Ultraviolet (UV) light is a powerful tool for disinfecting air, but it can also cause damage to your air conditioning (AC) system. UVC rays don't reach the Earth because they are absorbed by the atmosphere, but they can be used to attack germs that can worsen conditions such as asthma and COPD. These lights can also remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause odors such as tobacco smoke. However, if the air conditioning system has damaged or leaking ducts, the holes or gaps in the ducts can create a vacuum that attracts new contaminants (such as dust and debris) from attics and mezzanines that do not pass through UV light and, therefore, are not sterilized. In addition, both types of disinfectant lights prevent dirt from accumulating and circulating through the air conditioning system.
Installing UV lights in all ducts of the system will require more work and is not recommended. Higher frequency UV light has enough energy to destroy the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms, killing them and disinfecting the air. With the right conditions and proper installation, UV lights can be very effective in killing viruses, molds and bacteria. This UV lamp that disinfects the air is ideal for residential air conditioning systems because they are affordable, easy to install and disinfect the air when the air conditioner or oven is working. One of the claims that some HVAC companies make is that an ultraviolet light in your HVAC system can eliminate viruses. If you're concerned about indoor air quality, consider installing ultraviolet (UV) light on your air conditioning system.
Most UV HVAC lamps are designed to be able to draw energy from the fan, so that they only work while the air controller is turned on. Another problem with UV HVAC lights that the sales technician won't tell you is that the UVC radiation doesn't interact with the circulating air for a long time. Common household VOCs that HVAC UV light systems neutralize include paints, solvents, sprays, cleaners, disinfectants, repellents, and air fresheners. Two studies point to the effectiveness of ultraviolet light in killing mold and bacteria, one in hospitals and the other in a commercial HVAC system. UV light has germicidal properties, making it ideal for disinfecting passing air by the air conditioning system.
