UV Lights

March 6, 2017

A quick note about UV lights: they work like sunlight in that they prevent and kill many types of bacteria and fungi when exposed to the light on surfaces. They do not generally do a great job of killing spores suspended in the air stream.

UV lights are great at killing yucky stuff on surfaces like coils, blower wheel, and panels. They won't “kill” everything in the airstream, and they don't capture anything.

Also, be careful about what the UV is allowed to shine on. It will deteriorate most wire insulation and can deteriorate and discolor many other plastics.

Finally, don't look at a UV light for any amount of time. I once spent a very uncomfortable day in bed after damaging my eyes from looking at UV indirectly for only a few minutes.

UV can be great, but it's not a fix-all. Always be careful as to where the light is going.

—Bryan

#IAQ #UV light

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In this engaging session, David Richardson breaks down the concept of high-performance HVAC, offering a clear roadmap for industry professionals looking to elevate their craft. Richardson argues that the HVAC industry has long been focused on equipment rather than complete systems, leading to widespread inefficiencies. The average system delivers only about 57% of its rated capacity into buildings, while even code-approved systems barely reach 63%. By implementing high-performance HVAC principles, contractors can achieve up to 88% efficiency while improving safety, health, comfort, and energy performance.

Richardson presents a practical framework using the acronym “PATH” – Pressure, Airflow, Temperature, and Heat (BTUs) – as a step-by-step approach to implementing high-performance HVAC. He emphasizes starting with static pressure testing, which he calls “the foundation of airflow” and one of the most misunderstood principles in the industry. Just as doctors check blood pressure as a vital sign during every visit, Richardson advocates for measuring static pressure on every call, or at minimum, when encountering “red flag” issues like repeated equipment failures. From there, professionals can progress to measuring airflow, temperature, and finally BTU delivery to create complete system diagnostics.

The presentation offers a journey-based approach, acknowledging that implementation takes time and requires breaking old habits. Richardson introduces the “one degree principle,” suggesting that change happens incrementally, with small improvements eventually leading to breakthrough moments. He urges contractors to apply this methodology not just to equipment, but to extend testing into duct systems and even the building envelope. By making these changes visible through measurement, contractors can prove value to themselves, their teams, and ultimately their customers, transforming the way HVAC work is perceived and delivered.

Key Topics Covered:

The definition of high-performance HVAC: getting back to craftsmanship, challenging the status quo, and confirming work through measurement
The industry problem: focusing on equipment instead of complete systems, resulting in just 57% of rated BTU capacity reaching conditioned spaces
The PATH framework: Pressure, Airflow, Temperature, and Heat as building blocks for system diagnostics
How to implement static pressure testing as the foundation for airflow diagnostics
The importance of measuring at both equipment and register/grille locations
Breaking down implementation into three areas: equipment, ducts, and building envelope
STEPS approach: Show, Teach, Equip, Promote, with application to yourself, your team, and your customers
The “one degree principle” for making incremental changes that lead to breakthrough results
Common obstacles to implementation and how to overcome resistance to change
How measurements make your work transparent and lead to better performance

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Comments

Gabe willard @bryanorr

Thanks for that bit. I have some coils that have mold on them this might help.

11/4/16 at 11:38 PM

Thanks for that bit. I have some coils that have mold on them this might help.

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This is all correct. To add a couple of things. If the UV lights are mounted in such a way that the light hits carpet, it will bleach it.

As for what it does or doesn’t kill, that is important. Also important is what do you do after the lights “kill” the “bugs” – are they safer dead or alive? Depends on what it is. You should follow this up with good filtration to capture what you killed. That of course opens a whole other conversation on filtration and the effect if has on static duct pressure.

12/19/17 at 10:04 AM

This is all correct. To add a couple of things. If the UV lights are mounted in such a way that the light hits carpet, it will bleach it.