Best HVAC UV Lights For The Money – Reviews of 2024

If you are shopping for the best UV light for HVAC system, you’re in the right hands.

Every homeowner wants clean air that’s free of bacteria, mold and indoor allergens. Keeping indoor air clean and free from contaminants is a huge, more so for homeowners with allergies.

This is where UV lights for HVAC systems come in.

They do a great job of zapping potentially harmful microbes before they reach the living space.

Additionally, UV lights prevent fungus from growing on the AC’s indoor coil. This is particularly beneficial since the coil is usually wet for several months of the year.

This post teaches you everything you need to know during your search. As a bonus, we also include UV light for AC reviews to get started. Keep reading to get started.

How a UV Light Works?

Bacteria and germs usually develop in a dark or moist place. You will often see mold in your basement. The reason behind this is the place does not have access to sunlight. Sunlight has UV rays that prevent germs and bacteria from developing. That is why when something does not get UV rays, it is more prone to have molds.

UV ray is known to be germicidal, especially UV-C. This means this type of UV ray will kill microorganisms like germs and other bacteria. You will notice on a rainy day, when you leave your clothes to dry indoors, it starts to stink. This is because your clothes start developing bacteria which causes this unpleasant smell.

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to react with and damage DNA or RNA.  UV-C light with a wavelength of around 254 nanometers can deal with a wide variety of unpleasant viruses, whether single or double-stranded. Simply put, UV light reacts with pathogens and damages their DNA or RNA which makes it lethal against things like the Flu virus or even E.coli.

You will never face this problem when you dry your clothes under sunlight. The sunlight's UV rays will kill any microorganism in the cloth hence making your cloth smell fresh and clean. UV ray is the most effective germ killer. It is so effective that it is even used in medical facilities.

Most medical researchers experiment with microorganisms. They need to make sure that no other organism is reacting with their experiments, or else the result of their experiment will be flawed. That is why they use UV rays for sanitation.

The UV ray wave penetrates and reacts with the DNA of the organism. This reaction is so fatal for them that the DNA stops functioning, eventually causing the germ and bacteria to die.

Top 15 Best UV Light for HVAC Reviews

Because safety is a bigger concern now, many companies are coming out with HVAC UV lights. UV system for an HVAC unit isn’t complicated, most of the homeowners can choose the right one within an hour.

However, not all of these will work properly. Here are a few of the HVAC UV lights that you can truly count on –

1. Bio-Shield UV-C Air Sanitizer System

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Kicking off our list for best UV lights for HVAC is the Bio-Shield UV-C Air Sanitizer System, which does more than just remove microbes. Once installed, the system works to remove other air irritants including pet hair and dust mites that may cause respiratory problems.

It continuously cleans the drain pan and coils, thus improving efficiency and longevity of the AC. This leads to increased net cooling capacity and better air conditioning.

Highlights include a 25-watt bulb that uses energy efficiently and reduces your power bills. Installing the unit is an easy 4-step process. Start by locating the galvanized duct and attaching the mounting template to it. Use 2 and 7/8 inch bits to drill holes in the duct then mount using the included screws. Insert the bulb before plugging to a power source. The sanitizer should emit a blue glow once done.

The sanitizer is designed to eliminate costly duct cleaning while killing contaminants. It uses Germicidal UV-lamps made by Phillips and coated with Teflon, thus reducing risk of accidental breakage.

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2. OdorStop OS36 UV Air Treatment System

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The OdorStop OS36 is a professional grade that can be installed in most HVAC systems. It uses a single 16” bulb that puts out 36-watts. Like other products on this list, it features a light indicator that lets you know if the system is working as it should.

The bulb needs to be replaced at least once a year, and is readily available on the market. This air treatment system is a great purchase for homes with narrower installation ducts.

