The sun produces three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might result in sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.
UVC light comes with useful germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can seriously enhance your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner runs, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning on the market, why should you think over placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these advantages:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently wet, particularly in the summer. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot flourish.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can trap minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Life Span
Clean equipment performs more steadily and needs repairs less regularly. It can even run years longer.
5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which drains away through a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can fill up the drain line. By halting organic growth initially, UVC lights lower the chance of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?
When you think about all the perks they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove valuable in any residence. You are more apt to benefit from installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Compromised immune system
If you’re looking into installing germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Jack Nelson Service Experts. We can recommend 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 trained technician as UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 918-212-8927 now!