How Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System Wipes Out Viruses

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

UVC light grants highly beneficial germicidal benefits. In reality, it has been used as a purification method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms including bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When installed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can seriously boost your indoor air quality. 

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work? 

Ultraviolet lamps are installed within your ductwork, where they work constantly. Air flows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and intense UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure. 

5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System 

With other methods of air cleaning in use, why should you consider putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these benefits: 

1. Clean Coils 

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is routinely damp, particularly when it’s hot. By continuously shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will struggle to grow. 

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 reducing airflow. 

3. Improved Efficiency 

By maintaining adequate airflow and keeping the equipment cleaner, UV lights help your HVAC system function more effectively. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs from month to month. 

4. Extended HVAC Life Expectancy 

Clean equipment functions more evenly and needs repairs less regularly. It could even last years longer. 

5. Lower Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs 

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which drains away through a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can obstruct the drain line. By preventing organic growth at the beginning, UVC lights minimize the odds of water damage from a blocked condensate drain pan. 

Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights? 

When you consider all the advantages they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove useful in any house. You are more apt to recognize having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has: 

• Allergies 

• Asthma 
• Any respiratory ailment 
• Weakened immune system 

If you’re considering adding germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you determine the ideal 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 because UVC exposure can cause skin or eye injuries. To learn more about how UV lights work, or to request a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 954-736-4314 now!