Products: FRESH-AIRE UV Blue-Tube UV
The Original Low-Voltage UV Light Kit
Blue-Tube UV is the single most popular germicidal UV light product for HVAC systems in the world. Homeowners breathe easy knowing that the air their family breathes is protected by this proven technology. Blue-Tube UV is the simple, safe, and effective way to keep your air system clean and improve indoor air quality.
A Cleaner Central Air System Saves Energy
The Fresh-Aire UV light included with Blue-Tube UV effectively reduces mold and other types of microbial growth inside the air system. This allows the system to operate more efficiently which saves energy and money. How UV Light Works
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Blue-Tube UV also reduces airborne biological contaminants in the home. Health threats such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and allergens are all sterilized by exposure to UV light. Air in the home cycles through the central air system repeatedly passing by the disinfecting light of Blue-Tube UV again and again.
Blue-Tube UV Options
Blue-Tube UV options include 1 or 2 year lamps, 1 or 2 year Odor Control lamps, and low or high-voltage power supply.
How Does UV Light Disinfect?
As organic contaminants come into view of the ultraviolet light source, the UV light waves penetrate the membrane and nucleus of microorganisms. The UV light then breaks apart the molecular bonds of the DNA of the microorganism killing the microbe or inhibiting its ability to reproduce. The amount of UV exposure needed to accomplish this varies from microbe to microbe. Spores, and some environmental bacteria, tend to be resistant and can survive much longer exposures than some viruses and other organic contaminants such as odors.
Application of UV Light Systems into Central Air Handlers
There are two schools of thought on the use of UV light for control of environmental contaminants in a central air handling system. They are: air-stream disinfection and surface disinfection. Air-Stream disinfection entails targeting the UV Light in the air-stream at a point in the system that allows for sufficient exposure time for adequate exposure to the airborne pathogens. In this case, when you have limited time of exposure due to the velocity of the moving air-stream, more than one UV light unit may be required to achieve adequate exposure time. In commercial applications, this is feasible because there are many places in commercial systems that allow the room to install multiple units, such as at the mixing box between the filter bank and coils. However, in residential applications, this may not be practical due to small ductwork and limited access, and the installation of a single or dual lamp unit may not provide sufficient UV exposure. In reality, control of airborne pathogens in residential applications is not as crucial as in a commercial application such as a hospital or doctor’s office.
Surface disinfection tends to be a more practical method for typical air handler applications and is the popular application method at present. It is well known that in most cases the contamination of the air handler system stems from the infiltration and growth of organic contaminants in and around the coiling coil and drain pans of the system, which then grow and spread the contamination down the ductwork and into the living spaces. The use of high quality filters can help reduce the opportunity for growth, however strict filter change regimes must be followed or the filters can become clogged causing system damage or allowing contaminates to “cross-over” to the damp components of the air handler where they can flourish.
Incorporating a UV Light system for surface disinfection entails placing the UV light source in an accessible area in the air handler for optimum UV exposure to the coil, drain pans, and other components of the air handler. If properly installed, the UV light system can prevent any growth from occurring within the air handler. And when used in conjunction with other proven IAQ techniques such as filtration, absorption, or dehumidification, can help to drastically reduce the potential for IAQ related illnesses.
About The Author
Chris Willette is president of Triatomic Environmental Inc., which specializes in providing advanced germicidal light solutions for the enhancement of indoor air quality. Chris has been designing and developing products for the indoor air quality industry since 1994, is a published author and has several patents pending, including one for the application of UV light technology into 1” air filter elements. To learn more visit, www.freshaireuv.com. © 2002 Triatomic Environmental, Inc.
