How it Works   -   Installation   -   Maintenance   -   FAQ's

The UV-Aire system can be installed in the duct work of any forced air heating system. The UV-Aire operates continuously to attack airborne contaminants as they pass through the HVAC system. Microorganisms, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and fungi are sterilized or eliminated by continuous exposure to the UV rays.

INDOOR AIR TREATMENT WITH UV
UV’s effectiveness in killing bacteria is directly related to a microorganism’s exposure time. Indoor air in a typical residential forced-air HVAC system will be re-circulated 40-75 times a day. With a UV generating lamp mounted in the HVAC duct, cumulative exposure can be very effective in controlling indoor bacteria.

UV rays will also kill germs that breed in drain pans and A/C coils. Properly positioned, an ultraviolet system can significantly reduce indoor air contamination and prevent the growth of new microorganisms.

The treatment of indoor air with ultraviolet radiation has been successful in health care facilities, food processing plants, schools, laboratories and other applications. It is safe, silent, and proven.

Since direct exposure to UV light can cause skin cancer and blindness, the most practical application of UV light in the home or office is in the main air distribution (heating and/or air conditioning) system. As UV light will not pass through metal, glass or plastic, a UV light can be installed in the main supply or return duct of your central heating or air system without concern for direct exposure to eyes or skin. This is an ideal location as the air in the home or office will pass through the HVAC system 40-75 times a day during normal operation and as many as 150 times a day in continuous fan mode.

FILTER SYSTEMS ALONE DON'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM
The majority of indoor air is conditioned by forced-air heating and cooling (HVAC) systems. Standard fiber air filters are entirely ineffective in trapping germs, as most particles are simply too small, passing through the porous filter. New, high efficiency style filters will only capture airborne bacteria down to a certain size. These high efficiency filters are nominally effective, trapping small airborne contaminants on the filter, creating a breeding ground where germs can continue to grow and multiply.

HVAC systems are a dark and damp breeding ground for mold and bacteria, particularly at the system filter and air conditioning (A/C) coil. The buildup of matter on the A/C coil and filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of the appliance by constricting and reducing air flow. This means increased cost to the homeowner in addition to the risk of airborne pollutants. A complete air duct cleaning will remove buildup on these components and throughout the system. The combination of air duct cleaning and the UV-Aire system will provide a much healthier and comfortable indoor environment.
 

Duct Dusters will dispatch a professional installer to your home to perform the complete installation. Installation time may vary but, will normally take less than an hour. Call our office for info on a complete UV-Aire product and installation package.

2. What is UV-C light and how does it kill bacteria?
UV-C is the invisible, ultraviolet, C-band radiation that makes up part of the sun's light spectrum. UV-C light prevents growth and germination of microorganisms by altering the DNA and RNA and effectively sterilizing the organisms. Once sterilized, they cannot reproduce and with their short life cycles, they are effectively killed.

3. How long has UV been used in air purification?
Since 1936, UV has been used to sterilize air. It was first used to purify air in a surgical operating room. UV has been used in schools to decrease the growth of epidemics such as measles and tuberculosis. Other applications include: barber shops, restaurants, incubation rooms, veterinary clinics, and hospitals.

4. Why use a UV light product?
There are two primary benefits to using UV light. The first is to use UV light to radiate a surface to keep mold from growing in that area. The other use is, disinfecting the air stream as it passes through the HVAC system. A high disinfection rate is not generally accomplished in the air stream in one pass over the UV lamp. However, a significant disinfection rate is accomplished with repeated circulation of air through the system, making use of UV light very beneficial.

5. What is the importance of UV light products?
People spend over 90% of their time indoors. With little or no ventilation, concentrations of microorganisms will increase indoors, potentially spreading a number of diseases. With increased cases of deaths being caused by various bacterial diseases, controlling the growth and spread of pathogens is of major concern in indoor environments. According to indoor air quality experts, controlling airborne microorganisms is the next major challenge of the HVAC industry.

6. How does UV-Aire differ from other UV-C devices?
UV-C energy has been successfully used in many indoor environments. UV-Aire was developed specifically for use in HVAC systems. It creates a consistent, high output of UV-C energy. The UV-Aire's intensity output maximizes microorganism disinfection and ensures cleaner indoor air.

7. Is the UV-Aire harmful in any way?
Direct exposure to UV light is not recommended, as it may cause damage to skin and eyes. UV light does not pass through solid materials such as plastic, glass or metal ductwork. Properly installed inside the duct, the UV-Aire is a safe and practical product.

8. What effects will UV-C rays have on plastics such as coil pans?
If the plastic is not UV resistant, UV-C can cause a breakdown of the material over time. Based on lab tests, positioning the lamp 30 inches or more away from plastic surfaces will eliminate any measurable breakdown of plastic material.

