVC light offers useful germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a cleaning method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps eradicate microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are used inside your ductwork, where they work continuously. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and strong UVC rays inactivate and destroy nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.

5 Benefits of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other methods of air cleaning on the market, why should you think about installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:

1. Clean Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, particularly in the summer. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not flourish.

2. Healthier Indoor Air

Media air filters can latch onto tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.

3. Enhanced Efficiency

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

4. Longer HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment works more evenly and needs repairs less regularly. It may even last years longer.

5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can collect in the drain line. By stopping organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the risk of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.

Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?

When you think about all the pluses they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove useful in any home. You are more apt to benefit from installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory condition

• • Weaker immune system

If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, chat 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 wise to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a professional since UVC exposure could result in skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights function, or to request a free home comfort consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 right away!