UVGI in Residential & Light Commercial HVAC
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI, also known as UV-C) as a method of eliminating microbial growth in HVAC systems and improving indoor air quality has long been underutilized in residential and light commercial sectors, despite the fact that it’s efficacy has been widely proven by industry experts, not to mention the CDC. HVAC contractors are finally catching on to one of most effective ways to improve IAQ, airflow, and heat transfer, and use of UV-C has taken on new urgency during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
UV-C has been used as a germicide for many years in such applications as equipment sterilization and water purification. By targeting DNA, it causes microbe death or renders them unable to reproduce. In HVAC systems, damp, humid conditions encourage growth of viruses, bacteria, mold, biofilm and other organic compounds on coils, filters, duct surfaces, and drain pans. Not only do these microorganisms affect indoor air quality, but their accumulation chokes airflow, decreases system efficiency, and releases odors and contaminants into the air. ASHRAE has found that application of UV-C light kills or inactivates 90% or more microorganisms living on HVAC system surfaces. Thus far, no microorganism has been found to be completely immune to UV-C, including coronavirus.
Properly-maintained UVGI lamps installed in new systems will prevent microbial growth from the get-go, but existing systems can be effectively retrofit, as well. Studies have shown that UVGI can restore an air handler with microbial growth to as-built operating conditions in as little as 90 days, restoring system capacity by up to 40% and drastically reducing energy consumption.
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal & HVAC Supply carries UV-C air disinfection and surface irradiation systems by Diversitech and Honeywell. Please call us at (732) 364-7644 or (908) 688-9104 for more information.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, and many more.
