The sun produces three types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are probably most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which can produce sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are distinct. The sun still produces them, but the earth’s ozone layer takes care of all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature.
UVC light offers fantastic germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a purification method for decades. 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 placed in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights may seriously improve your indoor air quality.
How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?
Ultraviolet lamps are placed in your ductwork, where they operate constantly. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and strong UVC rays inactivate and neutralize the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die soon after UVC exposure.
5 Advantages of Having UV Lights in Your HVAC System
With other methods of air cleaning possible, why should you think about installing a UV light in your HVAC system? Review these benefits:
1. Cleaner Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is frequently wet, particularly when it’s hot. By constantly shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria will not grow.
2. Cleaner Indoor Air
Media air filters can latch onto tiny bacteria and viruses. UV lights reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.
3. Enhanced Efficiency
By maintaining enough airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system run more effectively. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs from month to month.
4. Longer HVAC Lifetime
Clean equipment functions more evenly and needs repairs less regularly. It may even work years longer.
5. Less Chance of Condensate Drain Line Clogs
Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces create condensate, which travels away from a nearby pipe. As time passes, algae can block the drain line. By halting organic growth in the first place, UVC lights lower the chance of water damage from an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Who Should Have Germicidal UV Lights?
When you explore all the pluses they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could easily prove worthwhile in any home. You are most likely to appreciate having HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Any respiratory condition
- Compromised immune system
If you’re looking into adding germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We can recommend 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 cause skin or eye injuries. To find out about how UV lights function, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, call us at 204-800-0613 right away!