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.

UV Light Air Conditioner Benefits

 Weighing the cost against the benefits, it is difficult to find a downside to installing a UV light air conditioner purification system in any commercial, industrial, municipal, medical, or residential building. UV germicidal light, specifically at the frequency of 253.7 nanometers (commonly referred to as 254 nm), effectively eliminates a host of pernicious microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, parasites, and dust mites.

The result is, at the very minimum, cleaner air for residents, employees, visitors, and others throughout the structure serviced by the air conditioner. In addition, UV germicidal lamps prevent build up on equipment which prolongs the useful life of air conditioning systems and enhances efficient operation.

UV Light AC System Proven to Reduce Fungi

UV light air conditioner purification systems provide many benefits and efficiencies. UV radiation is extremely effective at eliminating harmful pathogens that can collect on air conditioner units and spread through circulated air. In a recent scientific study evaluating the effectiveness of UV radiation to eliminate fungi in air handling units, a 286,000-square-foot office building in Oklahoma was equipped with a UV system on the main air handling units of two floors while two other floors had no lamps installed. Readings were taken from the study floor and the control floor to detect the concentration levels of mold and fungi since installation.

More than a dozen fungi species were present in May prior to installation of the UV system. When taken again in September, the readings on the floor with the UV system had decreased, while nearly every taxon increased its concentration on the control floor, in a couple of instances nearly 100-fold.

Health Benefits of UV Light for Air Conditioning Systems

UV lights in air handling units and air conditioner systems remove harmful pathogens from the units and from circulated air which provides significant health benefits. Some of the symptoms and ailments alleviated by the purified air include common colds; eye, nose, and throat irritation; allergies; headaches; nausea; COPD; bronchitis; asthma; lung infections; pulmonary disease; autoimmune deficiencies; and cancer.

The positive ripple effects of installing a UV air sterilization system are legion, and many of the benefits are long-term:

·        Freeing a workplace from airborne germs, pollutants, and irritants makes for a healthier workforce, and consequently decreases absenteeism and increases productivity.

·        UV purification systems have been proven to remove many industry-specific toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during business operations.

·        At 254 nm, the UV light produces no ozone, which can erode copper wiring and tubing. UVC ozone lamps are available that with proper installation, provide air sterilization and odor control.

·        UV light prohibits the accumulation of microorganisms, mold, and mildew that can clog the passageways of an AC system, making the motor work harder and shortening the useful life of the mechanics.

·        With the destruction of mold and mildew, their associated odors are eliminated.

·        The UV germicidal light system lowers energy costs by continuously cleaning the air conditioner components of mold and biofilms, particularly the coils, drain pans, and vent surfaces.

·        UV light systems are extremely low maintenance, saving time and money.

·        UV systems can work at optimum efficiency throughout a wide range of temperatures, from roughly 40°to 120° F (4° to 48° C). LightSources can custom-design systems to work in higher temperatures as required.

LightSources provides only the highest quality germicidal UVC lamps, proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps. The experts at LightSources can help design the most effective and most economical UV lamps for air purification systems for use in any business, government facility, home, or other building.

 

185nm UV Lamp for Ozone Disinfection

 A 185nm UV Lamp generates ultraviolet energy at 185nm which is proven to effectively produce ozone, a natural sanitizer and deodorizer. A 185 nm UV light produces UV energy in wavelengths shorter than 220 nm which decompresses oxygen, O², to produce ozone, O³. UV germicidal lamps are designed to emit the most effective wavelength of UV radiation, measured in nanometers (nm). 185 nm lamps produce ozone, while 254 nm is an optimal wavelength to target the DNA of viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Ultraviolet radiation is proven to instantly penetrate the cells of harmful, disease causing microorganisms and rearrange the genetic material to render the cell unable to replicate. These harmful germs including protozoa and algae are unable to reproduce and are considered dead. UV germicidal lamps are proven to be highly effective in many surface, air and water disinfection applications with 185 nm ozone lamps providing many benefits.

Low Pressure and Medium Pressure Germicidal Lamps

The two main types of UV germicidal lamps are low pressure and medium pressure Mercury discharge lamps. Some low pressure germicidal lamps will look very similar to typical fluorescent lamps although the glass tube does not contain a fluorescent phosphor. The glass is also made of either soda lime glass or fused quartz as opposed to an ordinary borosilicate glass in typical fluorescent lamps.

This is to allow the optimum wavelength produced by a Mercury arc of either 185nm or 254nm of UV light to pass through unmodified. Low-pressure Mercury discharge lamps will still produce a visible light due to Mercury radiation bands.

