Why Restaurants Use UV Lights in Kitchen Hood Exhausts

Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic energy emitted in various wavelengths, UVA, UVB and short wave UVC radiation.  UVC wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm) are proven to be highly effective and eliminating harmful microorganisms providing powerful germicidal effects.  But did you know that UVC lamps deliver many more benefits to restaurants and commercial kitchens by protecting kitchen equipment as well as sterilizing air and surfaces? 

UVC Lamps Protect Kitchen Equipment

Restaurant owners everywhere are wondering how to improve their facilities to provide a cleaner, more sterile environment. UVC lamps are providing the answer with many air purification and surface sterilization systems featuring UVC light.  UVC lamps eliminate the threat of viruses and bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli on surfaces and also eradicate airborne pathogens when installed correctly in air purification or HVAC systems. UV radiation has other interesting properties by breaking down grease particles and preventing grease buildup on commercial kitchens and exhaust hoods. 

How Does UV Light Prevent Grease Buildup

UVC lamps help to prevent the buildup of grease on kitchen exhaust equipment through a two-part process known as photolysis and ozonolysis. During photolysis, UV radiation alters the molecular bond of grease and ozonolysis oxidizes the grease molecules. This prevents heavy duty grease build up that occurs in kitchen hood exhaust fans, making kitchen fans much more efficient, cleaner, and easier to maintain. 

Germicidal UV lamps prolong equipment life and mitigate the risk of fire by preventing grease buildup in kitchen exhaust systems.  Restaurant owners enjoy a cleaner kitchen with less work to keep the exhaust system clean and find it easier to meet stringent health department regulations with a cleaner kitchen. This improves health standards for restaurant patrons and keeps a cleaner environment for employees. 

LightSources Offers UVC Lamps for Restaurants and Kitchen UV Systems

LightSources offers germicidal UVC lamps for use in surface and air sterilization systems for restaurants, including lamps for UV kitchen hood exhaust systems. We offer a wide product line with sterilization lamps in all shapes and sizes for use in water, air, and surface sterilization systems worldwide.  Our lighting engineers offer custom engineering to meet your specific needs including prototyping designs and custom designed bases. 

LightSources leads the industry in germicidal UV lamp design, engineering, and manufacturing with a vast product line and custom designed solutions.  We offer UVC lamps, ozone lamps and custom lamp designs for nearly any germicidal application.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC lamps for restaurant and commercial kitchen sterilization.

How Effective is UV Light in HVAC Systems?

Ultraviolet (UV) light emitted in the UVC range has powerful germicidal properties although can be harmful to the eyes and skin with direct human exposure.  UVC light in heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) systems is a great way to sterilize the air in homes, commercial and industrial buildings without direct exposure.  UV light is proven to be very effective at improving indoor air quality by eliminating harmful pathogens from the air. 

How HVAC Systems with UV Germicidal Lamps Work

UVC lamps which are engineered to produce wavelengths in the 254 nanometer (nm) range are proven highly effective at eliminating any threat from many types of germs and mold.  UVC radiation in that wavelength quickly penetrates the DNA of microorganisms including many types of bacteria and viruses, which renders the cell unable to replicate and harmless.  UVC lights eliminate these microorganisms from the air as well as preventing the buildup of fungi, mold, and mildew. 

Germicidal UV lamps mounted in HVAC systems are proven to sterilize the air as it passes through the ventilation system to improve indoor air quality.  A study conducted by Penn State University and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE, concluded that UV lamps successfully reduced the amount of pathogens and fungi in the air and improved indoor air quality in children with mold induced asthma. 

HVAC systems with UV purification lamps provide healthier, cleaner air and also improve efficient operation of HVAC units.  By preventing the buildup of mold and mildew, HVAC systems operate cleaner and more efficiently, prolonging equipment life.  LightSources provides germicidal UVC lamps for any industry with custom engineered products including phosphor blends to meet your requirements, custom sockets and bases and prototyping services available. 

LightSources offers a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps found in many surface, water, and air sterilization systems worldwide.  We offer the leading, high-tech lamp designers in the industry offering custom designed germicidal solutions.  Contact us to learn more about the proven effectiveness of UV air sterilization lamps in HVAC systems.

Where to Use UV Light to Help Sterilize Restaurants

With many restaurants across the nation seeing an increase in capacity and more dining moving indoors, restaurant owners are asking themselves how they can keep their restaurant and patrons safe. Improving surface sterilization methods and indoor air quality present two major opportunities for restaurant owners to improve safety. Ultraviolet (UV) lamps, specifically UV lamps engineered with germicidal properties, provide both surface and air purification solutions and are helping restaurants to remain open at maximum capacity.

UV Light Restaurant Applications

Ultraviolet light emitted in the UVC range has long been known to have powerful germicidal effectiveness in killing germs such as bacteria, viruses and even preventing mold and mildew. UV lamps are beneficial to almost every area of a restaurant from keeping food fresh to sterilizing surfaces and preventing grease build-up and kitchen hood exhaust fans. UVC lamps also protect an entire restaurant when used in HVAC air purification systems with improved indoor air quality.

