UV-C LIGHT

When considering UV light, the first thing that may come to mind is skin cancer or harmful radiation. However, UV light’s effects vary depending on its specific wavelength. UV Rays emitted from the sun consist of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C wavelengths. UV-C is often referred to as germicidal UV because it can destroy microorganisms by scrambling their DNA. UV-C light is, therefore, a highly effective method of air purification, sterilization, and disinfection. UV-C lights installed in our systems eliminate and sterilize common contaminants to ensure the air inside your wine cellar is VOC (volatile organic compounds) free.

Scientifically speaking, no. Since viruses are not living organisms, they cannot be “killed.” However, UV-C light deactivates viruses by destroying their DNA and RNA genetic material, preventing their reproduction. When looking at bacteria, UV-C Light is able to eradicate up to 99.9% of all microorganisms by destroying their genetic material.

Currently, our UV-C Lighting System can be purchased with our Optimum, Wall Mount/Fully Ducted Splits, Ultimate, and Ultimate PLUS wine cellar cooling systems.

Yes, contamination in HVAC systems is a widespread issue that should not be ignored. According to the National Institute of Health, HVAC contamination frequently contributes to diseases such as viral or bacterial infections, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. UV-C Light technology eliminates these bacteria and viruses, ensuring that you are breathing clean air and that your system is operating at peak efficiency.

UV-C light is an excellent defense against harmful microorganisms that originate from unmaintained cooling systems. Without proper indoor air quality maintenance, every breath you take in your home may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals. UV-C  lights dramatically improve air quality and significantly reduce allergens, resulting in improved health and wellness for all who enter your cellar environment. UV-C light can kill harmful microorganisms, including viruses, mold, fungi, and bacteria, without the use of toxic chemicals.

The addition of UV-C light to your system can reduce your home’s energy consumption by up to 35 percent, resulting in a substantial reduction to your energy bill. Our UV-C lighting systems are strategically placed to target problem-prone components such as coils, condensation pans, and filters. This allows the targeting of microbial growth in areas that are difficult to access, such as grooves, fins, seams, and edges. UV-C lighting by itself does not conserve energy; instead, it restores your system’s performance to optimal levels, thereby reducing its energy consumption and allowing it to function as if it were brand new.

Wine storage is impacted by light, but not all light is created equal. Certain wavelengths are particularly detrimental to your collection. Wavelengths of 340, 380 and 440 nm are most commonly cited as being critical to producing light-strike reactions. Our UV-C lighting system operates between 200 to 280 nm. Also, our UV Light never comes into contact with wine bottles within the cellar, so your wine is protected from accidental UV-C exposure.

An effective, traditional coil-cleaning program cleans the coils three to four times per year. The use of UV lights can eliminate the need for these costly, labor-intensive cleaning treatments that create system downtime and use chemicals, biocides, or pressure washing. Mechanical or chemical washing may also damage coils. UV-C also provides a 99% disinfection of mold in under 60 minutes.

The UV-C light is not on all the time. It is only powered while the compressor is running. We highly recommend that you perform an annual maintenance inspection and replacement of the UV-C bulb.