Niels Finsen won the 1903 Nobel Prize for curing TB using UV light. He won for this. Since then, UV lights have been used to sterilize hospitals and water, disinfect food facilities, and speed up nail polish drying. How may UV light enhance the air quality in HVAC-heated and -cooled homes? Mold and germs in HVAC systems? Yes, but you must understand the types of UV lights available for home HVAC systems and air quality goals. Although direct contact with UVC rays may be harmful to the skin and eyes, there is solid evidence that strong germicidal UV light can be effective in HVAC systems if the appropriate kinds of germicidal lamps are used and the required installation procedures are followed. Here is more information about the HVAC system. Follow us to find out UV Light in HVAC.
How exactly do UV lights in HVAC systems do their tasks?
UVC lights are engineered to emit particular wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometers (nm), which are effective at penetrating the DNA of microorganisms. [Citation needed] Because the DNA of the cells absorbs the UV radiation, the cells are unable to make the proteins that are essential to their continued existence and reproduction. Even if pathogens exposed to UV light have their life span shortened and their capacity to multiply and cause damage eliminated, this does not instantaneously destroy the germs.
When viruses, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, and other germs move through a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system, they are exposed to UVC light, which has the ability to penetrate the cells of these microorganisms. When germicidal UVC lamps are strategically installed in HVAC units, it helps to purify the air and sterilize the equipment so that it can be used for a longer period of time and with greater efficiency. It has been shown that the use of UV light in HVAC systems effectively improves indoor air quality, leading to a healthier indoor environment.
The Role of UV Light in the Efficiency of HVAC
There are a number of studies that evaluate the effectiveness of UV light in HVAC systems, and the findings have been encouraging for the use of UV light in HVAC systems in medical facilities, offices, and schools. In a study that was carried out by Penn State University and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) was shown to have successful results in reducing the amount of fungi in air handling units. The study also cited improvements in children with mold-induced asthma when the technology was installed in schools.
In order to prevent the spread of TB in healthcare institutions and hospitals, ultraviolet (UV) light has been used in these establishments and has received support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). UVC radiation is known to kill harmful microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant „superbugs“ like MRSA and SARS. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated to be effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the novel COVID-19.
Related Article: Rotavirus and coxsackie are inactivated by germicidal UV-C light
How exactly do UV lights get installed in HVAC systems?
Since people cannot be exposed to UVC light, the only way to treat the enormous volume of air in a house or office is to have UVC light correctly placed in an air handling unit or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The UV lamp that is put in the evaporator unit helps to sterilize the air as it circulates around the home. This is made possible by the fact that the HVAC system takes air into the evaporator unit and then forces it out via the air vents and registers located throughout the house. In order to ensure that UV Light in HVAC systems are successful in killing germs, they should only be installed by trained professionals.
In order to sanitize the air as it moves through the system, the lights need to be positioned in the appropriate location and angled at the appropriate degree. Before installing the UV lamps, the HVAC specialist will do a comprehensive cleaning of the air handler system and should examine the whole ductwork for leaks. UV Light in HVAC systems have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of contracting an airborne illness if they are properly installed by a trained professional.
Germicidal UV Lights with High Performance for Effectiveness in HVAC Systems
LightSources is acknowledged all over the globe as a leading producer of high-quality, high-performance UV germicidal lamps that are used in a broad variety of settings. LightSources‘ UVC lamps provide germicidal solutions to water, surface, and air sterilization systems with the proven efficiency of UVC. We provide a broad variety of UVC lamps in a range of sizes, kinds, and designs, in addition to customized engineering solutions to fulfill the particular requirements of each individual client.
In order to provide cutting edge germicidal solutions, the lighting professionals at our company have an in-depth technical understanding of UVC radiation as well as lamp design. We engage in continuous research and development for the purpose of achieving continuous improvement, and we provide patented technology that extends the lamp’s life and enhances its performance. LightSources is a provider of UV lamps and lighting solutions, including tested and validated UVC germicidal lamps, that are suitable for use in a wide range of businesses and applications. LightSources is registered under the ISO9001:2015 standard.
Why Should UV Lights Be Installed in the HVAC System?
The amount of air that is contained within your house is enormous. Because ultraviolet (UV) light can also be harmful to people, it is nearly impossible to treat the condition effectively as a whole. On the other hand, things are very different on the inside of your air handler. Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system draws the air into its evaporator unit and then forces it out through the vents, which are called air registers. Because the air must pass over the UV light while it is being circulated, it makes perfect sense to install the UV light inside your evaporator unit.