Medium pressure Mercury discharge lamps look very similar to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and produce a broadband of UVC radiation rather than a single, narrow band line. These broadband UVC germicidal lamps produce a bright bluish white light and are common in many industrial water treatment applications due to the intense radiation source.

Low Pressure Amalgam UV Lamps

Low pressure Amalgam UV lamps provide stable performance over a wide range of ambient temperature changes with 3 to 4 times higher power density. Amalgam lamps are preferred for long-term applications and are available with either spot or pellet Amalgam technology. Spot Amalgam technology uses Mercury Amalgam applied to the inner surface of the lamp, whereas pellet Amalgam technology has Mercury Amalgam on the outside of the lamp arc.

Amalgam lamps provide some benefits over other lamps with the vapor pressure controlled by location and composition of Amalgam and allow for higher lamp current operation with robust filaments.

Low Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Ozone Producing 185 nm UV Lamp Benefits

Ozone Air Purification – Ozone Carries Through the Air

Ozone producing 185 nm UV lamps offer additional benefits and are required to oxidize specific organic compounds. One of the major advantages of ozone disinfection lamps is that ozone is carried through the air to places where UV radiation does not directly reach. 185 nm UV light is used in many UV air purification systems to effectively sanitize and clean the air in many HVAC systems.

Ozone Water Purification – Stronger than Chlorination

185 nm lamps are also very common in many water sterilization applications. Ozone is proven to be very effective over a wide range of pH environments and reacts quickly with viruses, bacteria and protozoans. Ozone provides a very strong oxidizing power and a short reaction time, with stronger germicidal properties then chlorination in many applications. Ozone does not add harmful chemicals to the water and eliminates many protozoans the chlorine does not such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Ozone Oxidation – Powerful Water Disinfection

Also provides excellent oxidation in disinfection properties which makes it popular in drinking water treatment systems. 185 nm lamps are convenient in that ozone may be added to water treatment systems at several points such as during pre-oxidation, intermediate and final disinfection treatment processes. Ozone water disinfection is used worldwide in many applications including ballast water treatment systems for ships which are globally enforced to protect the planet’s oceans.

185nm UV Lamps from LightSources

LightSources and LightTech offer 185nm UV lamps manufactured with high-quality quartz glass. The type of fused quartz used to make the envelope, or the bulb, of the germicidal lamp determines the wavelength of UV emissions. Ozone is an extremely effective deodorizer and active oxidizer, destroying microorganisms on contact. The LightSources Group offers Very High (VH) UV germicidal lamps which produce UV energy at 185nm as well as Low (L) lamps which produce 254nm.

Our L lamps are designed with a specially doped fused quartz to prohibit the emission of 185 nm, while our VH lamps are designed with clear fused quartz to allow the emission of energy at 185 nm. These 185 nm UV lights are found in a wide range of air treatment systems and water sterilization applications. VH lamps are effective in reducing total organic compounds (TOCs) and are commonly used in HVAC UV air purification systems.

LightSources and LightTech offer UV germicidal lamp solutions for any application, with a wide range of patented, high-tech lamp products as well as custom designed solutions available. We design, engineer and manufacture lamps with two types of quartz spliced together to produce specific amounts of ozone. Our ozone disinfection lamps provide many benefits including:

·        High-quality quartz glass construction

·        Effective deodorization and oxidation

·        Customized proprietary design options available

·        Effective in a wide range of air and water sterilization applications

The combined strengths of LightTech in Europe with LightSources in the United States allows the LightSources Group the ability to support OEMs worldwide with vast resources and high-tech lamp solutions. By offering a wide selection of standard products as well as customized solutions, our clients maintain replacement sales within their OEM market for increased revenue and repeat business.

 

UV Light for Medical Use

Ultraviolet (UV) light is used for many purposes that promote health and wellness as there are many applications that harness the benefits of UV light for medical use.

UV Lamps Provide Many Health Benefits

UV light is measured in wavelengths mainly in the spectrum of 100 nanometer (nm) to 380 nm and is divided into three regions: UVA (320 – 400 nm), UVB (280 – 320 nm), and UVC (100 – 280 nm). UVC is short wave UV radiation and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer when emitted by the sun. UVA and UVB are the rays that reach the earth and are associated with the common sunburn as well as providing benefits like vitamin D and many other phototherapy treatments.

Scientists and lamp engineers such as the knowledgeable engineers at LightSources design and engineer UVC germicidal lamps to emit 254 nm, the most effective wavelength to kill viruses and bacteria. 185 nm ozone lamps are also effective in many sterilization applications. UV lamps designed to emit UVA and UVB wavelengths provide benefits to the medical industry in phototherapy lamps, as these wavelength emissions are proven effective to treat a host of medical conditions.

