The sun produces three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are likely most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can result in sunburn unless you wear 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 highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In actuality, it has been used as a sterilization method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps kill microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi in under 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are installed inside your ductwork, where they operate around the clock. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and intense UVC rays inactivate and neutralize most viruses, bacteria or mold found in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other types of air cleaning in use, why should you think over placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently moist, especially in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot grow.
2. Healthier Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air without restricting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system work more effectively. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs every month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment performs more steadily and breaks down less frequently. It could even last years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which travels away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can clog the drain line. By halting organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights reduce the likelihood of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Use Germicidal UV Lights?
When you weigh all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove worthwhile in any residence. You are most likely to notice installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your home has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Compromised immune system
If you’re considering installing germicidal UV lights, chat with Broad Ripple Service Experts. We can suggest 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 as UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights perform, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 317-527-0271 today!