Indoor Air Quality Solutions
- Allergies
- 60,000,000 people in the United States are affected by allergies, and
mold is one of the 5 most common allergens. The dark, cool and moist surfaces
that typically exist in HVAC systems are very favorable places for mold
growth. The spores released from the growth are distributed throughout
the structure. Applying UV light in these vulnerable areas can make a
huge difference in the spore counts in the air. In regions where the air
is typically drier and mold growth is less of a problem, UV applied in
the recirculating airstream passing through an HVAC system can make a
significant reduction in the mold spore counts in indoor air. By reducing
the density of mold spores, the indoor air quality is enhanced and allergy
symptoms reduced.
- Bacteria and Viruses
- Fresh outside air is healthy to breathe in part because natural UV from
the sun controls the level of airborne microorganisms. Ultravation® brings
UV indoors to help control microorganisms in indoor air. With a UV system
installed in your HVAC system, the numbers of airborne bacteria and viruses
that cause colds and other illnesses will be reduced as air is circulated
through the system. With most people spending as much as 90% of their
time indoors, optimizing indoor air quality becomes increasingly important.
Today's advanced building techniques are another factor to consider when
evaluating indoor air quality. To increase heating and cooling efficiency,
and to add to indoor comfort, homes and commercial buildings are more
airtight than ever. While efficiency and comfort goals may be achieved,
an unintended effect is that with less outdoor air "leaking" into the
indoor space, airborne organisms and other contaminants can accumulate.
The HVAC system now has an increased role in maintaining indoor air quality
-- adding UV disinfection along with filtration and other enhancements
helps it fulfill that role.
- Mold
- That smell when the air conditioner turns on -- especially after it
has been off for a while -- what is it? Chances are it's MOLD, and those
mold spores spread around, landing everywhere in the house. Or if mold
is growing in a damp place elsewhere in the house, the air conditioner
helps distribute the spores as the air is recirculated. UV can play an
important -- if not vital -- role in controlling home damaging mold. As
insurance companies raise rates and even exclude mold damage from their
coverage, UV can be a big help -- consult your HVAC contractor.
- MERV 11 / MERV 13 Filtration
- Most Ultravation high capacity ProgressiveMedia™
filters feature of thirty-two square feet of MERV
11 filtration folded into a five-inch compact pleated unit—it’s
better than 99% efficient on pollen—and many other irritants such as dust
mite allergen. The EPA considers MERV 11 premium performance for residential
application. In addition to our highly efficient MERV 11 series, we are
now offering MERV 13
filtration. They are made with Ultravation® Ultrastrand™
hypo-allergenic fiber technology to maximize capture of small particles
and filter efficiency. Ultravation’s ProgressiveMedia
MERV 13 rated filters remove contamination that approach
HEPA ratings—at a much lower cost than a HEPA installation. What
is MERV? Learn more.
- Odor Reduction
- Photronic’s ReFresh™
odor reduction process, operates in much the same way as
an automotive catalytic converter. The air passing through the ReFresh™
system comes in contact with a UV energized grid that is coated with an
exclusive formulation containing titanium dioxide. The grid reacts with
hundreds of odors (caused by VOCs) and breaks them down into harmless—and
odorless—components.
- Saving Energy
- A UV system uses about the same amount of electricity as a standard
light bulb. Yet it can help your HVAC system increase its efficiency,
so you may use less power overall. When mold becomes established on cooling
elements, it begins to insulate it from the passing air. This makes the
heat transfer from the air to the elements more difficult. When this happens
the HVAC system begins to run a little longer and then cycles more often
to accomplish the same temperature setting. This obviously uses more energy
and increases wear and tear on the system. Of course we recommend quality
filtration to keep the elements as well as the UV lamps free of dust,
then the UV will keep the mold away, and help to optimize efficiency.