COVID-19, UV-C light and Coil Coatings: A New Era in Commercial HVAC.

For HVAC professionals, protecting coils from environmental and galvanic corrosion is standard practice, typically achieved through specialized coatings. However, the rise of COVID-19 has presented new challenges in this domain. As businesses reopened post-pandemic, many sought ways to improve indoor air quality by upgrading their HVAC systems, including the integration of UV-C light technology. UV-C, a short-wavelength ultraviolet light, has been shown to degrade the outer protein shell of the SARS-CoV virus, which caused the 2003 outbreak. While the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, differs slightly, experts remain optimistic about UV-C's efficacy in combating it.

Despite promising results, uncertainty remains regarding the exact conditions—such as wavelength, dose, and exposure time—required to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, UV-C poses another challenge: it can compromise the integrity of HVAC coil coatings designed to resist environmental corrosion.

Traditional testing methods like ASTM B-117 and ISO 12944-9 don't account for UV-C exposure. For instance, ISO 12944-9 alternates between UV-A light, salt spray, and freeze cycles, while ASTM B-117 focuses solely on salt fog without UV considerations. This gap highlights a pressing need for coatings capable of withstanding UV-C exposure.

Heresite, a pioneer in HVAC coil coatings, has stepped forward to address this issue. Known for pushing boundaries in durability and performance, Heresite recently introduced its exclusive P-413 coating, which was rigorously tested under UV-C exposure. Collaborating with Sanuvox Technologies, Heresite subjected P-413-coated panels to 1,500 hours of intense UV-C exposure. The outcome? Both the P-413 and P-413 + UC-5509 panels retained their protective properties, showing minimal fading without compromising adhesion or flexibility.

A Trusted Partnership

Nationwide Coils has relied on Heresite's expertise for over a decade to produce reliable custom and OEM replacement coils. Heresite's commitment to innovation and rigorous testing further solidifies our confidence in their offerings. If you're considering UV-C integration in your HVAC system, ensure your coils are protected with a coating proven to endure UV-C exposure and other corrosive factors—Heresite's P-413 is the gold standard.

Ready to safeguard your HVAC system? Get a coil quote today. To explore Heresite's full test results for P-413, click here.