The sun releases three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might cause sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light offers incredible 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 kill microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used within your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and intense UVC rays inactivate and kill the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms won’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning on the market, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often damp, namely during warmer months. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not grow.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system work more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.
4. Extended HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more steadily and breaks down less often. It can even last years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which drains away from a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the odds of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the perks they grant your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove helpful in any house. You are more apt to notice adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, chat with Parker Pearce Service Experts. We can recommend the perfect system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s important to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert since UVC exposure may lead to skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 301-476-4577 right away!