UV lights are pretty cheap to install - the units are under $100 and it does no harm (until its time to replace the bulb when it'll cost about $50 each year). Do they really work? They may keep the coil and pan irradiated but do little to keep the ductwork clean and/or mold free.

UV sanitizers are designed to reduce bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air being distributed by your HVAC system. Over time, you should see a difference in your air quality, especially if anyone inside your home has allergies or asthma. They also can control the microbial growth of mold within your system. There is no proof that UV sanitizers kill or prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A UV light is not going to keep you duct work clean. I think they are an unnecessary expense.

My ductwork is all in conditioned space, so I have fewer concerns about temperature differentials and condensation / worries about a lack of insulation, etc. Cleaner mechanical systems seem to indicate cleaner overall ductwork from a pathogen / mold perspective.

I thought I saw something recently on UV and COVID - need to see what's what.

Generally, I know that I am following guidelines o staying virus free, so this is just more a statement of future proofing / is this a "might help can't hurt" scenario.

Interesting seeing the differences of opinion from professionals.

Some good data here - especially about UV-C light, filtration and relative humidity.

https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/position%20documents/pd_infectiousaerosols_2020.pdf

Something to consider in a holistic approach to HVAC.

If the UV lights generate *ANY* ozone, they will do more harm than good.

Ozone in any amount is not good to breathe.

Additional costs: The bulbs lose effectiveness over time, must be changed annually whether they burn out or not.

Most people can't even change their air filter religiously, let alone afford an annual check up, performed by a professional.

So what's changed in the world of Corona? nothing.

Good thought about the ozone - I'll check. It does appear that UV-C sanitizing is bring done in clinical and institutional settings, so I expect there is non-ozone generating methods readily available.

We have a UV sanitizer as part of our water filtration and sanitation system, so I'll have to change bulbs annually already regardless - so what's one more. Our mechanical room is a pretty large, conditioned space right off the laundry room, so any sort of maintenance is easy and does not require stooping or climbing or going outside - so NO EXCUSES! :-). It also has a big glass door to look into the mechanical room because hubs is pretty proud of how it's going to look.

Getting UV lights installed in your ducts might be a good call if you were running a business with many people coming in and out, but if you're not experiencing allergies, have any strange odors in your house, or keep getting build-ups on your AC coils, you likely don't need any UV protection in the ducts.

Twintech Heating & Cooling

https://twintechheating.ca/

Some things not mentioned to keep in mind are that UV light is hazardous to your vision, UV light will degrade exposed PVC insulated wiring that might short out, so there should be no UV light exposure to wiring and possibly other electrical components. Sound insulated plenums and ductwork should not be exposed to UV light for the same reasons unless you check with the manufacturer first.

On the positive side UV radiation might mitigate legionella bacteria from developing on the evaporator coil and condensate drip tray pan that has been a known killer in commercial units and cooling towers.

Always have the right type of unit installed by a professional and check first with the manufacturer of your geo unit.

UV tubes must be replaced annually for maximum effectiveness. This is not a DIY project! (I don’t think I’ve yet heard of suitable UV LEDs)

IMPO

SR

Thanks - we talked to the geo HP manufacturer on Friday. He said he prefers to do the UV installation at the time of unit build instead of a retrofit because he does all the correct shielding of the wires, etc - to mitigate the UV degradation if anything is exposed to the light. The compromise is putting the UV in the return, but then recommended another manufacturer's unit for a holistic approach to air quality.

Is there a way to fix this e6 error problem on my ymgi minisplit indoor unit without buying a new board?I have check the wires they are giving good continuity , I am attempting to repair the board myself without buying it, I watched the video attached with the link and follow the steps but I am I am still getting the E6 code I am an electronic technician, what part or parts would you think will be most probable to cause the E6 error code.

What Kind of UV Light is Used in HVAC Systems?

https://www.heating-air-conditioning.org/

Promising but not Proven

The UV lights installed in HVAC systems are Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights, the kind being used to kill COVID-19 in tests being conducted.

The CDC warns that lights are more or less effective based on their UV intensity and the amount of time the contaminated surface is exposed to the light.

Since HVAC UV germicidal irradiation lights are on full-time in most cases, the dose is considered quite high.

A good sterilization system