The study concluded that UVGI was effective at reducing fungal contamination showing significantly lower levels of viable and total airborne fungi from samples taken during periods of UV exposure.Īnother well known study was published by the National Institutes of Health by Dick Menzies, et al, ( NIH, 3) and examined the use of UV light in office HVAC systems and the benefits provided to the workers’ health. Various types of fungi were found in both air and insulation samples prior to UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and included Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium corylophyllum, and a strain of an unidentified Cladosporium species. The study included taking air samples and insulation samples from various floors of the 286,000 ft.² office building each equipped with their own air handling units, with one floor designated as a control floor and the other a study floor equipped with UV lights in the HVAC AHUs. A study by the National Institutes of Health in August of 2001, ( NIH, 2) focuses on the effectiveness of UVGI in reducing fungal contamination and the benefit of significantly reducing various types of fungi found within HVAC units on a multilevel office building. Upper room UVGI systems have been used for decades to kill or inactivate airborne TB as an effective and safe method of UV air sterilization.Īdditional studies have been conducted in office buildings and schools to document the benefit of UV light for HVAC systems in various environments. UV light in upper room air handling units is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, in treating tuberculosis (TB), with the CDC offering guidelines for healthcare settings ( CDC, 1) for the environmental control of the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. UV light sterilization has long been used in the medical field, in hospitals and surgical operations. UV lights in HVAC systems improve air quality in any environment and are becoming more popular in many applications from residential, to commercial and industrial. UV Lights for HVAC: Proven in Hospitals, Offices and Schools Ozone disinfecting lamps also reach places that direct exposure of UVC lamps cannot reach and effectively eliminate foul odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. UV light for HVAC systems are also effective at preventing mold build up in ducts and inactivating mold spores when passing through ductwork. With the right lamps and correct installation, UV lamps are proven effective at killing bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi particularly on internal components such as heat transfer coils which are particularly vulnerable to contamination due to the condensation that can form.
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The answer is yes, although the right types of UVC lamps for HVAC units must be utilized and installed by a professional to achieve maximum air sterilization. Many people want to know if using UV lights in HVAC units really works to sterilize and improve indoor air quality. HVAC units equipped with the proper filtration and disinfection methods maintain optimum performance and provide the best indoor air quality (IAQ). This causes a build-up of contaminants in air handling units (AHU) and can reduce performance, energy efficiency and effectiveness in circulating clean air. Heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) systems can easily become polluted with harmful microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and other particulates in the air. UV light for HVAC systems is proven to improve indoor air quality and help to achieve peak performance from HVAC units.