What is biofilm?
Biofilm is a slimy, sticky substance found on the coils, drain pans and ductwork of HVAC systems serving buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals and hotels. This unpleasant matter is a combination of microorganisms, bacteria, moulds, and fungi that can gather in the moist environment of a HVAC system.
What problems does biofilm cause?
- Because it’s an insulator, biofilm reduces the efficiency of heat exchange
- It increases pressure drops across the HVAC coil
- It produces sulphite-reducing bacteria, causing corrosion to the HVAC system
- The air passing through a contaminated HVAC system carries bacteria, moulds, and other infectious particles throughout the building
What is the financial cost of biofilm?
HVAC system efficiency drops in direct relation to biofilm thickness. A layer of biofilm equal to the width of a human hair can reduce energy efficiency by 5.3%. A layer of biofilm just 0.9mm thick can reduce energy efficiency by almost one third (32.2%).
How can biofilm be removed?
Biofilm is resistant to physical cleaning and chemical disinfectants, but not to high-output ultraviolet-C (UVC) light.
The CoilCare® system from Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions is an automated, chemical-free system for cleaning and disinfecting HVAC equipment, including cooling coils, drain pans, and ventilation ductwork.
As well as being easy to install and requiring little maintenance, CoilCare®offers the following benefits:
- Eliminates 99% of microbial bacteria and fungi
- Continued use prevents the re-growth of biofilm
- Optimises HVAC system performance
- Increases energy savings
- Improves indoor air quality
Find out more about CoilCare® and other innovative air and surface disinfection systems from Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions by calling Colin Hardman on 07940 544 206 or email colin@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.
