WHY UV?
FAQs
UV is the common short name for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (also known as UVGI). UV is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA, rendering them harmless. To learn more about UV, including the difference between UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays, visit our Science Behind UV page.
No. UV has been used for disinfection for close to a century. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a proven, professional-level means of disinfection used in government buildings, hospitals, and other highly sensitive environments where maintaining sanitary air circulation and surface areas is critical. For more information on the history of UV, visit our Science Behind UV page.
Aerapy Animal Health has dedicated itself to working hand-in-hand with the animal care industry since our founding in 2008. Collaborating with reputable microbiologists, veterinarians, and mechanical engineers, we developed an exclusive sizing method to deliver the correct amount of UV dosage or energy needed to kill up to 99.998% of tested virus and bacterial pathogens that can harm the animals in your care. For more insight on what we can do for your specific animal care environment, give us a call at (866) 994-2473, or contact us here.
The effectiveness of germicidal UV depends on many factors including knowing the type of animal care industry you are in (e.g., animal shelter, pet boarding, veterinary hospital, pet-friendly hotel) and the number of animals that you care for in any given time. Importantly, it also depends on the length of time a microorganism should be exposed to UV along with the intensity and wavelength of the UV.
Aerapy Animal Health’s proprietary sizing method is specifically adapted for pathogens that impact animal care environments and may result in different design parameters (i.e., lamp power levels, filter size, airflows, etc.) than system sizing methods used for human indoor environments. We make sure to accurately “size” your facility to ensure maximum effectiveness based on these specifics.
For more sizing method insight, give us a call at (866) 994-2473, or contact us here.
Simply put, there is no “one size fits all” solution when choosing UV air and surface disinfection systems, particularly for animal care environments which may differ considerably from human environments, as well as differ from each other.
An animal shelter may have different issues that need to be addressed than a pet-friendly hotel. By addressing the specific pathogens of concern in specific animal environments, the Aerapy Animal Health design process can ensure that the highest practical removal rates can be achieved and that the risk of infectious disease transmission is minimized. For more information, check out our Science Behind UV page.
Because there is no “one size fits all” solution, we do not put prices on the website as we need to evaluate each animal care environment to determine the best solution for you. Contact us today to discuss your particular needs.
No. All Aerapy Animal Health UV units are ozone-free.* While it’s true that ozone generators have been used in the animal care industry, it has been proven to be extremely dangerous to animals and birds, even at very low concentrations.
* Note about our Pet-Aire Portable Air Purifier (formerly, PA-777) SOLD OUT: If the ionizer button on the unit is switched “on” the unit will produce low levels of ozone at 0.050ppm, which is within California standards. Nevertheless, while it meets these standards, we recommend not engaging this function in occupied spaces. If you do want to use the function, it should only be done when animals and humans are not present.
No. Just as you shouldn’t stare at the sun, you shouldn’t look directly at UV-C light that’s much closer to you, not even with sunglasses. When it’s time to change your UV lamps or otherwise work on your system, be sure to turn off the unit or disconnect the power. Consult your product manual for details.
Yes. For details on how, visit our UV Energy Savings page.
Biofilm forms when bacteria and other microorganisms stick to surfaces and begin to reproduce, typically in moist environments found in your HVAC system (drain pans and coils). This growing mass of biofilm can release bioaerosols and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can then begin circulating through your ventilation, leading to poor indoor air quality, potential health issues for the occupants, and even sick building syndrome (for more on this subject, read PetVet Magazine’s “Sick Building, Sick Business: How Indoor Air Quality Affects the Financial Health of Your Business”).
Aerapy Animal Health’s UV systems for HVAC can help eliminate biofilm.
No. UV systems work in conjunction with filters. UV deactivates or kills living microorganisms. Air filters traps the larger particles such as dander, pollen, debris, etc. Moreover, filters require routine changes in order to maintain effectiveness and keep your HVAC system running smooth.
No. Once an infected animal coughs, sneezes, or sheds dander, the air inside your facility becomes potentially harmful to all the other animals you care for. While a few infected microorganisms may escape, the majority of those pathogens remain inside, recirculating.
Aerapy Animal Health has many options and models for air and surface UV disinfection systems, including upper air UV units. We will work together to find the right system for you. Contact us today and let’s get started.
The UV-C lamps (bulbs) included with your Aerapy Animal Health system should be replaced once per year. Even though the lamp may still be putting out visible light, germicidal effectiveness decreases over time and will gradually become ineffective in killing or deactivating germs. In a high-risk business like animal care, routine scheduling of lamp changes is a must.
While replacement lamps are widely available, you should only purchase your replacement lamps directly from Aerapy Animal Health, because we test each lamp prior to shipping to ensure enough germicidal energy and that there are no cracks or breakage. This is imperative to make sure the lamps work properly in conjunction with our proprietary sizing methods.
Further, when replacement bulbs are purchased from us, we send a certificate along with a one-year limited warranty on the bulbs (see your manual for warranty details). Learn more on purchasing on our Replacement Parts page.
UV-C lamps do not require cleaning; however, cleaning is recommended if the lamp has been touched during installation. If you want to wipe them down during the year, you can do so by using 99% pure alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Consult your product manual for details.
All Aerapy Animal Health UV products come with a 5-year product limited warranty on all parts (except lamps), with the exception of the Pet-Aire Portable Air Purifier (Sold Out), which comes with a 1-year product limited warranty.
Yes. However, before transferring to your new HVAC system please contact us with the make and model of your new HVAC unit so we can make sure it is properly sized with the correct Aerapy Animal Health UV equipment. Similarly, if you move you can take your Aerapy Animal Health UV equipment with you but, before reinstalling, contact us as we must confirm sizing for the new location.
UV lamps should be replaced once a year. Consult your manual for details.
It depends on the type of allergies you have. If they are environmental, it should be very effective. Airborne-related allergies are substantially decreased when UV is used along with an allergen filter in HVAC equipment. Learn more about the importance of eliminating the source of your allergies on our Canine Atopic Dermatitis/Allergies (even if you’re asking about your own allergies and asthma).
Aerapy Animal Health produces a wide variety of air and surface UV sanitizing units. What would work best for your particular indoor animal care environment (including mobile units) depends on the space. Considerations include, but are not limited to, size, layout, and whether HVAC is installed. Contact us to discuss your needs or learn more now on our Animal Industry Solutions and UV Products for Animal Care pages.
