UVGI IN HVAC SYSTEMS
When you combine proper HVAC filtration with other best practices, such as UVGI, you can reduce the potential for airborne transmission of indoor air pathogens in your HVAC system. With that in mind, it is important to consider that most UVGI systems generally require multiple UV fixtures to be effective.
As air passes over wet coils, contaminants such as dirt, microbes, and particulates stick to their surfaces. This buildup creates an ideal setting for mold, bacteria, and viruses to thrive and spread through the air.
Contaminants that are in constant contact with UV-C rays kill the biofilm and organisms that collect on HVAC coils by penetrating their cell walls, preventing them from re-entering the air. SARS-CoV-2 is very sensitive to UVC energy and only requires a very low dosage to kill the virus.
UPPER-ROOM UVGI
UPPER-ROOM UVGI
UPPER-ROOM UVGI
Upper-room UVGI can be used in any indoor space, particularly in areas often occupied by people who are sick. Using specially designed fixtures, upper-room UVGI is mounted on ceilings or walls to create a “disinfection zone” of ultraviolet energy placed away from room occupants, keeping them safe from exposure. As the air circulates from natural movement, ceiling fans, or mechanical ventilation, it is disinfected by the fixtures placed near the ceiling. During system installation, the installer must be careful to control the amount of ultraviolet energy reflected into the lower occupied space(s). Reputable manufacturers or experienced system designers will take the necessary room measurements and make adjustments as needed to protect occupants from any harmful UV exposure.
UVGI IN DUCTWORK
UPPER-ROOM UVGI
UPPER-ROOM UVGI
In-duct UVGI systems are equipped inside heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to treat coils and inactivate airborne pathogens as they flow through ductwork.
Surface Disinfection in Commercial Air Systems
Treating HVAC coils with UVGI keeps the coils, drain pans, and wet surfaces of your systems clear of microbial growth, which can significantly reduce energy efficiency. Such devices emit relatively low levels of UV energy that are continuously delivered 24 hours a day, making them a practical application.
Air Disinfection in Commercial Air Systems
UVGI systems designed for air disinfection apply a more intense level of UV energy to inactivate airborne pathogens as they move through your HVAC duct. While HVAC air disinfection systems usually require more power and more lamps (or both) to inactivate pathogens within a short period of time effectively. These types of systems are generally placed downstream of your HVAC coils to keep the coil, drain pan, and wetted surfaces free of microbial growth while simultaneously disinfecting moving air.
While UVGI for air disinfection can be used inside any HVAC system to disinfect airborne infectious pathogens, coil treatment UVGI is not powerful enough for disinfecting air and should not be relied upon for treatment beyond surfaces. Treating your coils can reduce HVAC maintenance and improve operational efficiency in large commercial systems.