While it is well established that UV-C kills microorganisms, many are not aware of its ability to photo-disassociate and degrade organic debris, which leads to its remarkable coil cleaning benefits. It is now amply proven that UV-C eats away accumulated organic materials and biofilm growth in cooling coils to significantly improve airflow and heat-transfer efficiency levels, which not only reduce energy use, but also decrease system maintenance and their associated costs while providing cleaner, healthier air.

Originally, the goal for UV-C was to eliminate the proliferation of mold and Gram negative bacteria on cooling coils and in drain pans to mitigate the occupant complaints associated with this common contaminant source in A/C equipment. However, in addition to improving IAQ, today, the hidden value of UV-C is its ability to restore cooling capacity, reduce maintenance and to increase the potential of energy savings.

This trifecta of boosting capacity, lowering maintenance and saving energy is driving more than nine-of-every-ten UV-C installations today. All of these system-enhancing efficiencies of UV-C technology are discussed in greater depth as found in ASHRAE’s 2019 Handbook of HVAC Applications, Chapter 62, which may be found here https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library...