The Many Uses for ULTRAVIOLET LIGHTS by Roseann Haslett
If you currently use UVC, remember that they have a limited lifespan and their effectiveness is reduced over time. Depending on the model and manufacturer, they typically need replacement after one to three years.
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ainbows form when light shines through droplets of water and breaks into a spectrum of its various colors. The light just beyond the violet end of the spectrum is not visible to the naked eye and is called ultraviolet (“beyond violet”), commonly known as UV light. There are three types of UV light: A, B, and C, each representing a different section of the UV light spectrum. Type C, known as UVC, is the form used for germicidal activity. When UVC is used for germicidal purposes it’s referred to as UVGI (Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation). UVGI kills or deactivates microorganisms that include viruses, bacteria, molds and other fungi. It is effective because it disrupts these organisms DNA which leaves them unable to perform vital cellular functions.
The use of UVC to reduce microorganisms in the air streams of HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) dates back to the early 1900s but UVC devices specifically designed for HVAC installation were first introduced in the mid-1990s. Although they were first marketed as IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) products, users found that they delivered other benefits that included substantial maintenance and energy savings due to improved cleanliness. By eliminating accumulated organic materials and biofilm growth in commercial air handlers, the use of UVC significantly improves airflow and heat-exchange efficiency levels. This can not only reduce energy use, but also decrease system maintenance costs and provide cleaner, healthier air. Some studies estimate that UVC
installed properly can reduce energy costs by as much as 35%. By itself, UVC doesn’t save energy; it helps to restore the evaporator (indoor) coil’s performance. Operating as new, the coil regains system capacity thereby reducing power consumption. Now widely recognized for its health benefits and relatively quick return on investment, the technology has advanced rapidly making it beneficial and more affordable. As a result, it is being specified and used in a greater percentage of residential as well as commercial and institutional installations. Check your product literature to see when those lamps should be replaced. Total Comfort has replacement lamps available for most makes and models. Ask your maintenance or service technician whether they need to be replaced or not. Total Comfort offers a wide variety of UVC solutions for your HVAC systems. Our Comfort Specialists and Service Technicians are well versed in the air quality improvements and energy savings attainable with their use. You should make UV lights a part of any new system you consider but they can also be installed in your existing system. Give us a call or visit our website for more information. To find the ideal UV light air purifier for your home, contact Total Comfort at 368-530-6624.
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