9. Is it affordable?
Compared to high costs of medical treatment and missed work as a result of poor indoor air quality, the UV-Aire pays for itself quickly. The UV-Aire costs only pennies a day to operate, consuming about the same amount of energy as a 30-watt light bulb.

10. Is the product suitable for people with severe allergy or asthma problems?
Yes. The UV-Aire can offer relief to many allergy and asthma sufferers by reducing airborne contamination. However, the device is not exclusively for people with respiratory disorders. Your entire family can benefit from breathing healthier air.

11. Does the UV-Aire produce a fresh air smell?
Many smells are not addressed by the UV-Aire. However, some unpleasant smells develop from the growth of microorganisms. The UV-Aire works to reduce mold and other common household germs, in many cases resulting in a fresher smelling environment.

12. Is the technology proven?
Yes! UV-Aire and other UV products have been installed in all types of buildings including: homes, hospitals, offices, public buildings, food preparation plants, electric utilities companies, and more. Users consistently report improvements in air quality and reduced respiratory illnesses.

13. Does UV light take the place of a filter?
No. The UV-Aire should be used in conjunction with a filter. HVAC filters trap airborne particles based on their size, allowing most microorganisms to pass through undeterred. The Ultraviolet light attacks microorganisms. It is recommended to install the UV-Aire downstream of the air filter.

14. How can I get the product installed in my home?
Please contact our office to schedule an installation date.

15. How long does installation take?
Installation generally takes less than an hour.

16. Why does the unit remain on at all times?
Microorganisms like moist, dark places. When the light remains on, the reproduction of these organisms may be reduced. It is also more energy efficient to leave the lamp on continuously. Similar to fluorescent lights, the energy required to start the UV lamp is high, while operating energy is low.

17. Should the HVAC appliance fan or blower run continuously?
No. This is not necessary. During normal operation of the heating or air conditioning, the blower will circulate the air over the UV lamp from 50-75 times a day, which is sufficient. During moderate weather, when neither the heating or air conditioning is on, it is recommended to open the windows to allow for fresh air infiltration and/or to operate the blower continuously (turn on the fan) to circulate air over the UV light.

18. What kind of maintenance is required?
It is recommended to periodically inspect the lamp's operation through the view port to ensure the lamp is on. It is also necessary to change the UV lamp annually, as the intensity of the lamp's output diminishes over time. The changing of the UV lamp should be done during annual air conditioning or furnace Inspection.

19. Does the lamp require cleaning?
Dirt and oil on the surface of the lamp reduce output intensity. Upon installation, the lamp should be wiped with the alcohol swab provided. The lamp may need to be cleaned every 3 to 6 months depending on its operating environment. Simply remove the lamp and wipe with alcohol. Avoid touching the lamp with bare hands. The oils in your hands may reduce UV output.

20. Why does the lamp require a yearly replacement?
After 9,000 hours of operation, 375 days, the lamp starts to become "solarized". The UV-C output is reduced to around 80% of its original intensity, which steadily declines thereafter. The lamp will still be illuminated, producing visible light. However, UV-C light will diminish reducing effectiveness.

21. How much electricity does the light use?
Approximately 30 watts with 1 lamp and 60 watts with 2 lamps.

22. What is the best location for the UV-Aire?
Install the UV-Aire in either the supply or return plenum of the warm air heating system. With air conditioning systems, the best location is over the air conditioning coil.

23. Why above the air conditioning coil?
Moisture accumulates on the air conditioning coil, creating a damp surface for growth of mold and microorganisms. With the UV lamp over the air conditioning coil, the lamp constantly soaks the coil with its rays, effectively disinfecting the air as well as keeping the coil clean.

24. Can the UV-Aire be installed in the return air?
Yes! An optional location is the return air. We suggest the unit be located upstream or prior to the humidifier. This should prevent the lamp from getting water spots, which reduce UV output.

25. How long is the warranty?
The warranty is one year from the date of purchase for the unit and 30 days for the lamp.

26. Why use eye protection?
UV light cannot be seen. When you look at a UV lamp, you are seeing the visible light, not UV light. There are several bands in the UV light spectrum. UV-C is used to control mold and microorganisms. UV-C light will damage human tissue following continuous exposure and can severely burn the eyes. A glance from a distance may not be a problem. But, looking at a UV-C lamp close up for 5-10 seconds could damage the eyes. Protecting the eyes with plastic protective goggles is recommended.

27. What is the meaning of microwatts per centimeter at 1 meter?
This is an intensity rating: the amount of UV-C energy exposed onto one square centimeter of surface area on a target placed 1 meter from the lamp.

28. What precautions should be taken before opening or servicing the ductwork where a UV-C lamp is in use?
The UV-C lamp should be turned OFF prior to entering the ductwork. An external switch is provided as well as warning labels regarding service procedures.