UV lamps provide many benefits in two distinct areas:

UVC Germicidal Lamps – UV light provides many benefits to the healthcare industry and many other environments with UVC germicidal lamps that eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria in the air, in water and on surfaces.

UV Phototherapy Lamps – UV lamps are used for medical phototherapy purposes, which is also called light therapy, where UV lamps are specifically designed to treat certain medical conditions.

LightSources and LightTech are world leading manufacturers of innovative UV lamps used in germicidal and phototherapy applications, providing patented lamp products with first-to-market technology and solutions.

UV Light for Medical Use in Germicidal Applications

Germicidal UVC lamps provide health benefits to the medical industry and are used to provide effective sterilization to many environments. Germicidal lamps are used in medical facilities, doctor’s offices, and hospitals as well as many public places and commercial institutions to stop the spread of disease. UVC germicidal lamps sterilize that air when installed in HVAC systems or in upper room air irradiation units to prevent airborne illnesses. Germicidal lamps are also used to eliminate harmful microorganisms and water and on surfaces.

Hospitals sterilize surgical equipment as well as surfaces such as in operating rooms and patient rooms. UVC robots are utilized in many hospitals and public places to further eliminate harmful pathogens. UVC light used in addition to regular cleaning protocol is proven to significantly decrease virus and bacteria load and can even eliminate superbugs like antibiotic resistant bacteria. UV sterilization helps to promote health and wellness in many public places such as workplaces, schools, libraries, airports, bus stations, and residential homes.

UV light promotes health and wellness in many medical applications with effective sterilization on surfaces, in water and in air sterilization systems.

UV Light for Medical Use with Phototherapy Lamps

Medical phototherapy lamps are used under a doctor’s supervision with specially designed lamps administering UVA, UVB and narrowband UVB emissions. Phototherapy UV lamps treat a host of medical conditions such as variety of skin conditions, mood disorders and successfully treat neonatal jaundice. Some of the most common applications of UV light for medical use include effective treatment for many skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

UV Light for Acne Treatment – acne vulgaris affects more than 85% of adolescents and is the most common skin condition in the U.S. a combination of red light and blue light is proven to be effective in treating acne to prevent new outbreaks and alleviate symptoms of current outbreaks. Blue light emitted at 415 nm is effective at killing bacteria to prevent acne outbreaks and red light emissions between 600 to 700 nm stimulates cell regeneration, healing and soothes inflammation.

UV Light for Eczema – eczema is a common skin condition which affects more than 30 million Americans with various types and symptoms. Eczema patients may experience different symptoms which can include dry, rough, scaly, itchy and inflamed patches of skin. UVA, UVB and narrowband UVB phototherapy lamps have been proven effective to improve symptoms and prevent outbreaks of eczema.

UV Light for Psoriasis – psoriasis causes patients to experience patches of dry, scaly and itchy skin with outbreaks of raised, hardened lesions. Topical ointments can provide relief for mild symptoms although UV phototherapy lamps can be more effective to help patients with severe psoriasis symptoms.

UV Light for Vitiligo – vitiligo is a skin condition that is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the pigment forming cells in the body, melanocytes, causing white patches to appear on the skin. A UVB phototherapy lamp for vitiligo used in combination with medication is effective to put pigment back into the white patches.

UV light provides these medical benefits to these skin conditions and also treats forms of mood conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

UV Light for Depression – many people who live in the northern hemisphere experience seasonal depression during the winter months. Symptoms of SAD are like symptoms of nonseasonal forms of depression which can become severe and include social withdrawal, weight gain, fatigue, and a lack of interest in normal activities. Phototherapy lamps help to combat symptoms when the days get shorter with less natural sunlight and are considered the most effective form of treatment for SAD.

UV light for neonatal jaundice – this condition occurs in newborns and causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes as toxins build in the body from underdeveloped liver function. Treatment with UV blue light prevents brain damage that can occur with elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and breaks down bilirubin into substances that are safely excreted through waste. UV lights to treat jaundice are also called bili-lights for this reason.

LightSources Offers Quality UV Lamps for Medical Use

LightSources and LightTech design and engineer UV medical phototherapy lamps to treat all these conditions as well as UV germicidal lamps for medical use with effective sterilization and disinfection. Our vast resources including a state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe combined with the leading high-tech lamp designers and engineers provide the most effective and cost-efficient solution for nearly any application requiring UV light for medical use.

