| Welcome
to the August edition of Steril-Aire's UVC E-Newsletter. In each issue, we will
address an important question about ultraviolet-C or "UVC" devices for
building HVAC systems. Steril-Aire
will also be happy to provide you with a free on-site evaluation on how to equip
your building(s) for energy, mold, IAQ and infection control using UVC technology.
If you would like to know more, contact
us today. Q.
How does UVC reduce or eliminate the need for conventional cleaning of A/C coils?
A.
The HVAC system is typically one of the largest energy consumers in a building;
and if it is not operating efficiently, energy consumption will rise. The conventional
response - regular cleaning of the A/C coils - is costly and often ineffective.
The cool, moist environment of the HVAC system is an ideal breeding ground for
mold, which tends to build up quickly on coil fins and can return just a month
or two after cleaning. Many
facility managers are finding that Steril-Aire high output "UVC Emitters™",
installed opposite the coils, provide an effective way to reduce or eliminate
coil-cleaning by controlling mold at its source. The UVC energy kills existing
mold in the system and - equally important - prevents it from growing back, with
no need for potentially harmful cleaning chemicals. UVC also stops mold-related
allergens, bacteria and viruses from spreading through the occupied space via
the air handling system, improving IAQ.
Click
on the links below for case studies on three different types of facilities that
have successfully controlled mold and eliminated coil cleaning with UVC technology:
Florida
Hospital:
After
outfitting more than 100 air handling units in seven of its campuses with UVC,
Florida Hospital found that the UVC devices have performed beyond expectations
as an alternative to coil cleaning. The hospital has successfully eliminated 200+
coil cleaning procedures annually, saving anywhere from $500 up to $6,000 or more
per cleaning. Iolani
School:
Prior
to adopting Steril-Aire technology in 1996, this Honolulu K-12 independent school
was spending $8,000 a year for A/C coil cleanings to keep mold growth in check.
After installing UVC, they were able to eliminate this expense. More than 10 years
later, Iolani still hasn't had to clean the coils and reports that even their
30-year-old air handling units look, and run, like new. Medicine
Lake Properties:
UVC's
coil-cleaning benefits are not limited to tropical climates. At this commercial
building in Plymouth, Minnesota, mold-related IAQ problems were creating maintenance
challenges in a 3500 sq. ft. office suite. After determining that the mold was
originating in the HVAC system, they installed UVC Emitters™ and successfully
solved the problem. As an added benefit, they have eliminated annual spring chemical
cleaning of coils. Steril-Aire
is frequently asked whether coils should be cleaned before installing UVC lights.
In fact, UVC will degrade all of the organic material on and within a coil, usually
within 30 days or less. Prior cleaning of the coil is not necessary, and may delay
the benefits of UVC.
For further information, please visit the Steril-Aire web site.
Sincerely,
Robert
Scheir, Ph.D. President
and Chairman
Steril-Aire,
Inc.
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