Imagine running a marathon blindfolded—pretty risky, right? Now picture running your building operations the same way, relying on guesswork to fix equipment before it breaks down. Fortunately, AI-powered predictive maintenance is here to rip off that blindfold and light the path ahead, using data and foresight to keep everything running smoothly.
Welcome to the Future of Facility Management
AI-driven predictive maintenance is revolutionizing how commercial buildings operate, allowing managers to spot trouble before it knocks on the door. Historically, this tech has been the shiny toy of large facilities, with big budgets to spend on advanced Building Automation Systems (BAS). But here’s the good news: times have changed. Small to medium-sized commercial buildings no longer have to sit on the sidelines, wishing they could afford this maintenance wizardry. Predictive maintenance is now more accessible, scalable, and affordable for every building, regardless of size
This article explores the specific hurdles smaller buildings face and explains how they can leverage AI and predictive maintenance to boost efficiency, save money, and future-proof their operations.
The David vs. Goliath Challenge: Small Buildings’ Struggles
Let’s face it—smaller buildings have always been the underdogs compared to their larger counterparts. With constrained budgets, limited staff, and aging infrastructure, they often resemble David going up against Goliath in the world of building automation. But while Goliath might toss around multi-million-dollar upgrades, David can get smart with predictive maintenance tech that doesn’t break the bank.
Here are the common challenges for smaller buildings:
Budget Constraints Large facilities often have deep pockets to install sophisticated BAS systems, but for smaller buildings, convincing ownership to sign off on costly tech upgrades can feel like pulling teeth. They often rely on basic HVAC controls and manual maintenance. Getting AI into the mix might seem like a distant dream.
Lack of In-House Expertise Big buildings tend to have full teams of engineers and IT specialists who can handle advanced tech. But in smaller operations? Maybe there’s a property manager juggling half a dozen other responsibilities. That person might not have the bandwidth—or the technical know-how—to implement and maintain a predictive system.
Aging Infrastructure Many small commercial buildings are working with outdated systems from a time when “cloud computing” was just a weather forecast. Retrofitting these older systems to work with modern IoT sensors and cloud-based AI seems impossible without a major overhaul.
Thankfully, there’s good news on the horizon. Recent advancements in cloud technology and AI-driven solutions are bringing predictive maintenance within reach for smaller buildings. It’s not just for skyscrapers anymore.
A New Dawn: Opportunities for Small to Medium Commercial Buildings
Predictive maintenance has undergone its own tech glow-up. Thanks to cloud-based systems and affordable IoT sensors, small and medium-sized buildings can now adopt predictive maintenance without taking out a second mortgage. The key? Scalability. Modern solutions are modular, letting you start small and grow over time—no need for a massive upfront investment. Dip your toe in, and see the benefits before diving in headfirst.
Cost-Effective Retrofit Solutions Gone are the days when you needed to gut your building to install a predictive maintenance system. Today, companies offer IoT sensors that can be retrofitted onto existing HVAC units, boilers, and electrical systems with minimal hassle. Thanks to edge computing, data processing happens on-site, reducing the need for heavy-duty cloud infrastructure. Vendors now offer subscription-based services, allowing smaller operations to pay only for what they use—no need for an expensive on-prem setup.
Efficiency on a Shoestring Budget Predictive maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and keeps operations running smoothly. For small buildings, preventing an HVAC meltdown in the middle of summer isn’t just a convenience—it’s survival. AI constantly monitors equipment and gives early warnings on wear and tear, preventing costly system failures. Plus, it can spot energy inefficiencies, helping you trim utility bills and boost overall efficiency.
Data: The Great Equalizer It doesn’t matter if your building runs 10 sensors or 10,000—AI doesn’t play favorites. Even a modest setup can deliver insights into equipment performance. Your HVAC unit might look fine, but AI might detect inefficiencies, tipping you off to schedule a tune-up before it becomes a full-blown crisis. It’s like having a mechanic who can see the future, helping you manage your building like a pro, even with minimal staff.
Case Study: The Power of Early Detection
Consider this example: a medium-sized office building installed IoT sensors on its aging HVAC system and signed up for a cloud-based predictive maintenance platform. Within a few months, the system flagged a performance issue in one unit. Instead of waiting for the system to crash, the manager replaced a minor component, avoiding a $50,000 repair bill and days of downtime. Talk about ROI.
