How Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System Kills Viruses
The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are usually most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can result in sunburn unless you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. 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 provides useful germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a sterilization method for decades. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically boost your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed within your ductwork, where they run continuously. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Installing UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other methods of air cleaning on the market, why should you think about placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these pluses:
1. Clean Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently damp, particularly when it’s hot. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to take hold.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights lower the amount of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Better Efficiency
By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system function more easily. This, in turn, lowers your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment performs more steadily and breaks down less frequently. It could even work years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which drains away from a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By stopping organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights reduce the chance of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan.
Who Should Use Germicidal UV Lights?
When you think about all the benefits they provide your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove worthwhile in any house. You are most likely to appreciate having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory ailment
- Compromised immune system
If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, talk with Church Services. We can recommend the ideal system based on your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. It’s wise to leave UV light installation and maintenance to a trained technician as UVC exposure might cause skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights function, or to arrange a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 713-396-3760 right away!