Ultra Violet Air Purifying System
Indoor Air: High Concentration Of Biological Contaminants
With tighter building construction in recent years the quality of indoor air has declined dramatically.
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The air circulating in the ductwork of the average home or office can be concentrated with contaminants including molds, bacteria, yeasts, dust mites, and viruses. We fill our lungs up to 20,000 times each day. Over time, these contaminants can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane, upper respiratory problems, asthmatic conditions, headaches and flu-like symptoms.
The Sun: Nature’s Outdoor Air Purifier
For years, scientists have known that one of the most effective air purifiers is natural sunlight. Not the light we see when we look out the window, but the invisible “C” band, ultraviolet rays that make up part of the sun’s light spectrum. The sun’s UV-C rays act as a natural outdoor air purification system, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds. However, this natural process does not occur indoors.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) replicates the natural outdoor purification system of the sun by destroying the illness and disease causing microbes living and multiplying in indoor air. In combination with quality filter, it is the most effective way to reduce airborne bacteria and the health risks they represent.
Facts About Indoor Air
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.
- The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine reports that exposure to indoor pollutants is a key contributor to the asthma problems of this nation.
- Most allergy and asthma sources are passed from person to person through the air.
- The air in a single room can contain hundreds of thousands of infectious bacteria, viruses, fungal spores and contaminants, which can only be seen with a microscope.
- Airborne contaminants can cause diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia. Ultraviolet treatment helps reduce the occurrence of diseases such as measles and tuberculosis.
Facts About UV
- Since the first UV irradiation system was used, the disinfection of medical equipment using UV has been a common and reliable practice.
- UV disinfection has been determined to be adequate for inactivating bacteria and viruses.
- The germicidal effects of UV light cause photochemical damage to DNA and RNA within microorganisms.
- “…ultraviolet radiation, properly integrated with heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, shows the most promise as a widely applicable means of air disinfection.”
- Health effects may show up immediately or after years of exposure to poor indoor air quality. These symptoms include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer. They may be severely debilitating or fatal.
UV-Aire Indoor Air Treatment System
UV-Aire uses the energy from a specially designed, high intensity UV-C lamp to reduce microorganisms in the entire home as they cycle through the HVAC system. Attached to the ductwork, the UV-Aire sterilizes or kills most contaminants as they pass the lamp.
The process requires very little maintenance and costs just pennies a day to operate. The UV-Aire is one of the best health and comfort investments a homeowner could ever make.
UV rays will also kill germs that breed in drain pans and A/C coils. Properly positioned, an ultraviolet system can significantly reduce indoor air contamination and prevent the growth of new microorganisms.
The treatment of indoor air with ultraviolet radiation has been successful in health care facilities, food processing plants, schools, laboratories and other applications. It is safe, silent, and proven.
Since direct exposure to UV light can cause skin cancer and blindness, the most practical application is to install UV in the main supply or return duct of any central heating or air system. This is an ideal location as the air in the home or office will pass through the HVAC system 40-75 times a day during normal operation and as many as 150 times a day in continuous fan mode.
UV’s effectiveness in killing bacteria is directly related to a microorganism’s exposure time. With a UV-Aire mounted in the HVAC duct, cumulative exposure can be very effective in controlling indoor bacteria.
Filter Systems Alone Don’t Solve the Problem
The majority of indoor air is conditioned by forced-air heating and cooling (HVAC) systems.
HVAC systems are a dark and damp breeding ground for mold and bacteria, particularly at the filter and air conditioning (A/C) coil. The buildup of matter on the A/C coil and filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of the appliance by constricting and reducing air flow. This means increased cost to the homeowner in addition to the risk of airborne pollutants.
Air filters are a great first step, but are somewhat ineffective in trapping germs, as most particles are simply too small, passing through the porous filter.
UV-Aire, in combination with a quality filter, turns any forced air HVAC system into a whole house air purification system.
UV Energy Required To Kill Bacteria
Most, if not all bacteria can be destroyed by the use of UV light. The main factors in disinfection are the amount of UV power the lamp produces and the length of time the bacteria is exposed to the UV light source.
The energy required to kill microorganisms is a product of the UV light’s intensity and exposure time. This energy is measured in micro Watt seconds per square centimeter.
