How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Wipes Out Viruses

The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still emits them, but the earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC rays, so you don’t experience them in nature.

UVC light grants useful germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps destroy microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may dramatically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are installed in your ductwork, where they run around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill nearly all viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms cannot reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.

5 Pluses of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other types of air cleaning on the market, why should you consider placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these perks:

1. Cleaner Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is frequently damp, especially when it’s hot. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.

2. Healthier Indoor Air

Media air filters can catch the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the amount of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.

3. Enhanced Efficiency

By sustaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more easily. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs each month.

4. Greater HVAC Lifetime

Clean equipment operates more evenly and malfunctions less often. It might even last years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate, which flows away from a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can clog the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the likelihood of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.

Who Should Use Germicidal UV Lights?

When you weigh all the advantages they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove helpful in any home. You are more likely to notice installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:

• • Allergies

• • Asthma

• • Any respiratory ailment

• • Compromised immune system

If you’re thinking about getting germicidal UV lights, talk with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can help you determine the best system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s wise to leave UV light installation and maintenance to an expert 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, contact us at 866-397-3787 now!