UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

Direct exposure to UVC lights can be hazardous to skin and eyes, although with the right type of germicidal lamps and proper installation, there is proven evidence of high germicidal UV light in HVAC effectiveness.

How Do UV Lights in HVAC Systems Work?

UVC lights are designed to emit particular wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm), which is effective at penetrating the DNA of microorganisms. The UV radiation is absorbed by the cells’ DNA which renders them unable to produce the needed proteins to survive or replicate. UV light does not immediately kill the germs, although it shortens their life span, and nullifies their ability to replicate and cause harm.

UVC light can penetrate the cells of viruses, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, and various germs when they pass through a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. Strategically installing germicidal UVC lamps in HVAC units helps to purify the air and sterilize HVAC equipment for longer, more efficient use. UV light in HVAC effectiveness is proven to improve indoor air quality for a healthier indoor environment.

UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

There are several studies that evaluate UV light in HVAC effectiveness with promising results for UV light in HVAC systems in hospitals, offices, and schools. According to a study conducted by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE, and Penn State University, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) showed successful results for reducing the amount of fungi in air handling units and cited improvements in children with mold induced asthma when installed in schools.

UV light has been used in hospitals and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, for controlling the spread of tuberculosis in hospitals and healthcare facilities. UVC radiation is known to kill harmful microorganisms even antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” like MRSA, SARS and is even proven to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the novel COVID-19.

How are UV Lights Installed in HVAC Systems?

Treating the volume of air in your home or office is immense, and only possible when installed properly in air handling units or HVAC systems since humans cannot be exposed to UVC light. Since the HVAC system draws air into the evaporator unit, forcing it out through air vents and registers throughout the home, UV light installed in the evaporator unit sterilizes the air as it circulates.

Only a professional HVAC technician should install UV lights in HVAC systems for germicidal effectiveness. The lights must be installed in the right area with the right angle of exposure to sterilize the air as it passes through. The HVAC technician will clean the air handler system thoroughly prior to installing UV lights and should inspect all ductwork for leaks. With the right installation by a certified technician, UV lights in HVAC effectiveness will be at maximum levels to prevent airborne infection.

High Performance Germicidal UV Lights for HVAC Effectiveness

LightSources is recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high quality, high performance UV germicidal lights found in many applications. UVC lamps by LightSources provide germicidal solutions to water, surface and air sterilization systems with proven UVC effectiveness. We offer a wide selection of UVC lamps in various sizes, types, and styles as well as customized engineering solutions to meet customer specifications.

Our lighting specialists possess deep technical knowledge of UVC radiation and lamp design to deliver cutting edge germicidal solutions. We conduct ongoing research and development for continual improvement and offer proprietary technology that improves lamp life and performance. LightSources is an ISO9001:2015 registered supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including proven UVC germicidal lamps for use in a variety of industries and applications.

Killing Bacteria with UV Light

Killing bacteria with UV light is highly effective when using UVC germicidal lamps, designed to emit shortwave UVC radiation which is proven to kill many types of bacteria as well as viruses, mold, mildew, harmful pathogens and foul odors. UV light can be divided into UVA 320-400 nm, UVB 290-320 nm, and UVC 100-290 nm, based on the wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). UVC light when emitted from the sun is shorter wave than UVA and UVB and is entirely absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVC light exposure would cause damage to human skin and eyes and caution must be taken when UVC germicidal lamps are in use, although many types of UV see sterilization systems are designed to kill bacteria without posing a risk to human health.

How Does UV Light Kill Bacteria?

UV light has been used to kill bacteria for more than a century as this article points out when Finsen experimented with UV light 130 years ago, and then in 1877 Downes and Blunt published an article called “The Influence of Light Upon the Development of Bacteria”. UVC light emits a high-frequency, shortwave electromagnetic radiation that effectively kills bacteria, viruses and many harmful microorganisms by altering the DNA which renders the cells unable to replicate. This inactivation of the microbes causes cell death, mutations, and failure to reproduce thus rendering cells harmless.

What Types of Germs and Bacteria Does UV Light Kill?

UVC radiation is highly effective at eliminating many types of bacteria including drug-resistant bacteria called superbugs, viruses including many types of flu strains, beta coronaviruses including MERS, SARS, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Some of the most stubborn bacteria that UVC light is proven to eliminate include:

• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistand Staphylococcus Aureus)
• Salmonella
• ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli)Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE)
• Clostridium difficile
• Multidrug-resistant pseudomonas
• Carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC)

UVC light effectively eliminates these types of bacteria and many others up to 99.99%, as reported in this study regarding the effectiveness of ultraviolet air and surface sterilization systems.

