The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may result in sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs 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 purification method for many years. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could seriously enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they work around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Installing 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? Review these pluses:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, namely during warmer months. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria are unable to take hold.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Better Efficiency
By providing normal airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system function more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.
4. Extended HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more evenly and breaks down less often. It might even work years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which travels away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights decrease the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing 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 useful in any home. You are more apt to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Compromised immune system
If you’re considering getting germicidal UV lights, chat with Neal Harris Service Experts. We can recommend the ideal 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 might result in skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 816-787-0500 right away!