 

Does UV Light Kill COVID-19?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of a viral outbreak that led to a devastating global pandemic. Public health systems and economies worldwide have been ravaged by this virus and many people are asking the question, “Does UV light kill Covid?”. As of December 31, 2021, the pandemic is experiencing a surge with the new Omicron variant and a total death toll of 5,439,895 globally, with more than 825,816 deaths in the United States. *UPDATE – as of 3/29/23, there have been 761,402,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,887,000 deaths globally, and 102,697,566 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,117,054 deaths in the U.S., as reported by the World Health Organization, WHO.

We put together a compilation of several studies showing the effectiveness of UV light for COVID, including how UVC light kills other coronaviruses, how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, and UVC lamps that are proven effective at eliminating betacoronaviruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Types of UVC Lamps Effective in Killing Covid

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of UV radiation from the sun, that has less energy than X-rays and gamma rays, although has more energy than visible light and radio waves. Sunlight emits natural UV rays in three broad spectrums, UVA, UVB and UVC. People can experience exposure to UVA and UVB rays from natural sunlight, although most UVC natural rays are absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVC light is replicated in manmade germicidal UVC lamps, which have been proven to kill many viruses and bacteria including beta coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is in the beta coronavirus family similar to the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). UVC light is proven effective at eradicating MERS and SARS and recent studies show that UVC lamps are also similarly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Does UV Light Kill Covid in Liquid?

UV light is an effective disinfectant and sterilizer, proven to kill viruses in water, on surfaces and in the air. UVC light effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses by damaging nucleic acids of cells, rendering them unable to replicate. An inactivated cell that is unable to replicate is considered harmless and unable to spread further disease. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), UVC light is proven effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid cultures as “SARS-CoV-2 is highly susceptible to irradiation with ultraviolet light“.

UVC lamps are used in UV water disinfection applications such as waste water treatment plants, aqua culture, pool and spa and many additional water sterilization needs.

Does UV Light Kill COVID on Surfaces?

In Laboratories and all Surfaces

UVC germicidal lamps have been shown to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in studies by the AJIC showing a 99.7% effective rate on laboratory surfaces. In order to achieve this high efficacy rate to disinfect surfaces they must be clean and experience direct exposure.

In Hospitals and Medical Facilities

For this reason, many hospitals and medical facilities have added UVC light disinfection to their regular cleaning regimen. UVC light disinfection helps to keep hospital rooms, surgical rooms, surgical and medical equipment sterile and free from harmful bacteria, including some antibiotic resistant superbugs.

UVC Lamps for Restaurant Disinfection

UVC disinfection is helping restaurant owners get back to business and keep their staff and patrons safe. UVC lamps are used in many areas of a restaurant such as disinfecting commercial kitchen surfaces and preventing grease build-up in exhaust fans. Learn the many benefits of UV lamps for restaurants.

UVC Germicidal Lamps

UVC lamps manufactured to emit light in the UVC range are the most effective to kill viruses and bacteria, with standard germicidal lamps designed to emit light at 254 nm. While this wavelength is proven highly effective it can also be damaging to human skin and eyes, therefore some germicidal lamps are designed to emit wavelengths between 207- 222 nm, referred to as Far-UVC light. Far-UVC light is effective at killing germs and viruses and is less hazardous to skin and eyes than other types of UVC lamps.

Does UV Light Kill COVID in the Air?

UV Air Sterilization

Many scientists believe that airborne particles are one of the most common modes of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thus sterilizing and disinfecting air in enclosed spaces should help to protect people against contracting the COVID-19 disease. UVC lamps in HVAC units are an effective method of sterilizing air and is utilized in many commercial, industrial, and residential air purification systems.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports concludes that UVC light is effective at killing airborne human coronaviruses including those that cause the common cold and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Based on what we know about ultraviolet light, specifically UV light emitted in the UVC range, many studies are showing that UV light may be used as a valuable tool to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid, on surfaces and in the air. Far-UVC light may be a good choice for some disinfection applications with less harmful health risks to human exposure.

Quality UVC Lamps Proven to Kill Viruses

LightSources is recognized internationally as a leading supplier of high-quality germicidal UVC lamps proven to kill many viruses and bacteria, with a modern state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe and several valuable partner companies providing custom engineering services. You can find our UV disinfectant lamps in many applications worldwide for water, air and surface sterilization.

Our engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design, with a commitment to continual improvement through research and development. Our UV light proprietary technologies include LongLife+, which is a specialty coating engineered to increase the life of your lamp for up to 16,000 hours. We offer prototype solutions with rapid development, custom engineering to meet your specific and unique specifications and proprietary solutions for you that increase your brand awareness.