The metal used in most ducts in air conditioning systems is highly resistant to damage caused by UV rays and does not wear out or become brittle over time, unlike plastic or other composite materials. Installing a germicidal UV light in the air controller can help protect vulnerable plastic components and reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause odors such as tobacco smoke, as well as bacteria and mold. UV lights are not effective at removing dandruff or dust, so if these are causing allergies, other HVAC system upgrades may be necessary. Unlike spiral sterilizer lights, which point at the air controller coil to sterilize anything in it, this UV light system removes harmful compounds from moving air. While it may seem like HVAC UV lights offer nothing but benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making the investment. HVAC UV lights are an effective means of improving indoor air quality, but only after following indoor air quality priorities.
The HVAC UV lamp helps you stay healthy by disinfecting the air that circulates through the air conditioning system and reducing the distribution of mold and viruses in the home. If you only feel like you're sneezing but have no other symptoms, dust or dandruff could be the real cause of the problem, and unfortunately, UV lights can't fix those problems. The extra expense can be worth it if you have problems that UV lights can solve, such as mold caused by excess moisture. In addition to making breathing easier, UV lights for air conditioning help HVAC units operate more efficiently and are less easily damaged. If you or your family suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, installing a built-in UV air purifier is a good idea.
While UV lights in air conditioning systems are effective at sterilizing contaminants and allergens, they have some limitations. HVAC UV lights are worth it if you or your family suffer from allergies or illnesses caused by germs or particles that no other tool can remedy. If you're thinking of adding UV lights to your air conditioning system, there are only two types to choose from. Since UV lights only kill germs when the device is turned on, run the system for a few hours after installation. HVAC UV lights sterilize viruses and bacteria before they can return to your home, helping to reduce airborne germs that can infect healthy family members or people with weaker immune systems.
In addition, among the lesser-known advantages of these lights, they also help to keep the coils and the drain pan clean, reducing both wear and maintenance requirements. Even with UV lights in the air conditioning unit, air filters are still needed to remove particulates, such as dust and dandruff, from the air before they circulate around the house. And to be fair, mold spores and bacteria from the condenser coil could make their way to the air supply, so these UV lights offer very little benefit.