Killing Bacteria with UV Light: Effective in Many Environments

UVC germicidal lamps are used in a wide range of sterilization applications providing effective disinfection of water, surfaces, and air.

Water UV sterilization – germicidal lamps are used to kill harmful microorganisms and bacteria in water with UVC radiation in many environments including pools and spas, wastewater treatment, drinking water, aquaculture, ballast water treatment for ships and many other types of water sterilization needs. UV lamps are one of the most effective water sterilization methods and are proven to inactivate pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which chlorine is unable to treat.

Surface UV sterilization – UVC lamps are used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces in many industries and applications including hospitals, restaurants, schools, commercial and industrial properties and public places.

Hospitals – UVC lamps sterilize surgical equipment, operating rooms, patient rooms, patient beds, surfaces, restrooms, and many other surfaces. According to a study published by Duke University, UV light can help hospitals cut transmission of four major drug resistant superbugs. Hospital acquired infections are common when patients stay overnight in a room known to have had a positive culture of a drug-resistant infection from a previous patient.

Restaurants – UVC lamps sterilize tables people eat on, kitchen counter surfaces, kitchen exhaust fans, walk-in freezers to prevent mold, over delis and in refrigerators.

Food Irradiation – UV germicidal irradiation, UVGI, is highly effective at preserving food and killing foodborne illnesses including E. Coli and Salmonella.

Air – UV air purification efficiently disinfects and sterilizes air without the use of hazardous waste or byproducts. UV lamps are used in air purification systems such as upper room UVGI systems, in HVAC systems sterilizing furnaces and air conditioning units. UVC lamps for air purification eliminate airborne viruses as the air flows in front of the UVC radiation and they also prevent the buildup of mold and mildew inside air condenser units which commonly occurs in these dark, damp places. UV air purification provides cleaner and healthier air for everyone to breathe in any environment whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Eliminating airborne microorganisms and foul odors including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as sulfides, mercaptans and ammonia improves indoor air quality for all.

 

Killing bacterial with UV light in these applications and many others such as in commercial and industrial properties and public transportation systems is a good way to help improve public health and safety.

Advantages of Killing Bacteria with UV Light

There are many advantages of using germicidal lamps to kill bacteria with UV light. Some of the most recognizable benefits of UVC sterilization include:

• No need to purchase, store, or dispose of dangerous chemicals
• No harmful byproducts from added chemical use
• UV lamps are low maintenance
• UVC sterilization is simple and safe although should be installed by a professional
• Highly effective, immediate sterilization
• Affordable with low operating expenses
• Proven ability to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and fungi

High-Quality Germicidal UVC Lamps

LightSources offers high-quality germicidal UVC lamps which are long-lasting and economical to operate. We offer a wide variety of germicidal lamps in standard and high output, quartz germicidal lamps, quartz compact and GU lamps, standard and high-output softglass lamps, and softglass compact lamps.
Standard low pressure mercury lamps provide the highest efficiency with 40% of a lamps’ electrical power converted into UVC radiation at 254nm. For applications requiring the highest UVC output, high-output mercury lamps are the best choice as they provide approximately twice the UVC output. In both standard and high-output (HO) UVC lamps, liquid mercury droplets collect at the lamp’s “cold spot.” As it reaches peak temperature, it creates a mercury vapor that produces maximum UVC output.

By operating on a lower current (between 180 and 425mA), soft glass lamps are available in standard and high output selections and provide a germicidal efficiency of 30%. The lamps are ozone free and best used for simple disinfection applications that only require a wavelength of 254nm. Other highly efficient low pressure mercury lamps are amalgam lamps. These lamps use a mercury amalgam mix to control the mercury vapor pressure. Instead of a “cold spot,” the lamp’s “amalgam spot on pellet” is used to regulate mercury vapor pressure. Amalgam lamps yield up to three times the UVC output of a standard low pressure mercury lamp of the same length. Your application will determine the type of UVC lamps that will work best for your needs.

Surface UV sterilization – UVC lamps are used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces in many industries and applications including hospitals, restaurants, schools, commercial and industrial properties and public places.

Hospitals – UVC lamps sterilize surgical equipment, operating rooms, patient rooms, patient beds, surfaces, restrooms, and many other surfaces. According to a study published by Duke University, UV light can help hospitals cut transmission of four major drug resistant superbugs. Hospital acquired infections are common when patients stay overnight in a room known to have had a positive culture of a drug-resistant infection from a previous patient.