Ready, Set, Optimize: How to Get Started
So, how do you go from zero to AI hero? The trick is to start small, think smart, and scale up. Here’s your game plan:
Assess Your Current Setup Identify the critical systems in your building—like HVAC, boilers, and electrical systems—that would benefit the most from predictive maintenance. Even if your equipment is older, IoT sensors can usually be retrofitted, allowing you to collect the data needed to make smarter decisions.
Start Small and Scale Gradually No need to cover your entire building with sensors from day one. Start with one system, like your HVAC, and see how it performs. Once you notice savings and efficiency improvements, you can expand to other systems.
Find the Right Partner Look for vendors that specialize in cloud-based solutions tailored to smaller buildings. The solutions should be easy to install, with ongoing support and training. If your team isn’t tech-savvy, make sure the vendor offers strong customer service and guidance.
Monitor, Learn, and Scale Once your system is up and running, keep an eye on the data. Use those insights to fine-tune your maintenance schedule and optimize energy use. As you become more comfortable, expand the system to cover more areas, gradually turning your building into a well-oiled machine.
Conclusion: Time to Level Up
For years, small to medium-sized buildings have been left out in the cold when it comes to cutting-edge tech. But now, AI-powered predictive maintenance offers a way for these buildings to join the big leagues—without the big-budget headaches. By starting small and scaling up, even the most budget-conscious facilities can reap the benefits of increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and fewer disasters. It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about stepping into the future with confidence. Who’s ready to take off the blindfold?
The role of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) in facility management has evolved significantly, driven by the rapid advancement of technology. In today’s dynamic environment, integrating CMMS with advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing is not just a trend but a necessity. This integration enhances efficiency, improves asset management, and ensures compliance in critical environments. This article explores how these integrations are transforming facility management and outlines the key benefits and challenges.
The Role of CMMS in Facility Management
CMMS is a software solution that centralizes maintenance information, streamlines processes, and automates many maintenance-related tasks. Traditionally, CMMS has been used for scheduling maintenance, tracking work orders, and managing assets. However, with the advent of new technologies, the capabilities of CMMS have expanded significantly.
Integrating AI and IoT with CMMS
One of the most transformative integrations is between CMMS and the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices can collect real-time data from various assets, including HVAC systems, lighting, and machinery. This data can then be fed into the CMMS, providing facility managers with real-time insights into the performance and health of their assets.
For example, IoT sensors can monitor the condition of an HVAC system, detecting any anomalies such as temperature fluctuations or unusual vibrations. This data is then processed by the CMMS, which can automatically generate a work order for maintenance if a potential issue is detected. This predictive maintenance approach helps prevent equipment failures, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of assets.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) further enhances the capabilities of CMMS by enabling advanced data analytics. AI algorithms can analyze historical and real-time data to identify patterns and predict future maintenance needs. This proactive approach allows facility managers to schedule maintenance activities more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and optimizing resource allocation.
Enhancing Critical Environments
Integrating CMMS with advanced technologies is particularly beneficial for managing critical environments such as data centers, hospitals, and laboratories. These environments require high levels of reliability and compliance with strict regulations.
For instance, in a hospital setting, maintaining the functionality of critical equipment such as MRI machines and life-support systems is crucial. IoT sensors can continuously monitor these devices, while the CMMS ensures that maintenance activities are performed on time and documented accurately. This integration not only enhances equipment reliability but also helps meet regulatory requirements and improves patient safety.
Cloud Computing and Mobility
Cloud computing is another technology that has revolutionized CMMS. Cloud-based CMMS solutions offer several advantages over traditional on-premises systems, including scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Facility managers can access the CMMS from any location using mobile devices, allowing them to manage maintenance activities remotely. This is particularly useful for large organizations with multiple facilities or for managing facilities in different geographic locations.
Mobile access to CMMS also improves communication and coordination among maintenance teams. Technicians can receive work orders, update their status, and access asset information directly from their mobile devices, reducing response times and improving productivity. Additionally, cloud-based CMMS solutions often come with advanced security features, ensuring that sensitive maintenance data is protected.
