The sun releases 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 use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are separate. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you aren’t exposed to them in nature.
UVC light provides incredible 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 like bacteria, algae and fungi within 10 seconds of contact. When placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights could drastically improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed within your ductwork, where they run around the clock. Air blows past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner operates, and powerful UVC rays inactivate and kill most viruses, bacteria or mold present in the air. Inactivated microorganisms don’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Benefits of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other methods of air cleaning available, why should you think over placing a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these pluses:
1. Sterilized Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is consistently damp, namely in the summer. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot flourish.
2. Fresher Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the number of microorganisms in the air without reducing airflow.
3. Improved Efficiency
By maintaining normal airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more effectively. This, in turn, decreases your energy costs from month to month.
4. Extended HVAC Life Expectancy
Clean equipment works more evenly and needs repairs less frequently. It can even run years longer.
5. Less 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 fill up the drain line. By stopping organic growth initially, UVC lights decrease the chance of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you review all the benefits they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could quickly prove useful in any house. You are more apt to notice installing HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your household has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Weaker immune system
If you’re looking into getting germicidal UV lights, chat with Rob's Albertan 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 a trained technician since UVC exposure could result in skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights work, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, contact us at 780-800-9047 right away!