Restaurants – UVC lamps sterilize tables people eat on, kitchen counter surfaces, kitchen exhaust fans, walk-in freezers to prevent mold, over delis and in refrigerators.

Food Irradiation – UV germicidal irradiation, UVGI, is highly effective at preserving food and killing foodborne illnesses including E. Coli and Salmonella.

Air – UV air purification efficiently disinfects and sterilizes air without the use of hazardous waste or byproducts. UV lamps are used in air purification systems such as upper room UVGI systems, in HVAC systems sterilizing furnaces and air conditioning units. UVC lamps for air purification eliminate airborne viruses as the air flows in front of the UVC radiation and they also prevent the buildup of mold and mildew inside air condenser units which commonly occurs in these dark, damp places. UV air purification provides cleaner and healthier air for everyone to breathe in any environment whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Eliminating airborne microorganisms and foul odors including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as sulfides, mercaptans and ammonia improves indoor air quality for all.

Killing bacterial with UV light in these applications and many others such as in commercial and industrial properties and public transportation systems is a good way to help improve public health and safety.

Advantages of Killing Bacteria with UV Light

There are many advantages of using germicidal lamps to kill bacteria with UV light. Some of the most recognizable benefits of UVC sterilization include:

• No need to purchase, store, or dispose of dangerous chemicals
• No harmful byproducts from added chemical use
• UV lamps are low maintenance
• UVC sterilization is simple and safe although should be installed by a professional
• Highly effective, immediate sterilization
• Affordable with low operating expenses
• Proven ability to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and fungi

High-Quality Germicidal UVC Lamps

LightSources offers high-quality germicidal UVC lamps which are long-lasting and economical to operate. We offer a wide variety of germicidal lamps in standard and high output, quartz germicidal lamps, quartz compact and GU lamps, standard and high-output softglass lamps, and softglass compact lamps.

Standard low pressure mercury lamps provide the highest efficiency with 40% of a lamps’ electrical power converted into UVC radiation at 254nm. For applications requiring the highest UVC output, high-output mercury lamps are the best choice as they provide approximately twice the UVC output. In both standard and high-output (HO) UVC lamps, liquid mercury droplets collect at the lamp’s “cold spot.” As it reaches peak temperature, it creates a mercury vapor that produces maximum UVC output.

By operating on a lower current (between 180 and 425mA), soft glass lamps are available in standard and high output selections and provide a germicidal efficiency of 30%. The lamps are ozone free and best used for simple disinfection applications that only require a wavelength of 254nm. Other highly efficient low pressure mercury lamps are amalgam lamps. These lamps use a mercury amalgam mix to control the mercury vapor pressure. Instead of a “cold spot,” the lamp’s “amalgam spot on pellet” is used to regulate mercury vapor pressure. Amalgam lamps yield up to three times the UVC output of a standard low pressure mercury lamp of the same length. Your application will determine the type of UVC lamps that will work best for your needs.

 

UVC Lamp Uses and Options

Many germicidal applications today feature UVC lamp technology, as UVC light is proven to have powerful germ-killing properties. 

UVC Lamp Design and Engineering 

UVC lamps are ultraviolet (UV) lamps that are manufactured to emit UV light at a specific wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). Ultraviolet light consists primarily of three bands of electromagnetic radiation, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC light is emitted in the range of 100 to 280 nm, with shorter wavelengths than UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) light.  

When emitted from the sun, the majority of UV light that reaches the Earth’s surface is in the UVA range, with some in the UVB range, and UVC radiation is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. Germicidal UVC lamp manufacturers design, engineer, and manufacture UVC lamps to emit electromagnetic radiation in a specific wavelength to meet application requirements. 

UVC Lamp Germicidal Applications

UVC light is proven to have highly effective germicidal properties, killing many types of bacteria and viruses, as well as preventing mold and mildew. This makes UVC lamps a very important part of many types of disinfection and sterilization systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. 

UVC Lamps for Air Purification

UVC lamps are used in UV air sterilization systems in just about any setting to improve indoor air quality and prevent the transmission of harmful airborne germs. UV air sterilization systems protect the health of people in many environments, including residential homes, hospitals and medical facilities, schools, restaurants, public transportation systems, and more.