Benefits of CMMS Integration
Improved Asset Management: Integrating CMMS with IoT and AI enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, leading to better asset management and reduced downtime.
Enhanced Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks and proactive maintenance scheduling free up staff to focus on more critical activities, improving overall operational efficiency.
Cost Savings: Predictive maintenance helps prevent costly equipment failures and extends the lifespan of assets, resulting in significant cost savings.
Regulatory Compliance: In critical environments, integrated CMMS solutions help ensure compliance with industry regulations by maintaining accurate maintenance records and timely equipment inspections.
Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based CMMS solutions offer scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to adapt to changing maintenance needs and manage facilities across different locations.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of integrating CMMS with advanced technologies are clear, there are also challenges to consider. One of the primary challenges is the initial investment required for implementing IoT sensors and AI solutions. Organizations need to assess the long-term benefits and return on investment to justify these costs.
Data security is another critical concern, especially with cloud-based solutions. It is essential to choose a CMMS provider that offers robust security measures to protect sensitive maintenance data from cyber threats.
Interoperability is also a challenge, as integrating different technologies and systems can be complex. Organizations should ensure that their CMMS solution supports open APIs and can seamlessly integrate with other technologies and platforms used in their facility management operations.
Conclusion
The integration of CMMS with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing is transforming facility management. These integrations offer numerous benefits, including improved asset management, enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance. However, organizations must carefully consider the challenges and make informed decisions to fully leverage the potential of these technologies. By embracing these advancements, facility managers can create smarter, more efficient, and resilient facilities, setting the stage for future growth and success.
In the world of facility management, maintenance teams often find themselves facing problems that seem straight out of a puzzle book. From wildlife intrusions to ancient plumbing mysteries, the path to a solution requires not just technical skills, but creativity, innovation, and sometimes, a bit of luck. This blog post celebrates the ingenuity and perseverance of those who tackle these challenges head-on, sharing tales of unusual maintenance issues and the clever solutions that resolved them.
When Nature Calls: The Case of the Beehive HVAC
At a small office building in the suburbs, the air conditioning began to fail during a sweltering summer. Technicians initially suspected a typical malfunction, but the truth was far buzzier. A massive beehive had taken residence in an external HVAC unit, blocking airflow and threatening both the system and the building’s occupants. The solution? Maintenance collaborated with a local beekeeper. They safely relocated the bees to a nearby farm, clearing the unit without harm to the bees or technicians. This incident reminded everyone of the importance of regular exterior inspections and the unexpected ways nature can impact facility operations.
A Ghost in the Machine: The Mysterious Nightly Alarms
A heritage hotel experienced a baffling problem: fire alarms going off nightly at precisely 2:03 AM, with no apparent cause. This not only disrupted guests but posed a serious concern for safety protocols. An electrician uncovered the issue wasn’t supernatural but historical—old wiring that expanded and contracted with temperature changes, triggering the alarms. The solution involved replacing the outdated wiring, but to preserve the building’s integrity, this was done meticulously to blend with its historical character. The hotel now enjoys peaceful nights, with guests only disturbed by the occasional creaks of its antique floors.
The Escalator to Nowhere: A Lesson in User Experience
In a modern shopping center, an escalator inexplicably began reversing direction at random intervals, causing confusion and safety concerns. Initial checks on the system’s mechanics and electronics returned no clues. The breakthrough came when a keen-eyed technician observed shoppers leaning on an advertising panel at the escalator’s base, unwittingly pressing a hidden “reverse” button intended for maintenance use. The solution was elegantly simple: relocate the button and educate the staff, preventing further accidental escalator adventures. This incident underscored the importance of considering user interaction in facility design and maintenance.
The Unseen Leak: Solving a Puzzle Below the Surface
A newly renovated office building faced an escalating water bill with no visible signs of leaks. The maintenance team embarked on a detective mission, using thermal imaging to trace the building’s plumbing. They discovered a small, but constant leak in a pipe encased within a concrete floor, likely damaged during construction. Repairing this without extensive disruption required precision: the team drilled a small access hole to inject a sealant, successfully stopping the leak without having to excavate the floor. This approach not only solved the problem but did so in a way that was minimally invasive and cost-effective.