Here are some of the many applications where UV lamps help to protect restaurants:

Food irradiation - helps to keep food fresher longer and prevents early spoilage such as early sprouting of potatoes and onions.

Surfaces for food preparation - UV lamps positioned above food preparation counters help to prevent foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and E. coli. UVC germicidal lamps are proven effective at eliminating these types of food borne illnesses.

Commercial kitchen hood exhausts  - UV lamps help to prevent the buildup of grease in kitchen hood exhausts which promotes efficient operation and eliminates a fire hazard.

UV air purification systems - UVC air purification systems are proven to be highly effective at improving indoor air quality and eliminating the threat of airborne pathogens. According to an article published by the National Restaurant Association, UV sterilization systems are one way restaurants can improve air quality to prepare for increased capacity.

UVC germicidal lamps are so effective they can be used in almost any area of a restaurant and on many surfaces. UVC lamps placed over food buffets and delis help to keep food fresh and prevent contamination. UVC lamps can even be placed inside walk-in freezers to prevent mold and mildew which thrives in cold, moist, and dark places.

LightSources offers high quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps for use in water, surface, and air sterilization systems in many applications. We specialize in high quality UV germicidal solutions and customize lamps to meet specific sterilization requirements. Contact us to learn more about our germicidal UVC lamps proven in food and restaurant sterilization applications.

What Are the Benefits of HVAC UV Light Systems?

Heating, venting, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems continually circulate air in homes, offices, and commercial properties like hospitals and schools. HVAC systems provide the extremely important function of providing heat, air conditioning and improving indoor air quality, although they can also spread of airborne contaminants, odor and illness.  HVAC UV light systems help to improve indoor air quality, equipment efficiency and can provide many additional benefits.

HVAC UV Lights Improve Indoor Air Quality

Ultraviolet (UV) lights designed to emit wavelengths in the UVC range, specifically at 254 nm, are known to quickly kill viruses, bacteria and many other contaminants including mold, mildew, and fungi. UV radiation has been used for decades in applications like healthcare and hospitals and is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, as an effective way to combat the spread of tuberculosis and other airborne illnesses.  UV light is proven effective in killing many types of microorganisms including antibiotic-resistant superbugs like MRSA that can linger in patient hospital rooms after discharge. 

The inside of HVAC units are dark and damp, the ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. UV lights positioned to eliminate the growth of mold and mildew inside equipment improves the air quality by not spreading mold spores and fungi and also improves efficient operation of equipment. Several studies have shown that UV lights in HVAC systems help to prevent symptoms in people with mold induced asthma and respiratory illness.

HVAC UV Lights Improve Equipment Efficiency

HVAC UV lights improve efficient operation by keeping equipment clean and free from mold and mildew. This reduces maintenance expenses and allows equipment to operate much more efficiently.  UVC lamps also eliminate foul odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are also known to cause illness and throat, nose, and eye irritation. 

HVAC UV lights improve indoor air quality and efficient equipment operation as well as these many additional benefits:

• Kills airborne microorganisms including bacteria and virusesliminates contaminants, allergens such as mold, mildew, and fungi

• Eliminates foul order and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Improves efficient operation of HVAC systems

• Reduces required HVAC maintenance 

HVAC UVC Germicidal Lamps

UV lights for HVAC systems provide a healthier living environment and improve efficient HVAC operation.  LightSources offers germicidal lamps for HVAC systems with vast experience in UV air purification system technology.  Our germicidal lamps are developed with proprietary technology that delivers longer life, energy savings and high performance.  We provide custom lamp designs including custom phosphor blends to meet your exact specifications. 

LightSources and valued partner LightTech, along with our partner companies Cerlux, LCD Lighting and Voltarc make up the LightSources Group, leading global suppliers of UV lamps for germicidal and many other applications.  Our germicidal lamps are found in air purification systems, water treatment systems, surface sterilization and more.  Contact us to speak with an engineer about our high-tech UVC germicidal lamps for HVAC systems and the benefits with LightSources technology.

Do UV Lamps for Furnaces Really Sterilize the Air?

Ultraviolet radiation in the UVC range has long been proven to be an effective method of sterilization to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. UVC lamps designed to emit wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm) have powerful germicidal effects.  UVC radiation in the most optimum wavelength penetrates the DNA of cells in pathogenic microorganisms to render them unable to replicate, thus considered harmless. 

UVC lamps used for sterilization are effective in water, on surfaces and in air purification systems.  UV lamps are also used in furnaces and HVAC systems to help prevent the spread of airborne disease and microbial growth on HVAC internal surfaces like exchanger coils. UVC sterilization lamps aimed at the coils in a furnace and AC unit prevent the build up of mold, bacteria and fungi in the damp, dark areas prone to microbial growth. 

