UV Light Air Conditioner Benefits

Weighing the cost against the benefits, it is difficult to find a downside to installing a UV light air conditioner purification system in any commercial, industrial, municipal, medical, or residential building. UV germicidal light, specifically at the frequency of 253.7 nanometers (commonly referred to as 254 nm), effectively eliminates a host of pernicious microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, parasites, and dust mites.

The result is, at the very minimum, cleaner air for residents, employees, visitors, and others throughout the structure serviced by the air conditioner. In addition, UV germicidal lamps prevent build up on equipment which prolongs the useful life of air conditioning systems and enhances efficient operation.

UV Light AC System Proven to Reduce Fungi

UV light air conditioner purification systems provide many benefits and efficiencies. UV radiation is extremely effective at eliminating harmful pathogens that can collect on air conditioner units and spread through circulated air. In a recent scientific study evaluating the effectiveness of UV radiation to eliminate fungi in air handling units, a 286,000-square-foot office building in Oklahoma was equipped with a UV system on the main air handling units of two floors while two other floors had no lamps installed. Readings were taken from the study floor and the control floor to detect the concentration levels of mold and fungi since installation.

More than a dozen fungi species were present in May prior to installation of the UV system. When taken again in September, the readings on the floor with the UV system had decreased, while nearly every taxon increased its concentration on the control floor, in a couple of instances nearly 100-fold.

Health Benefits of UV Light for Air Conditioning Systems

UV lights in air handling units and air conditioner systems remove harmful pathogens from the units and from circulated air which provides significant health benefits. Some of the symptoms and ailments alleviated by the purified air include common colds; eye, nose, and throat irritation; allergies; headaches; nausea; COPD; bronchitis; asthma; lung infections; pulmonary disease; autoimmune deficiencies; and cancer.

The positive ripple effects of installing a UV air sterilization system are legion, and many of the benefits are long-term:

• Freeing a workplace from airborne germs, pollutants, and irritants makes for a healthier workforce, and consequently decreases absenteeism and increases productivity.

• UV purification systems have been proven to remove many industry-specific toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during business operations.

• At 254 nm, the UV light produces no ozone, which can erode copper wiring and tubing. UVC ozone lamps are available that with proper installation, provide air sterilization and odor control.

• UV light prohibits the accumulation of microorganisms, mold, and mildew that can clog the passageways of an AC system, making the motor work harder and shortening the useful life of the mechanics.

• With the destruction of mold and mildew, their associated odors are eliminated.

• The UV germicidal light system lowers energy costs by continuously cleaning the air conditioner components of mold and biofilms, particularly the coils, drain pans, and vent surfaces.

• UV light systems are extremely low maintenance, saving time and money.

• UV systems can work at optimum efficiency throughout a wide range of temperatures, from roughly 40°to 120° F (4° to 48° C). LightSources can custom-design systems to work in higher temperatures as required.

LightSources provides only the highest quality germicidal UVC lamps, proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps. The experts at LightSources can help design the most effective and most economical UV lamps for air purification systems for use in any business, government facility, home, or other building.

Excimer Lamp Application And Uses

The term Excimer lamp refers to ultraviolet lamps that are specially designed to emit UV radiation in the wavelength range of 170 nm to approximately 230 nm. The wavelength emission depends on the noble gas excimers present in the lamp. Excimer lamps are popular for generating far UVC, typically in the specific range of 222 nm, an ideal range for UV disinfection, although they are capable of producing other ranges for use in applications. 

Excimer lamps designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 172 nm are commonly used for UV curing applications and when designed to emit 185 nm, are known to create ozone.

Excimer Lamps at 222 nm for Sterilization

Conventional UVC germicidal lamps typically emit radiation in the range of 254 nm, which is highly effective for germicidal applications, although is unsafe for use in the presence of humans. Far UVC at 222 nm is proven just as effective, if not more than 254 nm in some germicidal applications and offers the benefit of safe usage in occupied spaces. 222 nm Excimer lamps are proven just as effective at eliminating threats of stubborn viruses such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

UV Surface Activation at 172 nm with Excimer lamps 

UV Excimer lamps designed to emit 172 nm radiation are used primarily for UV curing and surface activation industrial applications. Ultraviolet radiation at 172 nm alters surface energy to allow for improved adhesion of coatings to substrates. UV lamps at 172 nm deliver electromagnetic energy to alter organic molecule bonds to improve adhesion and UV curing applications without altering physical surface properties. 

Excimer Lamps for Ozone Production at 185 nm

Ultraviolet lamps designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 185 nm are known to produce ozone and effective oxidizer and deodorizer. Ozone lamps are commonly used in water and air sterilization systems to purify the air and eliminate the threat of airborne diseases while also removing foul odors.

LightSources offers a wide range of ultraviolet lamp solutions for many industries and applications, including UV sterilization, UV curing, and ozone production. We offer custom design, engineering, and manufacturing, including prototype development focusing on OEM-oriented solutions. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about the many benefits of Excimer lamps.