Hi Debra,
Anyone with mcs have a UV system for their air conditioner?
It is supposed to help prevent odors and mold, and my ac company is trying to persuade me to get it, but I know many years ago I read it is not good for an mcser.
A friend of mine had it and had to have it removed, but another mcser friend has one and is okay.
It is quite expensive and if I have to take it out, I will not get any of the money back. Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
UV lights produce varying amounts of ozone, but those intended for mold and germs produce very little. That may be what some very sensitive people are reacting to.
Readers, any experience with this?
We had one in our condo and it was a lifesaver because there were frequent mold issues in the drain pan. After we had the ultraviolet light installed, this issue was non existent. I had severe MCS and it did not bother me. The issue of mold concerned me more. We moved last year and our home now does not have the ultraviolet light. We have a service guy come out every 6 months to clean the coils and drain pan. So far, so good. I think if you have your system checked and cleaned frequently, you can probably skip the UVA light, imho.
What does your service guy use to clean the coils and drain pan? My service wants to use chemicals and fragances and I say no (have mcs). I will be having service come probably in April or May and would like to be able to tell him what he can use. Thank you.
What does your service man use to clean the coils and drain pan? Mine wants to use chemicals and spray fragrance, and of course I will not let him. Thank you.
This link is to an article written by Laurence Berkeley Labs. https://iaqscience.lbl.gov/air-uv
Using Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights for Air Cleaning.
UV lights installed in HVAC systems are twofold – 1) to irradiate the small airborne particles containing microorganisms as the air flows through the ducts, 2) Irradiating the cooling coils and drain pans. The intent is to dramatically reduce mold and bacteria growth on the often wet surfaces of cooling coils and drain pans, or destroy the microbial films that previously accumulated on the irradiated surfaces.
The report summary: In summary, studies of the health benefits of applying UVGI ( UV germicidal irradiation) systems have inconsistent results. Also, there have been very few studies of UVGI in HVAC systems outside of health care facilities. The evidence of potential health benefits is sufficient to warrant further research. UVGI appears to be more likely to reduce respiratory infections when applied in crowded spaces and when there are few opportunities for infection away from the spaces containing the ultraviolet equipment.