The emergence of COVID-19 has changed our everyday lives in a noticeable way. Because of how highly infectious the virus is, we are now more consciously aware of how easily our surroundings can be contaminated. The pandemic has increased the importance of preventing the spread of infection and we must do whatever we can to protect ourselves.
This isn’t just about sanitizing everything we touch; bacteria and viruses can be passed through the air as well. Since this is the case, the air we breathe also needs to be purified. One way to keep the air in your office building clean is through an ultraviolet (UV) light air purifier. This air purifier can be installed in your commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit to make sure good indoor air quality is maintained.
UV Light for HVAC
For years, it has been known that a certain spectrum of UV light can be used as a disinfectant. Known as germicidal UV, or UV-C, this wavelength of light has been tested and proven to easily kill and stop the spread of pathogens like the flu. Boasting a 99% kill rate, according to Infection Control Today, UV-C works by damaging the bacteria’s or virus’ nucleic acid—small biomolecules found in DNA—which disrupts its ability to replicate and cause disease.
This has opened up an avenue of new possibilities for disinfection equipment, as it’s an inexpensive way to eliminate airborne or surface contaminants. As HVACs are responsible for cycling the air in your building, it would be smart to have a UV light sanitizer installed in your HVAC. This way, you can improve your protection in the fight against nasty microbes.
How Are UV Lights Used in Your HVAC?
UV rays can be used in two different ways: as air conditioner (AC) cleaners and as air purifiers.
- When used as an AC cleaner, stick-shaped bulbs are used and placed in the AC’s return air duct to keep the coil free of microbes. These stick bulbs always remain on and work to irradiate drain pans, cooling coils, and other internal surfaces.
- For UV light air purification, UV stick bulbs are also installed in the return air duct. However, these bulbs are only on when the AC blower turns on, killing microorganisms in the air as they pass by.
How are UV Lights for Air Conditioner Units Installed?
UV light for AC units is a great way to protect yourself, your employees, and your customers from airborne pathogens, but how do you install them? Fortunately, they are pretty easy to install and don’t require costly adjustments to your existing system. Your HVAC service technician will just need to mount them to the machine.
They normally mount one near the AC coil with a magnet. After that’s done, all that’s left is maintenance, which is just as easy. The bulb will need to be changed once it burns out. These UV bulbs tend to last for about 12 months or so.
One way to keep the air in your office building clean is through an ultraviolet (UV) light air purifier. This air purifier can be installed in your commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit to make sure good indoor air quality is maintained.
The Benefits of UV Light for HVAC
Health threats like microbes, mold spores, and viruses can be eliminated with the help of UV light. This means you, your employees, and clients will be exposed to microbes that could cause illnesses such as colds, the flu, and potentially COVID-19. The lights can also keep your HVAC clean, so the unit will remain effective and efficient.
UV Light and Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic is a situation that is rapidly changing. New studies and research continue to come every day. Disinfecting frequently used surfaces is extremely important and UV light is effective at inactivating viruses and bacteria. However, the UV Indirect Air Disinfection System—a technique that zaps airborne viruses with a narrow-wavelength band of UV light—has shown promise in curtailing the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in indoor public places.
Get Your Commercial HVAC Solution
A&G Services specializes in delivering mechanical, plumbing, and piping services. During this time of uncertainty, our team remains committed to our customers and delivering excellent service. If your business is in need of an HVAC solution, contact us and we’ll get to work right away.