UVC Lamps for Surface Sterilization

Many UV surface sterilization systems feature UVC lamp technology to prevent the buildup of harmful germs in places like commercial kitchens and laboratories.  UVC lamps are commonly used to protect patients in hospitals and operating rooms and to disinfect medical devices. 

UVC Lamps for Water Disinfection

UVC lamp technology is used in many water disinfection applications and provides safe and efficient germicidal effectiveness. UVC lamps are proven to eliminate some harmful germs in water that chlorine cannot, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Germicidal UVC lamps for water disinfection provide many advantages over chemical use alone.

UVC Lamp Types

UVC 185nm Ozone Lamps

UVC light in the range of 185 nm produces ozone, which is an effective sanitizer and deodorizer. Ozone lamps are used in a variety of air and water purification systems. Ozone lamps for air purification have the advantage of producing UVC radiation that does not require direct line-of-sight exposure for germicidal effectiveness.  Ozone can reach places that other UVC lamps cannot and are effective at eliminating foul odor in the air and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

UVC 254 nm Disinfection Lamps

UVC lamps designed to emit 254 nm are the most common types of UVC germicidal lamps used in a variety of disinfection systems, including air, surface, and water. UVC light at 254 nm quickly eliminates many bacteria and viruses by penetrating the cells and altering the DNA to prevent cell replication. UVC light at 254 nm is proven to eliminate many types of bacteria and viruses, although the correct type of UVC lamp must be used at the right dosage to meet the requirements for specific pathogens. UVC light is proven to eliminate many antibiotic-resistant superbugs and many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The rate of effectiveness at killing various types of bacteria and viruses depends on the type of microorganism, the intensity of the UVC lamp, and the duration of exposure.

222 nm Excimer Lamps

UVC light in the range near 222 nm, also called Far UVC, is becoming more popular for many germicidal applications. Far UVC lamps are proven to have many similar sterilization properties as 254 nm lamps, although they can be safer for human exposure under the right conditions.

UVC Lamp Custom Design and Manufacturing

LightSources is a world-leading UVC lamp manufacturer, offering high-tech lamp designers and engineers with in-depth knowledge of UV radiation.  We offer a wide range of UVC lamps used in many germicidal applications and custom design and engineering, including prototype development.

This blog post appeared originally here

Where are UV Light Bulbs Used?

Ultraviolet (UV) light bulbs are used in many industries and applications, providing such a broad range of solutions to so many environments it is difficult to list them all. UV light is not visible to the human eye, scientists and lighting engineers replicate the shortwave electromagnetic radiation when manufacturing UV lamps. Custom phosphor blends and lamp design and engineering provide visibility of the UV radiation, which is typically not detectable by the human eye.

UV light, when emitted by the sun, is typically categorized into three areas, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the shortest wavelength and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, never reaching the surface of the earth. UVC light is also known to possess highly effective germicidal properties to sterilize surfaces, water, and the air.  UVA and UVB lamps are also used for a wide range of purposes, with ultraviolet light bulbs providing a healthier and safer environment for the human race in many ways.

Common UV Light Bulb Applications

Some of the most common applications where UV lamps are utilized include:

UV curing - ultraviolet light is known to quickly cure certain coatings, glazes, adhesives, lacquers, and varnishes in an instant, providing a durable and smooth surface. This speeds up industrial processes in many industries and creates higher-quality products with quick curing, less evaporation, and less contamination.

UV germicidal - ultraviolet light emitted in the short wave range of UVC is known to provide very effective germicidal properties and can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms in a matter of seconds. UVC germicidal lamps are used in air purification systems, water, and surface sterilization systems, and many environments such as schools, laboratories, hospitals, and many commercial and residential environments. Germicidal UVC lamps are known to eliminate superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics and are also effective against beta coronaviruses, including MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. 

Phototherapy - UV lamps bring healing to patients suffering from many conditions, offering hope and effective treatment to people suffering from many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. UV light bulbs also provide healing to people with mood disorders and depression and are used to treat babies born with neonatal jaundice. 

Tanning - UV light tubes used for tanning are one of the most commonly recognized UV lamps in service. UV tanning lamps are quite different from phototherapy and germicidal lamps, and not all UV lamps are created equal.

It is important to source your UV lamps from a reputable UV lamp manufacturer.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions used in a broad range of applications worldwide. We employ the leading high-tech lighting and UV lamp engineers, combined with a state-of-the-art glass factory and a commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-saving UV lighting solutions. Contact us with any questions and learn how to improve your UV lamp application with quality UV light bulbs and tubes.