An article published by the National Institutes of Health concludes that UV lamps are an effective method to reduce the fungal contamination in air handling units.   

UVC Lamps for Furnace and Air Purification

Germicidal UV lamps come in various shapes and sizes although must be engineered to emit the proper wavelength.  UVC ozone lamps are also used in air purification systems as ozone can sterilize the air without needing direct exposure while also eliminating foul odors from the air.  UV ozone lamps are designed to emit UVC radiation in the wavelength of 185 nm, which is an effective deodorizer. 

UV lamps must be installed in your furnace by a professional to ensure optimum sterilization and safety.  LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-quality UVC germicidal lamps and UVC ozone lamps used in air sterilization applications worldwide. 

LightSources offers a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps for use in air purification systems as well as water and surface sterilization.  We employ the leading high-tech engineers in the industry with vast technical knowledge of UV radiation.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamps for furnace and air purification systems.

Many Advantages of UV Light Disinfection Robots

Robots have been used in many areas of the medical field for decades, such as the Da Vinci robot that helps with surgeries and robots that roam from patient room to patient room with tablets allowing for tele-visits with your doctor. Robots assist with many other roles in the medical field such as disinfection robots equipped with ultraviolet (UV) lamps used to help sterilize surfaces.  

Disinfection robots are not a new idea, they have been around for a while although have gained increased attention amidst the coronavirus pandemic.  UV light disinfection is used in many industries to sterilize surfaces, air and water and is proven effective in the healthcare industry to help prevent the spread of infection.  Hospitals must be diligent in cleaning and sterilizing patient rooms as hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are a serious concern for patients and staff. 

The most commonly transmitted HAIs are from viruses and bacteria resistant to antibiotics and are also referred to as superbugs. Some of the most common superbugs include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and Clostridium difficile (C.diff).  It is estimated by the CDC that one in every 31 hospital patients will contract an HAI on any given day.  This puts patients and staff at risk of contracting a serious illness that causes pain, suffering and even death. 

UV Disinfection Robots Help to Prevent HAIs

A study by the National Institutes of Health, Application of Service Robots for Disinfection in Medical Institutions published in 2017 shows that ultraviolet light robots significantly reduced the burden of MRSA on patient room surfaces.  This was true for patients known to have had a MRSA infection.  UV light sterilization devices including UV light robots used in conjunction with manual cleaning and sterilization efforts are highly effective at reducing the amount of harmful pathogens on surfaces. 

UV light robots provide effective disinfection properties and many additional benefits such as automation, robots can be programmed to shut down in the presence of people and to find their way back to their charging station.  Robots are an investment that pays off with increased sterilization and no labor expenses.  The types of UVC germicidal lamps used in UVC robots are crucial to achieve maximum sterilization effectiveness. 

LightSources offers high-quality, high-performance UVC germicidal lamps used n a wide array of sterilization applications.  Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and offer custom designed sterilization lamps as well as prototype development.  Contact us with any questions on UVC germicidal lamps for UV light disinfection robots. 

What are the Benefits of UV Lights in My AC System?

 

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are known to eliminate harmful pathogens when using the right type of germicidal lamps designed to emit wavelengths in the UVC range. UV light is emitted from the sun in UVA, UVB and UVC wavelength ranges, with UVC radiation mostly absorbed by the ozone layer without ever reaching the ground. UVC, shortwave radiation, emitted at the wavelength of 254 nm is proven to be highly effective at quickly eliminating viruses, bacteria, even mold, fungi, and many other harmful microorganisms.

UVC germicidal lamps installed in AC units help to keep equipment clean by preventing the buildup of residue, mold, and fungi on air-conditioning cooling coils. Germicidal UV lamps when installed inside the air handling unit (AHU) can also sterilize the air as it circulates. 

Benefits of UVC Germicidal Lamps in AC Units

Installing UV germicidal lamps in your AC unit provides many benefits by improving the indoor air quality of your home and protecting your central air-conditioning system. UV lamps in your AC unit provides the following advantages:

• Eliminate buildup of mold, fungi and residue on cooling coils

• Reduce maintenance costs by keeping your AC unit clean

• Prevent the spread of airborne pathogens

• Helps to prevent illnesses like the common cold and lung infections

UVC germicidal lamps in your AC system protect the health and wellness of your family and save you money with more efficient equipment operation. 

UV lamps can be installed to point directly at your cooling coils to sterilize equipment and prevent buildup of mold and fungi. Germicidal lamps are also installed to disinfect the air as it circulates. By strategically placing germicidal lamps in these two areas you can effectively eliminate harmful pathogens from circulating throughout your home. UV lamps in HVAC and AC systems can also eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, thus protecting your family from potentially toxic chemical compounds while also eliminating foul odors caused by air pollution from your home. 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-quality UV lamps found in a multitude of applications worldwide. Our UVC germicidal lamps are used in air, water, and surface sterilization applications, developed with our proprietary technology and proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps. Contact us to learn more about protecting your family with UV lamps for AC units.