How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Kills Viruses

The sun emits three kinds 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 apply 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 fantastic germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a cleaning method for many years. 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 drastically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are installed inside your ductwork, where they operate continuously. Air flows 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 won’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Advantages of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other kinds of air cleaning possible, why should you think about installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these advantages:

1. Sterilized Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is often wet, especially during warmer months. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to flourish.

2. Fresher Indoor Air

Media air filters can latch onto the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.

3. Improved Efficiency

By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.

4. Greater HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment operates more smoothly and needs repairs less frequently. It may even work years longer.

5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which flows away into a nearby pipe. Over time, algae can block the drain line. By stopping organic growth initially, UVC lights minimize the risk of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.

Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?

When you explore all the pluses they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove useful in any house. You are more apt to benefit from having 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, talk with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can suggest the best system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s best to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician since UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 866-397-3787 today!