The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might cause sunburn unless you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light offers highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a purification method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may drastically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are used in your ductwork, where they run around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and strong UVC rays inactivate and kill the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die briefly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other kinds of air cleaning in use, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these benefits:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, namely when it’s hot. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot take hold.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the number of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Better Efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment operates more smoothly and breaks down less often. It could even work years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which travels away into a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can fill up the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights reduce the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you consider all the pluses they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove worthwhile in any house. You are more apt to recognize installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory issue
- Weakened immune system
If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, talk with Becht/Givens 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 because UVC exposure might cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 502-785-8230 today!