Air duct cleaning removes dust, debris, and contaminants from your heating and cooling system. However, UV light technology can further sanitize your ducts by killing microbes and germs left behind. Consequently, pairing UV lights with duct cleaning provides additional benefits for indoor air quality and allergy relief.
UV light works by bombarding microorganisms with high-energy UV-C rays, destroying their DNA and RNA and rendering them unable to reproduce. When installed in an air duct system, a UV light fixture continuously disinfects the air passing through the ducts (1).
How UV Lights Help during Air Duct Cleaning
Since air duct cleaning cannot remove 100% of contaminants, some microbes may remain post-cleaning. Installing UV lights after cleaning kills these remaining organisms. This can help ensure:
- Higher sanitation levels. UV light destroys microbes that cleaning may miss, including bacteria, mold, and viruses. Consequently, ducts are more sanitized and hygienic (2).
- Ongoing treatment. The UV light continues operating after installation, constantly cleansing air passing through the ductwork. This provides continuous purification of your entire HVAC system.
Pros and Cons of UV Lights
While UV duct sanitation provides benefits, there are considerations:
Pros:
- Improved indoor air quality. By reducing microbes in ducts, UV lights help contribute to the overall quality of the air you breathe. This can help reduce odors and provide allergy relief.
- Lower risk of contamination. Fewer mold spores, bacteria, and other organisms means a lower chance of recontamination after your ducts are cleaned.
In conclusion, while UV lights have become a popular air duct cleaning additive, they function best when paired with a thorough traditional cleaning first. UV then provides an extra layer of protection for ongoing disinfection and maintenance of your HVAC system. Ultimately, choosing UV lights depends on your priorities, budget, and ultimate goals for duct cleaning.
In summary, utilizing UV lights during air duct cleaning can help kill remaining germs and microbes for improved air quality and hygiene within your ductwork. However, professional traditional duct cleaning remains the foundational process, with UV lights serving as an enhancement.