How UVGI helps to improve IAQ in healthcare facilities during COVID 19

During the COVID 19 pandemic, maintaining a hygienic environment in healthcare and commercial spaces such as hospitals, educational institutes, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls & others has become even more important for the health of many – customers & staff alike, due to the rapid pace at which the infection spreads.  Healthcare facilities and hospitals have to pay particular attention to indoor air concerns. To add to this, hospitals are normally served by a centralized HVAC system, with ducts distributing cooled air to various compartments, wards, rooms, etc. The presence of microorganisms along with the Coronaviruses in the air, especially those from sick patients circulate freely from one area to another and result in cross contamination which poses a grave risk to patients with compromised immunity, along with doctors, nurses, visitors, and staff.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Hospitals with poor or ineffective HVAC systems are at a higher risk of incubating illnesses caused by airborne contaminants including COVID 19, and these illnesses will have a debilitating effect on the productivity of hospital staff as they will either have to work at reduced capacity or miss work entirely due to respiratory illnesses. Patients who suffer from diseases may be a source of contamination to others by virtue of spreading infection through their clothes, touch, and airborne transmission.

UVGI Technology to the rescue!

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) for HVAC is a proven method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and for killing or deactivating bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and other pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in room air, including the novel Coronavirus.

Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 254 nanometres which is capable of breaking molecular bonds within microorganismal DNA. UV technology is superior to traditional disinfection in many ways. However, proper validation is a prerequisite for the success of a UVGI Air Sterilization System. 

UVGI is primarily delivered through two methods in HVAC systems in commercial and industrial areas:

1. UVGI Coil Solutions in AHUs
2. UVGI Duct Solutions in AHUs

Airborne contamination comes from a variety of sources and circulates majorly through the HVAC system. In-duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems treat moving airstreams in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems by inactivating airborne microorganisms found within. Airborne transmission of diseases through HVAC systems is much more prevalent nowadays than previously encountered. Research has conclusively pointed out to COVID 19 spreading faster in indoor spaces which are airconditioned as compared to outdoor spaces with better ventilation.

Benefits of Alfaa UVGI Coil and Duct Air Disinfection systems

1. A safer environment and better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Alfaa UVGI air disinfection systems in HVAC ducts greatly improve Indoor Air Quality by destroying harmful airborne contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, allergens, and VOCs which are responsible for the spread of infections;  including the deadly COVID 19 virus.
2. Greater Savings: The use of Alfaa UVGI Coil air disinfection systems in air handling units (AHUs) is highly effective in maintaining a clean evaporator and coils,  by preventing the growth of pathogens on the coil surfaces. This enhances the energy efficiency of the AHU, resulting in reduced energy costs and lower maintenance costs.
3. Elimination of Odours: The use of Alfaa UVGI air disinfection systems reduce unpleasant odours that result from outside air or re-circulated air within the building.

With expertise in UV technology spanning more than 2 decades, Alfaa UVGI air disinfection systems have been awarded the prestigious ASHRAE ACREX Award of Excellence in the category of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) both in 2016 and 2017.

There are many reasons to choose Alfaa UV’s UltraDuct and UltraCoil UVGI solutions for your air disinfection in Commercial and Industrial areas. To know about how we can help you create a COVID free space, call us today on 9833516650 / 8879336026 or visit us at UVGI Air Disinfection. To see how these UVGI systems work, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3kWRuEem2g