The Three Pillars of UV Efficiency

To ensure your system actually achieves the "Path to Sterile Air," we focus on three critical engineering factors:

1. Dwell Time (Exposure)

In a high-velocity HVAC duct, air moves at roughly 500 feet per minute. If the "kill zone" of the UV lamp is only two feet long, the pathogen is only exposed to the light for 0.24 seconds. To be efficient, we must use High-Output (HO) lamps that can deliver a massive dose in a fraction of a second.

2. The "Wind Chill" Effect

UV lamps are sensitive to temperature. If a standard lamp is placed in the cold-air stream of an AC unit (typically 13°C / 55°F), its efficiency can drop by as much as 50%. We utilize lamps with specialized ballasts and glass coatings to maintain peak output even in cold, moving air.

3. Proximity and The Inverse Square Law

UV intensity drops off sharply the further the air is from the light source.

• Coil Irradiation: Lamps are placed close to the cooling coils to prevent biofilm growth.

• Airstream Disinfection: Multiple lamps are often "staggered" across the duct to ensure no "dark spots" where pathogens can sneak through.

Why Quality and Maintenance Matter

A UV lamp may still glow blue even when it is no longer effective. Most germicidal lamps lose about 15-20% of their UVC-emitting power after 9,000 hours (roughly one year of constant use). For medical and food-grade environments, annual replacement is not just a suggestion—it is a requirement for safety.
 

Conclusion: Engineering for Precision

At Air Treatment Technologies, we don't just sell lights; we provide biological security. By calculating your system’s CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and duct dimensions, we ensure your UV-C installation provides the exact dosage needed to keep your environment sterile and safe.

Is your UV system reaching the required dosage? Download our UV Intensity Guide or Contact an Engineer to schedule a performance audit of your existing HVAC system.