For many homeowners, the question of whether HVAC UV light should stay on all the time is a common one. The answer to this question depends on the type of UV light installed in the air conditioning system. The UV-C section of the spectrum has germicidal properties, with 253.7 nm being the ideal frequency level at which DNA absorbs the greatest amount of UV light. Generally, UV lights installed on the air controller will be on all the time, while those placed inside the ducts should only be turned on when the air conditioner is in operation.
Between the two models of UV light for air conditioning, the “best option” depends on your system and your needs. You can add super powerful UV light to your air conditioning system, but it's probably too much and will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars. It is best to consult your HVAC technician and decide on the best and most effective place to install UV lights in your HVAC system. UV duct lights or germicidal air HVAC lights are designed to remove allergens and contaminants from the air that come through return vents.
Unfortunately, UV bulbs are not even installed in the ducts most of the time. The HVAC professional who provides services in your home or office building may ask if you would consider installing ultraviolet (UV) lights inside your system. This is important because the presence of particles can protect a microorganism from bombardment by ultraviolet light. Lately, UV lights have gained popularity because they are said to be effective in ending the new coronavirus, COVID-19. In short, the UV lamps that your air conditioning company wants to sell you are probably a waste of money, so it would be much better if you manually repair the system once a year.
According to an Engineered Air technician, UV HVAC lights are very effective in controlling mold in the interior of the air treatment device. Coil sanitizer lights are great for keeping your HVAC system clean, but air sanitizer lights are the best at cleaning the air itself. One of the claims that some HVAC companies make is that an ultraviolet light in your HVAC system can eliminate viruses. However, this is not necessarily true as some viruses can survive exposure to UV light.
Finally, some HVAC technicians who work in sales rely on UV light treatment in their system because it can kill bacteria. In conclusion, it is important to understand that whether or not an HVAC UV light should stay on all the time depends on its type and location within an air conditioning system. It is best to consult a professional HVAC technician for advice on how to best install and use UV lights for optimal results.