Cooney Coil & Energy

Blog

Stay in the know with new products, HVAC tips and trainings!

Reduce HVAC Coil Cleaning and Increase System Performance with UVGI

by | Apr 2, 2023

With UV-C Disinfection, you’ll be able to breathe easily knowing that your coils are clean and free of harmful germs. You’ll also save money on maintenance costs and won’t have to worry about a dirty coil causing problems with your HVAC system or energy costs.

Dirty Coils = Higher Maintenance & Energy Costs

HVAC coils, like all parts of a system, need to be clean for optimal performance. As the coils become dirtier with dust, pollen, mold spores, mildew, and other particles – the ability for the coil to transfer heat decreases. The decrease in efficiency can cost you more in energy and money, because the system has to work harder to reach desired temperatures.

When coils are left uncleaned, the dust and other contaminants that accumulate on them can form into a thick layer of grime. This reduces efficiency, increases energy costs, and causes breakdowns more frequently.

Commercial HVAC coils become dirty very quickly due to the high volume of air that passes through them. Dust and debris can settle on the coils, reducing their efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. Over time, airborne germs such as mold and bacteria can build up on the coils, further reducing performance and potentially causing health issues for building occupants.

Regular coil cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency but can be expensive and time-consuming.

Why Clean HVAC Coils are Key

1. Helps the System to Run More Efficiently

One of the primary reasons why it’s important to clean the coils in your commercial HVAC system is that it helps the system to run more efficiently. When coils are clogged with dirt and debris, they have to work harder to transfer heat, which can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Regular cleaning will help to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible.

2. Helps to Prolong the Life of the System

Another reason why cleaning coils is important is that it helps to prolong the life of the system. When coils can begin to corrode, which can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system. By keeping them clean, you can help to ensure that your system lasts for many years.

3. Reduces Repair and Maintenance Costs

In addition to helping your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer, regular coil cleaning can also help to reduce repair and maintenance costs. When coils are clogged, they are more likely to break down, which can lead to expensive repairs. By keeping them clean, you can avoid these costly repairs.

4. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Another benefit of clean coils is that it improves indoor air quality. When coils collect dirt and debris, they can release these particles into the air, which can cause respiratory problems for people who are exposed to them. Regular cleaning will help to remove these particles from the air and improve the quality of the air inside your building.

5. Reduces Allergens in the Air

In addition to improving indoor air quality, regular coil cleaning can also help to reduce allergens in the air. Coil cleaning removes pollen, dust mites, and other allergens from the coils, which helps to improve air quality for people who suffer from allergies or asthma

Traditional Coil Cleaning Methods

Traditional coil cleaning involves the use of harsh chemicals and abrasive methods to remove dust, debris, and microorganisms from commercial HVAC coils. This can be a time-consuming process that must be done frequently in order to maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, due to reduced manpower caused by budget cuts or staff shortages, this regular maintenance may not be done as often as necessary, leading to decreased performance and increased energy costs.

UV-C Disinfection – The Easier, More Efficient Solution for HVAC Coils

Visually inspecting your coils may not be enough to detect when they need cleaning. That’s why UVGI disinfection is helping facilities keep their coils clean and running optimally.

 

UV-C light is a type of ultraviolet light that has been scientifically proven to kill germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms on contact. It can be used in an HVAC system to reduce the spread of airborne germs, and keep the coils running clean and efficiently.

Benefits of UV-C

    1. Keeps your coils clean and running optimally
    2. Improves coil performance
    3. Dramatically reduces the need for frequent coil cleaning
    4. Reduces the spread of airborne germs

UV-C disinfection is an effective way to keep commercial HVAC coils clean and free of germs without the need for frequent coil cleanings. UV-C light is able to penetrate the coil surface and kill mold, bacteria and other germs without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. This allows coils to maintain optimal performance while saving time and mo

 

ney on maintenance costs. It also greatly reduces the spread of airborne germs, keeping occupants safe and healthy in their buildings.

Depending on what your facility’s goal is – coil cleaning, air disinfection, or reducing HAI’s Cooney Coil & Energy can help. Our team is trained to properly measure and design an effective UV-C system for your HVAC system and goals. Our commercial Fresh Aire-UV products are robust, American made and backed by a lifetime warranty on all parts (expect bulbs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UV Cleaning Really Work?

Yes, ultraviolet (UV) cleaning is a proven technology for disinfecting commercial HVAC systems. UV cleaning uses intense light from an ultraviolet lamp to destroy bacteria, mold and other contaminants that can build up in air ducts.

How Does UV Disinfection Work?

UV disinfection works by exposing contaminants in an HVAC system to intense light from a UV lamp. The ultraviolet light breaks down the structure of the bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, killing them on contact. This helps reduce the spread of airborne germs and ensures that coils in an HVAC system remain free of contaminants and running optimally.

Does UV-C Kill Mold on Coils?

Yes, UV-C light is very effective at killing mold as long as a system is measured and designed properly. UV-C light is able to penetrate the coil surface and kill mold spores such as aspergillus niger (black mold) that may be present on the surface, helping to keep HVAC coils clean and free of contaminants.

When using a Fresh Aire UV-C bulb, the germ-killing effect starts almost immediately – with about 90% of surface microbes being sterilized within the first few minutes. After the first 24 hours, this number increases to about 99.99%.

UV-C Lights for HVAC

How does UV-C compare to bipolar ionization?

Ultraviolet C (UV-C) is an established air disinfection technology that can be used to inactivate viruses, such as SARS-2-CoV, the virus that causes COVID-19. When compared to bipolar ionization, UV-C has been studied for more than a century and there are some significant differences between the two technologies.

The primary difference between UV-C and bipolar ionization is how each technology works. Bipolar Ionization uses electrical charges to create ions that attach to tiny particles in the air and either kill them or make them heavier so they’ll settle out on surfaces. On the other hand, UV-C light breaks down DNA strands of viruses and other microorganisms, rendering them inactive.

In simple terms, bipolar ionization acts like a trap, while UV-C actively kills microorganisms and contaminants.

How often do UV-C bulbs need to be replaced?

Although lamps may still emit visible light even after their designated 1 or 2-year lifespan, their UV effectiveness will decrease over time. This is why it is important to replace your amplifier after its designated lifetime – as the lamp’s UV output will no longer be as effective at killing germs and viruses in the environment.

Get a Quote

The Impact of Commercial UV Lights on HVAC Coil Performance & Allergens

The Impact of Commercial UV Lights on HVAC Coil Performance & Allergens

Looking to enhance your facility’s indoor air quality and HVAC performance? UVGI technology might be the solution you need. It’s been used for decades in industries like food and water purification, and even in hospital operating rooms back in the 1930s. Today, it’s recognized by ASHRAE, the CDC, and WHO for its effectiveness in reducing allergens and enhancing coil efficiency.

Resources

More Resources You Might Be Interested In

Steam Trap Selection

Steam Trap Selection

Wondering what steam trap to choose for your steam system? Worry no more! This webinar covers: types of steam traps, drip trap sizing and trap applications.

Steam System Essentials

Steam System Essentials

When steam systems are properly designed and maintained, they can be extremely efficient and dependable. Learn steam HVAC system basics. Inside steam traps, heat transfer, proper system piping, what is flash steam.

Subscribe!

Stay up to date on Cooney Coil & Energy industry trends, HVAC tips, and product updates.