The Staircase Symphony: Harmonizing Form and Function
In a unique instance at a university, a newly constructed outdoor staircase began producing musical tones when stepped on, much to the confusion and delight of students. While initially considered a charming quirk, concerns arose about its potential as a distraction or even a safety issue. Investigation revealed that the spacing of the steps, combined with the material used, created the musical effect when walked upon at a normal pace. The creative solution? Embrace it. The university launched a competition for students to compose melodies for the staircase, turning an oddity into an attraction. This innovative response not only resolved the concerns but also celebrated the intersection of functionality and art.
Conclusion
These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of facility maintenance, where the ordinary can quickly turn into the extraordinary. They showcase the ingenuity required to solve problems that don’t always have a straightforward fix. For facility managers and maintenance teams, these tales underscore the importance of being prepared for anything, thinking outside the box, and sometimes, finding the joy in the challenge. In the world of maintenance, every problem is an opportunity to innovate, learn, and occasionally, add a little excitement to the daily routine.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a critical component of any building’s infrastructure. They are responsible for maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring a comfortable environment for building occupants. However, HVAC systems can also be a significant source of energy consumption and cost for building owners and managers. Therefore, it is essential for FMs to improve the efficiency of their HVAC systems to reduce energy costs and improve the overall building performance. Here are some ways you can improve the efficiency of your building’s HVAC system.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping HVAC systems functioning at their best. Facilities managers should schedule regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs to ensure that HVAC systems are running efficiently. Neglected HVAC systems can lead to dirty filters, clogged coils, and leaky ducts, which can reduce performance and increase energy consumption. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues, extend the lifespan of the system, and save energy and money in the long run.
Use High-Efficiency HVAC Equipment
Upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC equipment can significantly improve the efficiency of the system. Facilities managers should consider using equipment that meets or exceeds industry standards, such as those certified by ENERGY STAR. High-efficiency HVAC equipment uses less energy than traditional equipment, which can lead to significant energy savings over time. Moreover, high-efficiency equipment is often designed to operate at part-load conditions, which can result in additional energy savings during periods of low demand.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a valuable tool for improving HVAC system efficiency. They allow facilities managers to set temperature schedules that align with the building’s occupancy schedule. For example, the thermostat can be set to lower the temperature during non-business hours or weekends when the building is unoccupied and raise it before employees arrive. This simple step can reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs significantly. Also, consider automating your after-hours HVAC program or going HVAC on-demand for the weekends. These programs cut energy waste while giving your tenants more flexible work hours.
Optimize Airflow
Optimizing airflow is another essential factor in improving HVAC system efficiency. Facilities managers should ensure that HVAC systems are designed to deliver the right amount of air to each area of the building. The air ducts should be sized correctly to match the load requirements of the building, and they should be sealed to prevent air leakage. Additionally, filters should be checked regularly and replaced as necessary to ensure that the system is not overworking to compensate for restricted airflow.
Consider Renewable Energy
Facilities managers should also consider integrating renewable energy sources into their HVAC systems. Renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal can provide an energy efficient and sustainable source of energy for HVAC systems. Solar panels can generate electricity to power the HVAC system, while geothermal systems can use the ground’s stable temperature to heat or cool the building. Although these options may require significant upfront investment, they can provide long-term cost savings and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Improve Building Envelope
Improving the building envelope is another way that facilities managers can improve HVAC system efficiency. The building envelope includes the walls, roof, windows, and doors that separate the indoor and outdoor environments. Improving insulation, weather stripping, and window and door seals can reduce heat transfer and prevent air leaks, resulting in less heating and cooling energy needed. The HVAC system will have less load to handle and thus function more efficiently.
In conclusion, improving the efficiency of HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower costs for building owners and managers. Facilities managers can achieve this by conducting regular maintenance, using high-efficiency equipment, installing programmable thermostats, optimizing airflow, considering renewable energy, and improving the building envelope. With these steps in place, facilities managers can ensure that their HVAC systems are functioning optimally, providing comfortable environments for building occupants while saving energy and money in the long run.
