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Healthy Buildings Start With Cleaner Air

UVC Solutions for Museums & Art Galleries 

Protect the Environment. Protect the Collection. Protect the People. 

The Challenge 

Museums and Art Galleries operate in a unique indoor environment where people, preservation, environmental control and building performance all need to coexist.

The Opportunity 

HVAC systems play an important role in maintaining temperature, relative humidity, ventilation and air quality. ASHRAE's dedicated guidance for museums, galleries, archives, and libraries recognises the HVAC systems must consider both occupant requirements and doing-term preservation of cultural collections. It identifies filtration, ventilation, moisture control and microbial risks - including mould - as important considerations. 

AirTechnologies NZ proposes the integration of 254nm UVC technology within appropriate HVAC systems and air-handling equipment as an additional layer of environmental and microbial control. 

The Solution Is Designed To

  • Reduced airborne biological contaminants passing through treated HVAC air streams 

  • Reduced microbial growth on HVAC coils and internal components 

  • Support mould-management strategies 

  • Improve HVAC hygiene and support indoor air quality 

  • Help protect staff and visitors from biological contaminants 

  • Reduce the potential for HVAC systems to become reservoirs for microbial growth 

  • Complement exisiting filtration and ventilation startegies 

  • Improve heat-exchange performance where coil fouling is reduced 

  • Provide an additional layer of protection without introducing UVC exposure into occupied collection areas 

CREATING HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS

The Solution: In-duct UVC Technology

UVC light fixtures are strategically positioned within the ductwork or air handler of the HVAC system. This ensures maximum exposure of the circulating air to the germicidal effects of UVC light, effectively eliminating airborne pathogens.

How UVC Works

  • Continuously irradiating coils, drain pans, and air streams 

  • Preventing microbial growth (mould, bacteria, viruses) 

  • Keeping heat exchange surfaces clean and efficient 

  • Improving air hygiene as air circulates through the system 

Depending On The HVAC Configuration, UVC Can Be Installed Within:

  • Air handling units (AHUs)

  • Supply and return air systems 

  • Fan coil units 

  • Heat pump systems 

  • Ductwork and mechanical plant 

Prevention Of Biofilm Formation

UVC light's germicidal properties extend to preventing the formation of biofilm, a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. By inhibiting biofilm growth on HVAC system components, UVC light promotes a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

Mould & Microbial Risk 

Museums can contain large quantities of organic material that may be vulnerable to mould - 

  • Paper

  • Wood 

  • Textiles

  • Books

  • Canvas 

  • Leather

  • Natural history specimens 

  • Archival materials 

What Mould Can Cause

  • Staining and discolouration 

  • Material degradation 

  • Odours 

  • Structural deterioration 

  • Permanent collection damage 


Return on Investment That Goes Beyond Clean Air

Installing UVC technology isn't just about improving indoor air quality—it's about reducing ongoing operating costs.

By keeping HVAC systems cleaner, reducing biofilm build-up, and helping minimise airborne contaminants, Air Technologies' solutions can deliver measurable value over time.

✔ Lower HVAC maintenance costs
✔ Improved system efficiency and performance
✔ Extended equipment lifespan
✔ Reduced downtime and cleaning requirements
✔ Healthier indoor environments that can help reduce staff absenteeism

Cleaner air. Smarter buildings. Long-term savings.

**Positive ROI typically within 18months to 2 years in medium to large commercial buildings

5-25% 

Energy Savings

HVAC Energy reduction range 

20-50%

Maintenance Savings

Direct system maintenance reduction 

18-24 MO

Payback Period

Typical full investment return period 

Improve HVAC Efficiency & Reduce Energy Costs

Cleaner HVAC systems can work more efficiently.

AirTech UVC systems help prevent the build-up of mould, bacteria and biofilm on HVAC coils and internal components, helping maintain clean heat-transfer surfaces and consistent airflow. By keeping your HVAC system cleaner, UVC can support more efficient operation, reduce the strain on equipment and help minimise unnecessary energy consumption over time.

For commercial buildings, this can contribute to lower operating costs, improved HVAC performance and a longer equipment lifespan — making UVC a smart addition to an energy-conscious building strategy.

Cleaner systems. Better performance. Smarter energy use.


Indoor Air Quality Benefits 

The People

  • Improved indoor air quality 

  • Additional control of airborne microorganisms 

  • Reduced biological contamination in supply air 

  • Improved perception of indoor environmental quality 

  • Support for healthier public spaces 

The Collection

  • Additional microbial-control layer 

  • Support for mould-management strategies 

  • Reduced microbial contamination within HVAC systems 

  • Reduced risk associated with contaminated air-handling equipment 

  • Support for collection preservation strategies 

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

Unlike chemical disinfectants, UVC light does not produce harmful by-products or contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Its use in air purification systems reduces the need for harsh chemicals, creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly indoor environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

  • Cleaner Coils - UVC prevents biofilm accumulation on heat exchange surfaces, maintaining optimal thermal efficiency. 

  • Lower Energy - Clean coils transfer heat more efficiently, reducing HVAC energy draw - typically 10-25% improvement in coil efficiency

  • Less Chemical Cleaning - Reduced frequency of chemical coil cleaning interventions, lowering chemical use, water consumption and contractor costs

  • Lower Lifecycle Costs - Extended service intervals, delayed capital replacement, and reduced maintenance spend across the HVAC asset lifestyle 

Collection Protection & UVC Safety 

AirTech's UVC systems are specified as enclosed HVAC treatment systems. The UVC source is contained within the mechanical system rather than being installed as exposed UVC lighting in occupied exhibition spaces. 

Our Commitment 

No UVC irradiance will be permitted to reach occupied areas or collection surfaces. Installation incorporate appropriate shielding, enclosure, interlocks and verification in accordance with the equipment design and applicable electrical/safety requirements. 

  • UVC is confined within the HVAC system 

  • Collection materials are NOT exposed to UVC 

  • Occupied spaces receive only treated air - not UVC irradiance 

  • Safety interlocks precent UV exposure during maintenance access 

  • UV-inhibiting baffles are standard on all units 

Tested. Verified.
Built For Real World Applications. 

Independent Laboratory Testing

Why Choose Airtech?

Proven results

Our UVC and air purification systems have been proven to effectively reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality in a wide range of settings.

Exceptional value

Investing in Airtechnologies' UVC and air purification systems is an investment in the health and well-being of your employees and customers.

Unwavering commitment

Airtechnologies is committed to providing our customers with cutting-edge UVC and air purification solutions backed by exceptional customer service.

 

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