UV Lights for HVAC System?

@mpowers I have heard this question often. Independent research on UV light effectiveness in home HVAC systems seems to be non-existent. More information is available regarding commercial settings. Here is what I know about UV sterilization - it is dependent upon the light directly shining on the source of mold, bacteria, etc, the power of the UV lamp, and the length of time in contact.
UV lights are thought to be more effective when aimed at condenser, coils and other places where moisture may collect and the light hits continuously. But nobody offers statistics on the measurable reduction in mold or bacteria on the air flowing through a UV lighted duct, probably because one would need a series of lights throughout the ducts for there to be sufficient contact to have an effect.
UV lights must be always on to be effective, and bulbs lose effectiveness over time, needing to be replaced at least every year. UV light can degrade some HVAC components in just a few years.
Finally, the effectiveness of a duct system may be affected if you open doors and windows, introducing more pollutants, and if you don't run your system fan full time.
Overall, with the advice of our HVAC vendor, we have opted for a more typical airfiltration system, augmented by room HEPA filtration systems in the occupied spaces, as well as diligent maintenance.
Sue

Sue - what is the view about duct cleaning? Some say it causes more trouble than it's worth. I often think about it but am afraid to have it done in case it stirs up more than it cleans. Thanks

Here is what the EPA hase to say about duct cleaning:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

As for our own home, we have our ducts cleaned after construction/remodeling activity in our home and when we changed (years ago) from wood heat (airtight system) with warm air circulated through our ducts. Also, where we live in Texas, most people get their ducts cleaned when they buy a used residence because there is such prevalence of roaches and rodents, especially in seasonally occupied dwellings. My daughters both had theirs cleaned because cats, to which they are fiercely allergic, had resided in the homes.

Who cleans our ducts? Our furnace company, who we trust, does them here. They clean everything associated with the heating and cooling system every year (not ducts). After construction, they bring in power brushes and clean the ducts. All is sucked out with huge vacuum hoses into their truck and they have never left a trace of dust or debris. When they do it, they also check the seals on all exposed ducts. In Texas, one local company has a great reputation for being thorough and careful if not inexpensive.

So I don't believe in "routine" duct cleaning like the advertise. Between annual cleaning of the HVAC system, sealed ductwork, and my occasional vacuuming both the vents (remove covers and reach in with vacuum hose) and cold air returns it doesn't seem necessary. But there is a place for it. And if I had furry pets whose hair ends up everywhere, I would be likely to do it more often.
Sue

Check out iWave-R (ResidentialAir Cleaner) for systems up to 6 tons. Self Cleaning No Maintenance.
I live in a "life care community"
(it is one step down from Assisted Living. This type system is in the Commons Building. (Bldg. with dining, gymn, auditorium, and offices.)
I requested it for my small apartment but I had to pay for it myself. I am not sure whether I got a discount or not, but it cost me $800.
Does it help? I really do not know because it has not been given a fair chance. I am allergic to dust mites and I am 4 years behind on all my business activities and accounting so I have stacks and boxes of old papers everywhere in my apartment. However, when I go in the commons building I can breath easier.

With my dust allergy (severe asthma), any dust is trouble. Cardboard and old paper (old books) are magnets for dust and mold. I found an all wood barristers bookshelf, which has proved helpful in keeping the dust controlled, as well as cleaning the contents regularly, with a mask on!
Previously in my house I had duct cleaning routinely. I now use an I.Q. Air filter in my apartment. Have used this for about 12 years, with excellent effect.
I too would have trouble in a room with old boxes! Perhaps you could transfer the 'stacks of paper' into some plastic bins to seal up the paper and remove the cardboard boxes, until able to work on them.
Best of luck getting through such a project.!

Christine - my second reply to you today! You should post more often - you are full of wisdom.
These intelligent dust filters have been a salvation for us.
35 years ago, my daughters' ENT told us to remove all books and stuffies from their room. Each was allowed one to sleep with, and it was laundered weekly. The tears of 2 little girls prevailed, and we bought each a 4-high set of barrister bookcases behind which we stored their precious collections. They both still have those bookcases in their homes.
Over the past 3 years, I have been gradually decluttering our house. ALL of the old magazines and textbooks are now gone. The few books we kept in a closed bookcase.
All carboard storage is history as well. Items we choose to keep are stored in closed totes. 75-80% of what was in the boxes is gone.
Keep coaching here please!
Sue

Raney, I have a suggestion for you to help tame your paper mess. If you are like most people, good stuff, old bills, old statements, expired coupons, old ads are all mixed together. I bet less than 10% of the "stuff" is of current value, and even less needs to be saved.
If you are in a community, ask your business manager or activity director for a recommendation to a secretary, student, or someone to hire who can make a first sort for you. Or ask a family member to do it as a birthday or Christmas gift.
First look AT the boxes -Did you move them from the house with you? How long ago? Have you looked into any of them since you moved for something you needed? If the answer is "No", unless you think there are family photos or your will in the boxes, out they go to they shredder - don't even open. Your community will have a shredder contract because they handle sensitive records. Ask them to take care of shredding for you.
If the answer is "Yes" or "Maybe" set these aside to do LAST.
Next, set up a table and let your helper go to work, after explaining key items to look for. No talking or picking stuff up while they work. Have them work from the most current piles towards the older ones. When your helper leaves for the day, do not pick through or mess with the piles.
1. Throw away all Ads, all newspapers older than 1 month, any newsletter or magazine older than 6 months. Take the bags out as they fill - these can go to recycle.
2. Make piles: personal letters and cards, receipts, car/life insurance, business/tax records, medical/Medicare/health insurance, credit card and utility statements. Throw away all envelopes and extra "stuffers" into recycle.
3.You did not say what business you are in, nor when you moved from your home, but if it has been more than 4 years, all the old business and house records can be shredded. No need to look at them. The same with old credit card and utility statements - after they are paid, if no dispute on them, keep for one year AT THE LONGEST.
4. Medical - Here is where YOU sit down at a separate table and go to work. All those notices from Medicare and your doctor billings are full of unnecessary papers. If Medicare is just telling you the claims are paid, shred bag for everything not from this year. The same with all the medical bills or insurance statement ONLY save anything in dispute, unpaid, or from this year and place it in a small tote labelled 2023.
5. Receipts - Shred all ATM, grocery store, clothing and other receipts after 3 months (or less) unless for a major item (air cleaner, furniture) Attach major item receipts to the instructions that came with the item.
6. Current (2023) insurance, bank statements & investment info into your 2023 tote.
7. Tax Info - If you still must file Federal or State income tax (many seniors do not) make an Income Tax tote and place records there. No receipts or medical go here - almost nobody itemizes deductions any more.
By having someone else get all the extra stuff out of there, you can get down to a manageable amount.
I'm going to be forthright here - if something happened tomorrow, and you were never coming back to your apartment, chances are at least 90% that whoever empties your apartment, even a family member, with just throw all that stuff out. This gives you a chance to decide what to throw away.
Sue

Thank you, Sue! Good suggestions! I appreciate all your input on various questions. Thanks a million!1