Fire protection systems are one of the most complex and ubiquitous structures within facilities today. They contain many parts intertwined with other building components. For example, emergency lighting and smoke detectors wire into your electrical system. Fire pumps and hydrants hook up to your water mains. Fire alarms connect to your building’s access system to automatically unlock exterior doors.
Your HVAC system is also closely coupled to your fire protection equipment, and its maintenance and condition can directly impact the safety of your inhabitants and the extent of damage to your property.
1. Ductwork
Your system’s ductwork distributes conditioned air throughout the building. But during a fire, such distribution is unwanted. As temps rise and smoke builds, your HVAC’s return ductwork can carry smoke, toxic gases, and superheated air throughout other areas. This spreads the fire and puts occupants in danger. Even worse, supply side ductwork can actually “feed” a localised fire with fresh oxygen, increasing the temperature and property damage.
During a fire, smoke is the number one killer. In fact, most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation. Therefore, controlling its spread is safety 101. Plus, smoke can often emit from sources besides an open flame. Burnt toast or microwave popcorn could result in smoke rolling through an entire office floor. This could cause a panic and dangerous stampede to exits. So, any fire safety plan should also include the perception of fire itself as a real threat to life and property.
Duct smoke detectors can help. These devices reside within your ductwork where they detect smoke moving throughout your HVAC system and initiate pre-programmed actions. For example, one of your HVAC fan motors overheats and produces smoke. Once activated, the duct detector could turn on an exhaust fan, close a damper, shut down automation systems, signal an alarm and/or cut power to the fan motor itself.
2. Fire and Smoke Dampers
Fire dampers are another critical way your HVAC systems aid your facility’s fire protection system. Dampers are essentially air valves that shut off airflow in the event of a fire. They’re normally installed at any point where your system’s ductwork passes through a wall, floor or other fire-rated partition. The idea is to close off HVAC ventilation for any area where a fire exists. So, locating them within a fire-rated wall, for example, retains the integrity of the wall even if the ductwork falls away or is damaged by fire.
There are two basic types of dampers: fire and smoke. Fire dampers are usually triggered by a physical device such as a fusible link. Once the temperature rises above a specific point, the fusible link will melt and trigger the closing of the fire damper. As its name suggests, the damper’s main function is to stop fire from spreading through the ductwork.
Smoke dampers are part of the smoke suppression system. They typically connect to fire alarm systems, which trigger the dampers to close and prevent smoke transference. There are smoke/fire combination dampers as well.
Most fire codes require fire and smoke dampers to be actuated and tested every few years, depending on the facility type. Make sure you know your fire code and test that your dampers are physically working, installations are compliant and any replacements are compatible with your system.
3. AHU Support and Location
In the event of a fire, your alarm system should shut down any air handling units (AHUs) within the affected area or site wide. Again, the purpose is to contain the movement of smoke and air, and your AHU is the central place where this happens. However, operation isn’t the only consideration.
AHUs are large, heavy pieces of equipment weighing several tons depending on the size of the system. They’re also loud; that’s why they’re usually located within mechanical rooms and building rooftops. In multi-storey properties, these behemoths can become a danger to building inhabitants. During a fire, walls and floors weaken under intense heat, and those supporting heavy AHUs can give way quickly. While there’s little you can do to predict heat intensity during a fire, you can ensure your AHUs are appropriately located and that building floors are rated for their weight and size.
Conclusion
To function correctly, building systems must work together. It’s not enough just to tackle preventative maintenance for one system and ignore another. Their intertwining requires awareness of how changing one system affects another. Your HVAC system is no different. Upkeep and maintenance of it directly affects the effectiveness and efficiency of your fire protection system.
Colder weather often brings spikes in COVID-19 and influenza cases. With this in mind, we should continue promoting vaccinations, mask wearing, social distancing, surface cleaning and handwashing inside your buildings. However, we shouldn’t forget about our HVAC systems; they also play an important role in stopping the spread of COVID. In fact, if not properly managed, these systems significantly contribute to virus transmission. To properly protect your facility’s visitors and workers this winter, prep your HVAC system the right way by following these guidelines.
Use an Air Dilution Strategy
Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 travel within tiny liquid droplets expelled through our coughs and sneezes. These droplets can range in size from larger particles (5-10 μm) to smaller ones (less than 5 μm). Larger droplets fall to the ground quickly, while smaller aerosols linger in the air much longer. Their hang time presents both a problem and an opportunity. The problem is that these tiny airborne particles can easily cluster together, becoming concentrated within small areas like offices. Concentration makes them more potent and contagious.
