High-Output UVC for HVAC-R Coil Hygiene, IAQ & AS 3666 Compliance

Steril-Aire is a global pioneer in ultraviolet-C (UVC) germicidal solutions for HVAC-R systems, delivering some of the highest-output UVGI emitters available. Their patented UVC Emitter™ technology is engineered to restore and maintain coil performance, eliminate biofilm, improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce the HVAC energy penalties associated with microbial fouling.

Steril-Aire systems are widely used in healthcare, education, laboratories, food processing, commercial buildings, government facilities and high-risk environments, supported in Australia through authorised distributors and specialist HVAC-R partners.

For consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers, Steril-Aire provides a validated, high-intensity UVGI solution that aligns naturally with AS 3666 microbial-control requirements, AS 1668.2 ventilation objectives and energy-efficiency initiatives.

High-Output UVGI Emitters – Industry-Leading Germicidal Performance

Steril-Aire’s UVC Emitter™ delivers 6–8× the germicidal output of typical UV lamps at the peak wavelength of 253.7 nm.

Product overview: https://steril-aire.com/products/

Technical Advantages

• Precise peak germicidal wavelength (253.7 nm)
• High photon density for deep biofilm penetration
• Continuous destruction of microbial contamination on coils & drain pans
• Maintains output even in cold HVAC environments (where standard UVC drops >60%)
• Suitable for RTPF coils, VRF/VRV coils, FCUs, AHUs and large commercial air handlers

Steril-Aire’s high-output UVGI is supported by independent studies across hospitals, schools, food-processing facilities and government buildings.

Evidence base: https://steril-aire.com/resources/

The Steril-Aire catalogue includes:

• Single-ended & double-ended emitters
• Coil-mounted arrays & multi-lamp racks
• UVC safety controllers
• Portable UVC units for maintenance

https://steril-aire.com/products/

Coil Surface Disinfection – Restoring HVAC Efficiency

Over time, HVAC coils accumulate biofilm, a microbial layer that:

• increases pressure drop
• reduces heat-transfer effectiveness
• elevates fan & compressor energy
• causes odour and IAQ complaints

Steril-Aire coil-mounted UVGI systems destroy biofilm directly at the coil surface:
https://steril-aire.com/applications/air-handlers/

• Performance Benefits

• Restores coil ΔT, thermal efficiency & airflow
• Lower fan energy due to reduced static pressure
• Lower compressor lift + increased system capacity
• Reduces AS 3666 cleaning frequency
• “Always on” microbial suppression prevents regrowth

These systems are widely adopted in hospitals, universities, coastal facilities and high-density commercial buildings.

In-Duct UVC – Airborne Pathogen Reduction

Steril-Aire’s in-duct UVGI arrays create a high-intensity irradiation zone inside supply or return ductwork.

https://steril-aire.com/applications/in-duct-air/

Applications:

• airborne infection reduction
• high-risk healthcare zones
• food-processing clean spaces
• densely occupied education facilities
• industrial airborne contamination control

In-duct UVC supplements AS 1668.2 ventilation where outdoor-air allowances are limited.

Upper-Air UVC for Occupied Rooms

Steril-Aire’s upper-air systems disinfect air within the occupied space using controlled UVC zones.

https://steril-aire.com/applications/upper-air/

Used in:

• clinics & healthcare waiting areas
• aged care facilities
• classrooms & lecture theatres
• R&D labs, correctional facilities
• high-density commercial spaces

• Emitters, Fixtures & Mounting Systems

 

 

 Industry Recognition

1. Cairns Regional Council / Energy.gov.au – Government-Verified Performance

Steril-Aire was trialled and then permanently installed in Cairns Regional Council facilities.

Measured outcomes include:

• 12% reduction in HVAC energy consumption
• Up to 99% microbial elimination in HVAC systems
• Significant reduction in coil fouling & IAQ issues

Cairns Case Study:
https://steril-aire.com.au/case_study/education-case-study/

This is one of Australia’s strongest publicly documented UVGI case studies.

2. BGIS Defence AHU Case Study – Presented at FMA National Summit

BGIS demonstrated Steril-Aire UVC in Defence air-handling units at the FMA Maintenance Management Summit, showcasing:

• Improved coil cleanliness & IAQ
• Reduced AHU energy consumption
• Applicability to mission-critical Defence infrastructure
• Recognition of Steril-Aire as a global leader in high-output UVGI

BGIS Case Study:
https://issuu.com/passivehousetrust/docs/bgis_case_study_-_defence_ahu_ultraviolet_lightin

3. Architecture & Design – Clean-Air Technology Trial

Steril-Aire’s UVC was featured in Architecture & Design, within Queensland clean-air technology evaluations.

The article highlights:

• High-output UV-C for microbial DNA disruption
• HVAC airstream disinfection for IAQ improvement
• Role of UVGI in multi-layer clean-air strategies

Architecture & Design Article:
https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/features-articles/queenslanders-put-clean-air-technology-to-test

 

Why Engineers, Contractors & FM Teams Choose Steril-Aire

Consulting Engineers

• High-output UVC with verified case studies
• AS 3666-aligned microbial control
• Reliable performance modelling data
• Strong differentiation from low-output UVC products

Mechanical Contractors

• Simple installation
• Annual emitter replacement
• Reduced coil-cleaning obligations
• Ideal for retrofit and upgrade projects

Facilities Managers

• Reduced HVAC energy costs
• Lower hygiene maintenance frequency
• Fewer IAQ complaints
• Stable coil performance year-round