1. How does the UV-System work?
The UV-System installs inside the main ductwork or air handler of a forced air heating or air
conditioning system. As air passes the lamp, it is treated with powerful UV-C rays, which reduce
airborne contamination.
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 death 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. Is the UV-System 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-System is a safe and practical product.
7. Is it affordable?
Compared to high costs of medical treatment and missed work as a result of poor indoor air
quality, the UV-System pays for itself quickly. Many one room units that are advertised cost the
same or more than a UV System. The UV-System costs only pennies a day to operate,
consuming about the same amount of energy as a 30-watt light bulb.
8. Is the product suitable for people with severe allergy or asthma problems?
Yes. The UV-System 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.
9. Does the UV-System produce a fresh air smells?
By using a UV bulb that has an Odor-Splice, many odors such as cigarette smoke, pet odors or
"smelly sock" syndrome can be taken care of. Additionally, some unpleasant smells develop
from the growth of microorganisms. The UV-System works to reduce mold and other common
household germs, in many cases resulting in a fresher smelling environment.
10. Is the technology proven?
Yes! 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.
11. Does UV light take the place of a filter?
No. The UV-System should be used in conjunction with a filter. HVAC filters trap airborne
particles based on their size, allowing most microorganisms to pass through undeterred.
12. How can I get the product installed in my home?
Contact Gibson's Repair to install this product. They can quickly size and determine the best
location for the UV-System.
13. How long does installation take?
Installation generally takes about an hour.
14. 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.
15. What kind of maintenance is required?
The standard lamp requires annual replacement, as it's intensity diminishes over time. We also
have a Cathode Guard lamp that has a 2 year life. The changing of the UV lamp should be done
during annual air conditioning or furnace Inspection.
16. Does the lamp require cleaning?
Dirt and oil on the surface of the lamp reduce output intensity. 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.
17. Why does the standard 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.
18. How much electricity does the light use?
Approximately 30 watts with 1 lamp and 60 watts with 2 lamps.
19. What is the best location for the UV-System?
Install the UV-System 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.
20. 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.
21. Can the UV-System 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
The UV-System installs inside the main ductwork or air handler of a forced air heating or air
conditioning system. As air passes the lamp, it is treated with powerful UV-C rays, which reduce
airborne contamination.
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 death 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. Is the UV-System 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-System is a safe and practical product.
7. Is it affordable?
Compared to high costs of medical treatment and missed work as a result of poor indoor air
quality, the UV-System pays for itself quickly. Many one room units that are advertised cost the
same or more than a UV System. The UV-System costs only pennies a day to operate,
consuming about the same amount of energy as a 30-watt light bulb.
8. Is the product suitable for people with severe allergy or asthma problems?
Yes. The UV-System 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.
9. Does the UV-System produce a fresh air smells?
By using a UV bulb that has an Odor-Splice, many odors such as cigarette smoke, pet odors or
"smelly sock" syndrome can be taken care of. Additionally, some unpleasant smells develop
from the growth of microorganisms. The UV-System works to reduce mold and other common
household germs, in many cases resulting in a fresher smelling environment.
10. Is the technology proven?
Yes! 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.
11. Does UV light take the place of a filter?
No. The UV-System should be used in conjunction with a filter. HVAC filters trap airborne
particles based on their size, allowing most microorganisms to pass through undeterred.
12. How can I get the product installed in my home?
Contact Gibson's Repair to install this product. They can quickly size and determine the best
location for the UV-System.
13. How long does installation take?
Installation generally takes about an hour.
14. 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.
15. What kind of maintenance is required?
The standard lamp requires annual replacement, as it's intensity diminishes over time. We also
have a Cathode Guard lamp that has a 2 year life. The changing of the UV lamp should be done
during annual air conditioning or furnace Inspection.
16. Does the lamp require cleaning?
Dirt and oil on the surface of the lamp reduce output intensity. 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.
17. Why does the standard 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.
18. How much electricity does the light use?
Approximately 30 watts with 1 lamp and 60 watts with 2 lamps.
19. What is the best location for the UV-System?
Install the UV-System 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.
20. 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.
21. Can the UV-System 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
UV-System FAQ's
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