With ultraviolet light, microwatts translate to effectiveness. Dynamic Series2 UVC lamps produce a very high output of 180 microwatts which is significantly higher than many other UVC lamps.
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Adding filters and UVC together in successive layers can provide a lethal force to prevent distribution of airborne viruses into occupied spaces.
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A MERV10 filter alone captures only 10% of flu whereas adding an ultraviolet lamp triples that total single pass capture/sterilize rate to 35%.
What is Ultraviolet Light and how does it work?
The C wavelength of the UV spectrum targets the DNA of microorganisms, destroying their cells or making replication impossible. Directed at a cooling coil or drain pan, UVC energy destroys surface biofilm, a gluey matrix of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, debris, et al.) that grows in the presence of moisture. Biofilm is prevalent in HVAC systems and leads to a host of indoor air quality (IAQ) and operational problems that are sometimes mistakenly attributed solely to mold. UVC also destroys airborne viruses and bacteria that circulate through an HVAC system. UVC light was artificially created in the 1880’s and later commercially used to kill waterborne viruses and bacteria in 1909. By the 1930’s surgeons were using UVC light in operating rooms to reduce airborne bacterial and viral infections.
Ultraviolet (UV) lights have been used since the 1930s in commercial and industrial applications including, but not limited to, sanitizing meats and vegetables, medical applications, air treatment, and water treatment. Residentially they started to emerge as in-duct air purifiers in the early 1990’s and today there are several manufacturers jumping on the band wagon. UV lights are a proven technology, yet they must have the right wavelength and have enough power for surface kill of biological growth, as well as airborne control of micro-organisms and germs.
To make sure you are getting what you paid for when deciding on which UV light to have installed into your HVAC system the light must have a UVC germicidal wavelength lamp and enough microwatts of power to get the job done. UV lights below 55 microwatts of power have little effect for this application and 70 – 180 microwatts is recommended.
Outside the sun emits several wavelengths of light that serve many purposes in our outdoor environment: helping plants grow, producing vitamin D in the skin, skin tanning, kill germs and deodorize the air. These wavelengths are broken down with different measurements each serving a separate function or purpose and they are measured in nanometers (nm). The Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum consists of UVA, UVB, UVC, and VUV (or UVV). Visual light is above 400 nm and the UV spectrum ranges from 400 to 10 nm as depicted below:
| Name | Abbreviation | Wavelength range |
| Before UV spectrum | Visible light | above 400 nm |
| Ultraviolet, long wave, or black light | UVA | 400 nm–315 nm |
| UVB or medium wave tanning solons | UVB | 315 nm–280 nm |
| Ultraviolet C short wave or germicidal | UVC | 280 nm–100 nm |
| Ultraviolet V (Vacuum) ozone | VUV or UVV | 200 nm–100 nm |
| Beyond UV range | X-rays | below 10 nm |
Benefits
By controlling surface and airborne microbes, UVC can be beneficial in many ways, including Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) control and energy savings:
IAQ Control. UVC improves air quality by preventing the spread of airborne viruses and reducing the allergy and asthma symptoms triggered by biofilm/mold. It creates safer and more comfortable indoor environments, resulting in a happier and healthier home for you and your family.
Energy Savings. Studies show that even a very thin (.024") layer of biofilm buildup on a coil increases energy consumption by 21.5%. UVC provides continuous cleaning of coils to eliminate biofilm more effectively than conventional cleaning methods. Field data from UVC commercial and healthcare installations has shown resulting HVAC energy savings ranging from 10% to 28%.
Dynamic Series2 Germicidal UVC Lamps are whole house systems that installs directly into the central heating and cooling system ductwork or plenum. The high intensity Dual-Radiant™ UVC “H” Lamp disinfects the air by neutralizing airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and mold.