Air Quality

• Air Filtration
• Air Treatment Systems
• Carbon Monoxide
• Dehumidifiers
• Humidifiers
• Thermostats
• Ventilation

Air Treatment Systems

Air treatment systems, are quite different from air filtration and play another important role in improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in homes. Custom Vac has excellent air treatment systems that utilize ultra violet (UVC) light.

Ultra violet (UVC) light has been used for decades to kill airborne bacteria or surface mould. The lamps continuously emit ultraviolet energy without producing ozone. Duct cleaning and higher efficiency air filtration alone cannot remove all the mould and bacteria growth inside ducted systems and do nothing to sterilize sheet metal. UVC light KILLS living airborne pollutants leaving the home with better indoor air quality. This is much more environmentally friendlier that fogging air systems with potentially unregulated and unapproved chemicals and cleaning agents. Features are:

• Destroys bacteria, moulds and yeasts in household air by forcing contaminated air through an irradiated area.
  
  

• A natural method of air treatment, with no effects to the occupants.
  
  

• A micro-scale replica of the sun's natural cycles in the ecosystem.
  
  

• Microorganisms suffer cell damage by UV radiation - cell division and multiplication cannot take place.
  
  

• Lamps are sealed so that the user is not exposed to UVC light and indicator lights provide a quick check to ensure they are operating.
  
  

• The lamps meet the American Lung Association® Health House® guidelines
  
  

UV Light Systems

The first step before installation of a UVC light is for homeowners have the ductwork cleaned, and a higher level of air filtration installed.

Depending on Installation location, the UV system, it can operate as an "Air Treatment System" or as a "Surface Treatment system". When the UVC light is installed in the return air we call it an air treatment system since it treats the air returning to the furnace before the air filter. And when installed in the supply air downstream of the cooling coil we call it a surface treatment system since it keeps the slime, mould and bacteria from colonizing on the coil and drain pan.

Also where a UVC light is installed can be very important. Single lamp models, when mounted in the return air provide moderate efficiency performance against airborne bacteria. And dual lamps in the same application have higher efficiency performance against airborne bacteria. You note that neither application mentioned the performance at killing mould. This is because mould in most duct system is more prevalent in the supply air where the air conditioning (cooling) coil are, so if we install a lamp downstream of the cooling coil mould growth and spores are significantly reduced.

What Percentage of bacteria and mould can we expect to see? Good question and here is some data regarding Honeywell model UV100A UVC air treatment systems.


Efficiencies
UV100A Surface Treatment System (120V and 240V): Kills up to 99.9% of mould on system cooling coils or kills up to 75% of airborne bacteria passing through the system (depending on installation).

• Test performed in a test duct showed reduction in colony-forming aspergillus niger mould spores when surface was irradiated at a distance of 18 in. for three hours in still air, using new lamps.
  
  

• Test showed single pass kill-rate of serratia bacteria I a clean metal 12 in. x 25 in. duct at an airflow of 2000 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) using new lamps.
  

UV100A Air treatment System (dual lamp): kills up to 87% of airborne bacteria passing by the system.

• Test showed single-pass kill-rate of serratia marcescens bacteria in a clean metal 12 in. x 25 in. duct at airflow of 2000 CFM using new lamps.
  

UV100A Air Treatment System (single lamp): Kills up to 70% of airborne bacteria passing by the system.

• Test showed single-pass kill-rate of serratia marcescens bacteria in a clean metal 12 in. x 25 in. duct at an airflow rate of 2000CFM using new lamps.
  

Are there any special considerations that we should look at when purchasing a UVC light?

• Be certain to select a UVC light that is mercury free, so that they can be disposed of safely, and not harmful to you or the environment in the event of bulb breakage.
  
  

• Look for units with an indicator light that tell you the bulb is working without having to look at harmful UV rays.
  
  

• Look for UVC lamps endorsed by the American Lung Association® and that meet the Health House® guidelines.
  
  

• Select UV lights that offer a minimum product warranty of five years.
  
  

Maintenance

• UVC bulbs should be cleaned every three months. This is done using a soft cloth dampened with glass cleaner. The bulbs are very hot and require time to cool before cleaning.
  
  

• UVC bulbs should be replaced annually
  
  

CAUTION

• Do not look at UV light
  
  

• The bulbs, do not touch them immediately, wait for them to cool and wipe all dirt and fingerprints from their surface
  
  

• Be careful not to get cut on broken glass should a bulb break
  
  

• Select mounting location that prevents exposure to plastic components with unknown resistance to UV light. Three feet minimum is recommended between the UV lamp and plastic-fabricated devices (such as humidifiers and non-fiberglass media filters).
  
  

Custom Vac Limited remains committed to updating their knowledge of products and services in order to bring the germicidal benefits of the (UVC) radiation to consumers. Custom Vac will:

• Choose the best possible location for its unit(s) based on site conditions, drawings, and system type.
  
  

• Determine the best course of action for the satisfaction and comfort of the clients, and safety of our personnel.
  
  

• Install the UVC light(s) at the convenience of the consumer without disturbing or interrupting the daily activities.
  
  

• Provide written warranty and disclosure of the products efficiency.
  
  

		Honeywell