How Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System Kills Viruses

The sun releases three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are likely most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which may produce sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.

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

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are installed in your ductwork, where they function continuously. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize most viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Benefits of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other kinds of air cleaning available, why should you think over installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Think about these benefits:

1. Cleaner Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, particularly in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot take hold.

2. Healthier Indoor Air

Media air filters can catch minuscule bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.

3. Enhanced Efficiency

By sustaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment as clean as possible, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs each month.

4. Extended HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment functions more smoothly and needs repairs less frequently. It can even last years longer.

5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which flows away from a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By preventing organic growth in the first place, UVC lights minimize the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?

When you review all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove worthwhile in any home. You are most likely to notice having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory issue

• • Weakened immune system

If you’re thinking about adding germicidal UV lights, chat with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 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 a trained technician because UVC exposure can lead to skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights perform, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, call us at 866-397-3787 now!