Related Article: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is Inactivated by Germicidal UV-C Light
Why Should UV Lights Be Installed in the HVAC System?
The amount of air that is contained within your house is enormous. Because ultraviolet (UV) light can also be harmful to people, it is nearly impossible to treat the condition effectively as a whole. On the other hand, things are very different on the inside of your air handler. Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system draws the air into its evaporator unit and then forces it out through the vents, which are called air registers. Because the air must pass over the UV light while it is being circulated, it makes perfect sense to install the UV light inside your evaporator unit.
Types of HVAC UV Lights
For HAVC systems, there are two different kinds of UV lights.
Coil Sterilization: The air handler coil is sterilized by a „stick type“ light that is placed within the return air duct close by. The most common kind of HVAC UV light operates continuously and is used for coil sterilization. It is also quite inexpensive. The REKO Lighting R2000 UV-C lamp is priced at $69.97 on Amazon.
A full UV lamp unit that sterilizes flowing air is used for air sterilisation. The air handler’s blower cycles on in conjunction with the UV light unit, which is mounted in the return air duct. Sanuvox is a reputable supplier of air sterilization equipment.
Studies support efficacy.
Two studies—one in hospitals and the other in a commercial HVAC system—indicate the efficiency of UV Light in HVAC in eliminating mold and germs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center employed ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) in 2012 to almost completely eradicate drug-resistant bacteria in 50 hospital rooms, lowering the quantity of germs by more than 97 percent.
Germicidal UV Radiation’s Capability to Reduce Fungal Contamination in Air-Handling Units: After 4 months of operation, „the fungal levels after UV operation were much lower than the levels in control AHUs“ (air handler units) in this commercial office building.
Related Article: What is meant by the wavelength of UV light
Maintenance
The expected lifespan of the TopTech UV stick light bulb is 9000 hours, or slightly over a year. An average replacement bulb costs $70. It is quite straightforward to replace the bulb during each year’s HVAC repair and maintenance.
Energy Price
- The 1.1 amps of the TopTech UV lamp we installed I used these helpful tools to determine the yearly cost of energy.
- Watts vs. Amps26.4 Watts @ 24 volts AC and 1.1 amps of conversion
- 26.4 Watts to Dollars: 26.4 Watts multiplied by 24 hours/day and 10.5 cents per kWh results in an annual cost of $24.28 ($2.00 per month).
My family and I can breathe easy knowing that we are inhaling the best indoor air for a little under $100 per year ($24 for power plus $70 for a new bulb). It seems like a negligible cost to incur. However, installing an HVAC UV lamp is unnecessary unless the indoor air quality goals have been followed.
Goals for Indoor Air Quality
- Despite the fact that HVAC UV lamps are efficient in eliminating mold, bacteria, germs, and odors, make sure you have followed the fundamentals of indoor air quality:
- During renovations or construction, seal the air ducts.
- Install ducts in a climate-controlled area, ensuring they are airtight and using mastic to seal all connections. See the Building Science Corporation’s Duct Sealing Guide.
- Install high-MERV filters, but check to see whether your HVAC system is set up to handle the additional static pressure that superior filtering generates.
- Add UV Light in HVAC system.
- Perform routine maintenance, such as monthly filter changes and yearly coil cleanings.
The advantages of HVAC UV lights:
- control bacterial growth.
- Because the HVAC system does not recirculate germs, it helps to reduce colds and flus.
- Delete VOCs
- are superior to dry conditions in humid climates.
- It prevents the formation of algae, hence reducing clogging in condensate drain lines.
- Keep the coil clean to increase cooling effectiveness and save on power expenses.
Disadvantages UV Light in HVAC:
- Do not clean the flowing air unless UV air sterilization lamps are installed.
- Discard any plastics in the air handler that are not UV stabilized. Only anything in your line of sight will be impacted.
- In 3–5 years, the drain pan could be eaten.
- In as little as two years, it may consume the flex duct.
Manufacturers
- Sanuvox (air sterilization, coil sterilization)
- Air Knight TopTech (coil sterilization)
- REME/Guardian Air (coil sterilization)
- Triatomic Environmental’s Fresh-Aire (coil sterilization)
- -Honeywell (air sterilization, coil sterilization)
- Lennox UVC Germicidal Lights for a Healthy Climate (coil sterilization)
- UV Carrier Lamps (coil sterilization)
- Perhaps after publishing Trane’s Position on UV-C Lights, their viewpoint has evolved.