If you have an Ultraviolet Sterilizer, or UV for short, it is recommended to replace the ultraviolet light bulb inside every year. There is also a 365 day countdown timer built right into the controller for the unit.
But why is this necessary? The light bulb hasn’t burned out, so why can’t you leave it in the unit until it does in an effort to save money?
This critical service is recommended for several reasons. The first and most important is because while the UV Bulb inside may still be illuminated, it will begin to lose its intensity over time.
An Ultraviolet Sterilizer works by having water pass through a chamber and become exposed to ultraviolet light. This light kills bacteria and even some viruses, making your water safe to drink. The light needs to shine with a certain amount of intensity in order to kill the bacteria, and as the bulb ages, that intensity begins to diminish. Most manufacturers of UV Systems require yearly bulb changes in order to guarantee their product.
Another reason to have the unit serviced yearly is to make sure the glass sleeve that houses and protects the bulb is clean and free of build-up. Any material collected on the outside of the sleeve will inhibit the light from penetrating the water, and could render the unit unable to kill the bacteria it is there to protect you against.
Lastly, it is important to have the unit serviced yearly to make sure your water quality has not changed. Water entering a UV System needs to be clean and clear, otherwise it can obscure the UV light and prevent it from killing bacteria. If there is water treatment equipment prior to the UV System, it needs to be in good working order to help protect it and make sure the bulb is allowed to shine as brightly and efficiently as it can.
If you have any questions about your current Ultraviolet Sterilizer, or are interested in adding one, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have.