However, these clusters are also easily dispersed or “diluted” by adequate air flow. So, an effective dilution strategy is to keep a good mixture of air within every part of your building. It’s a similar idea to running vs standing water. Which is safer to drink? Here are some tips for an effective dilution strategy.
Increase Outside Air Flow
Increasing outside air flow helps dilute recirculated interior air and break up any high concentration particle clusters. The CDC recommends the following tips when introducing outside air flow into your interior spaces:
Disable demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems
Open outdoor air dampers beyond minimum settings
When conditions allow, open windows and external doors
Use stand-alone fans inside windows
Set indoor AC unit fan speeds to “on” instead of “auto”
Run your systems longer, 24/7 if possible
CAVEAT: Increasing outside air flow during very cold or very warm weather raises your energy costs and puts added stress on your system to maintain set points. So, some actions may only be practical during milder weather. Another concern is the introduction of pollutants and pollen into the building. For occupants with allergies, outside air could contain possible health risks from contaminants. Increasing outside air flow during very cold or very warm weather raises your energy costs and puts added stress on your system to maintain set points. So, some actions may only be practical during milder weather.
Another concern is the introduction of pollutants and pollen into the building. For occupants with allergies, outside air could contain possible health risks. Most higher-rated filters can catch pollen (which is between 5 -11 μm) so introduction of outside air through fans, open windows and doors pose the greater risk.
Target 5 Air Changes Per Hour
Your air change rate (ACH) is a measure of how often you replace the air within a space. However, ACH is a bit misleading since one cycle doesn’t equate to 100% removal. In fact, it takes longer than you’d expect to vacate any contaminants from a room.
“When we change air in a room,” explains Lance Jimmieson, of Jackson Engineering, “we’re not magically taking out all of the air that’s there and replacing it with fresh air. It comes in, mixes and turns over, and typically mixes between perimeter and center zones. So, we’ve got to remove it.”
Jimmieson advises targeting a minimum of 5 air changes/hr (12 cycles) and bases his recommendation on CDC data (Table B.1). “Even with ten air changes an hour, i.e. every 6 minutes, it’s still going to take half an hour to get rid of any traces of an aerosol in the room, so air change rates need to be relatively high,” he explains.
Upgrade Air Filtration Systems
The choice of filter matters when trying to arrest droplets containing small contaminants like viruses. ASHRAE recommends a minimum MERV-13 grade or better for commercial buildings. MERV-13 through 16 can achieve a 95-99% average removal efficiency for particles from 0.3 to 1.0 μm.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters have an even higher performance, capturing 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 μm. However, their superior efficiency creates more pressure drop in your system, which will reduce airflow rates and therefore system performance.
CAVEAT Pressure drops from upgrading filters can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. In fact, most managers and owners will find it too difficult or impossible to retrofit their HVAC systems with HEPA filters without a costly or significant redesign. This hurdle is why ASHRAE recommends using portable systems with HEPA filters. Also, higher grade filters are costly and single use, so expect an uptick in operating costs.
Consider UV Germicidal Irradiation
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems use short wavelength UV-C light to kill viruses and bacteria before they’re distributed by your ventilation system. UVGI systems for HVAC are usually mercury-based lamps or LEDs. As viruses pass through the HVAC system, the lamps “inactivate” any viruses captured by high efficiency filters or that move through the AHU.
UVGI lamps contribute to air sterilization, especially where outside air flow is restricted and/or dilution efforts are insufficient. However, UV-C does have limits. Jimmieson notes that one critical restriction that’s often overlooked is particle size. “By and large, a good rule of thumb is that if you’ve got a particle size that is bigger than 5 μm then you’re going to struggle to nuke that particle with UV light.”
It’s a fact that has implications for your filtration system, since low efficiency filters allow particles greater than 5 μm to pass through. If those larger particles are hosting viruses, then they may not be neutralized by your UVGI. “You really want to position the UVGI system downstream of a good quality filter to take the lumps out of the air,” Jimmieson recommends.