Intensity x Exposure Time = microWatt Seconds/cm’
Independent Lab Testing
Independent lab testing of the UV-Aire shows that in a single-pass air flow test, one 18-inch UV-Aire lamp can reduce levels of Serratia Marcescens (a typical bacteria) by 93%, while a two lamp system can reduce by 99%. The lab testing showed a direct correlation between the UV-Aire UV lamp output and the observed kill rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is UV-C light and how does it kill bacteria?
A. UV-C is the invisible, ultraviolet, C-band radiation that makes up part of the sun’s light spectrum. UV-C light prevents growth and germination of microorganisms by altering DNA and RNA and effectively sterilizing organisms. Once sterilized, they cannot reproduce, and with their short life cycles, they are effectively killed.
Q. How long has UV been used in air purification?
A. Since 1936, UV has been used to sterilize air. It was first used to purify air in a surgical operating room. UV has been used in schools to decrease the growth of epidemics such as measles and tuberculosis. Other applications include: barber shops, restaurants, incubation rooms, veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Q. Why use a UV light product?
A. There are two primary benefits to using UV light. The first is to use UV light to radiate a surface to keep mold from growing in that area. The other use is, disinfecting the air stream as it passes through the HVAC system. A significant disinfection rate is accomplished with repeated circulation of air through the system, making use of UV light very beneficial.
Q. What is the importance of UV light products?
A. People spend over 90% of their time indoors. With little or no ventilation, concentrations of microorganisms will increase indoors, potentially spreading a number of diseases. With increased cases of deaths being caused by various bacterial diseases, controlling the growth and spread of pathogens is of major concern in indoor environments.
Q. How does the UV-Aire differ from other UV-C devices?
A.UV-C energy has been successfully used in many indoor environments. The UV-Aire was developed specifically for use in HVAC systems. It creates a consistent, high output of UV-C energy. The UV-Aire’s intensity output maximizes microorganism disinfection and ensures cleaner indoor air.
Q. Is the UV-Aire harmful in any way?
A. Direct exposure to UV light is not recommended, as it may cause damage to skin and eyes. UV light does not pass through solid materials such as plastic, glass or metal ductwork. Properly installed inside the duct, the UV-Aire is a safe and practical product.
Q. Does the UV-Aire produce ozone?
A. No! We do not endorse the use of ozone in occupied spaces. Ozone is a known carcinogen and has been linked to respiratory problems. Because the UV-Aire does not produce ozone, the unit can remain on at all times.
Q. Is the product suitable for people with severe allergy or asthma problems?
A. Yes. The UV-Aire can offer relief to many allergy and asthma sufferers by reducing airborne contamination.
Q. Does the UV-Aire produce a fresh-air smell? Many smells are not addressed by the UV-Aire.
A. However, some unpleasant smells develop from the growth of microorganisms. The UV-Aire works to reduce mold and other common household germs, in many cases resulting in a fresher smelling environment.
Q. Does UV light take the place of a filter?
A. No. The UV-Aire should be used in conjunction with a filter.
Q. Should the HVAC appliance fan or blower run continuously?
A. No. During normal operation of the heating or air conditioning, the blower will circulate the air over the UV lamp from 40-75 times a day, which is sufficient. During moderate weather, when neither the A/C or heat is on, it is recommended to open the windows to allow for fresh air infiltration and/or to operate the blower continuously (turn on the fan) to circulate air over the UV light.
Q. Why use eye protection?
A. UV-C light will damage human tissue with continuous exposure and can severely burn the eyes. A glance from a distance may not be a problem. But, looking at a UV-C lamp close up for 5-10 seconds could damage the eyes. Protecting the eyes with plastic protective goggles is recommended.
Q. What precautions should be taken before opening or servicing the ductwork where a UV-C lamp is in use?
A. The UV-C lamp should be turned OFF prior to entering the ductwork. An external switch is provided as well as warning labels regarding service procedures.
Q. What effects will UV-C rays have on plastics such as coil pans & flex duct?
A. If the plastic is not UV resistant, UV-C can cause a breakdown of the material over time. Based on lab tests, positioning the lamp 30 inches or more away from plastic surfaces will eliminate any measurable breakdown of plastic material.