How Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System Eliminates Viruses

The sun produces three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA, UVB and UVC. You are often most familiar with UVA and UVB rays, which might produce sunburn unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVC rays are different. The sun still creates them, but the earth’s ozone layer soaks up all UVC rays, so you don’t come across them in nature. UVC light grants incredible germicidal benefits. In fact, it has been used as a cleaning method for a long time. As the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, UVC light helps break down microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi in just 10 seconds of contact. When used in your HVAC system, germicidal UV lights can drastically enhance your indoor air quality.

How Do HVAC UV Lights Work?

Ultraviolet lamps are placed inside your ductwork, where they operate continuously. Air moves past the lights when the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools, and intense UVC rays inactivate and destroy the majority of viruses, bacteria or mold floating in the air. Inactivated microorganisms can’t reproduce and die shortly after UVC exposure.

5 Pluses of Using UV Lights in Your HVAC System

With other forms of air cleaning possible, why should you think over putting a UV light in your HVAC system? Consider these advantages:

1. Sterilized Coils

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system is frequently damp, namely during warmer months. By always shining UVC light on the coil, mold and bacteria cannot take hold.

2. Cleaner Indoor Air

Media air filters can trap the smaller bacteria and viruses. UV lights decrease the number of microorganisms in the air without affecting airflow.

3. Better Efficiency

By maintaining steady airflow and keeping the equipment clean, UV lights help your HVAC system operate more easily. This, in turn, reduces your energy costs every month.

4. Greater HVAC Life Expectancy

Clean equipment operates more evenly and malfunctions less frequently. It could even run years longer.

5. Reduced Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which travels away from a nearby pipe. As the years go by, algae can fill up the drain line. By stopping organic growth initially, UVC lights minimize the odds of water damage from a clogged condensate drain pan.

Who Should Install Germicidal UV Lights?

When you explore all the benefits they offer your HVAC system, UV lights could clearly prove worthwhile in any residence. You are more likely to notice adding HVAC UV lights if you or anyone in your family has:
    • Allergies
    • Asthma
    • Any respiratory condition
    • Weakened immune system
If you’re thinking about getting germicidal UV lights, discuss it with Fras-Air/General Service Experts. 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 professional as UVC exposure may result in skin or eye injuries. To discover about how UV lights can help, or to schedule a free home comfort consultation, reach us at 908-448-2154 today!

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