The OdorStop OS36 is quite effective at removing odor-causing mold, mildew, fungus, pet dandruff, pet hair, bacteria and other allergens. As such, it is ideal for homes with pets and kids. Its body is constructed to last a long time with aluminum. Installation is easy thanks to the supplied user manual. A cutout template certainly helps with the drilling, mounting screws and foam glue. Also included is a 6-foot power cord.

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3. Honeywell UV100A1059 UV Surface Treatment System

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The Honeywell UV100A1059 UV Air Treatment System is an easy-to-install product that works great for furnaces and AC systems. This makes it a great contender for those who want to save on installation costs.

It comes with a unique sealed design that provides added safety. Its primary function is preventing accidental exposure to harmful UV rays and voltage.

There is a light pipe that lets you know if the bulb is on or off. It lets you know that the treatment system is working. This product is highly efficient and capable of killing more than 70% of the pesky viruses and microbes in the HVAC.

Replacing the bulb is easy since all it needs is the classic twist out and twist in method. This should be done at least once annually for continued efficiency.

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4. Air Purifier Whole House UV Light by D200

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The D200 Air Purifier Whole House UV Light is an environmentally friendly product that incorporates an ozone-free design. As such, it contributes towards the global carbon footprint reduction goals. It uses a 14” germicidal bulb with magnet that puts out 253.7NM. You also get a couple of extra bulbs for replacement.

It features a 120VAC electric power supply that improves energy efficiency. With utility costs reduced, you can save more. The germicidal bulb is quite effective at getting rid of mold and microbial growths in your air conditioning system. Removing organic particles from the HVAC prevents odors and keeps the air in your home fresh.

A magnetic bracket is included for easier installation. The Intelligent Voltage Protection (VIP) helps protect your cooling system from electrical surges.

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5. Air Purifier UV Light for AC by Air Care UV

Next up is the Air Purifier UV Light for AC, which offers great features and performance at a reasonable price. In addition to purifying, this product also sterilizes and deodorizes the air in your home. It is capable of killing 99.9% of existing mold spores, mildew, and other allergens that may cause respiratory problems.

It comes with electronic ballast and a sight glass that lets you know if the unit is working as it should. The UV germicidal bulbs puts out 253.7NM, hence 99% energy efficient on a single pass. Installation is incredibly easy and takes less than 20 minutes. This is thanks to instruction manual and any accessories you may need i.e. cutout template, aluminum strips and 9ft cord. The lamp is designed to last up to 13000 hours.

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6. OdorStop OS144PRO1 UV Air Purifier

A lot of people don't invest in an HVAC UV lamp because they think that it will be too expensive. With the Odorstop UV air purifier, you can let go of that worry.

This energy-saving lamp only works when the HVAC system is turned on, reducing your overall cost for the unit.

Step-by-step instructions have been provided so that you can install this product in minutes. The LED indicator guides you so you can get the right air purifier and bulb operation. Overall, the system is very easy to use. It's the best UV light for the HVAC system if you don't like strong, striking lamps that hurts the eye.

The long cord that you get with the unit allows you to move the lamp if needed. Also, the calming blue color of the lamp is quite soothing.

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7. REKO Lighting R2000 Air Purifier

Looking for a UV light that is easy to install? This one from Reko is the best UV light for the HVAC system for you. It takes just 15 minutes to install.

A template is provided with the purchase to help guide you when drilling the holes in the duct.

Besides ease of use, you also get complete protection from germs, bacteria, and even mold in your house. The light is so strong that it gets rid of any odor in your room as well.

Made in Europe, these bulbs are constructed with quality and are durable. If you’re wondering how long do UV bulbs last on these, the answer is about a year!

A blue light placed on the device will let you know whether the system is working or not. This way, you are always alerted when you need to replace the bulbs.

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8. REKO LIGHTING Bulb UV Light Coil Cleaner

You won’t need a separate electrical outlet for this product. This UV light for the air conditioner can be plugged into the transformer. Doing this will not affect or harm the a/c flex duct.

With the magnet brackets, installation is made even easier.

The 24V power input will take care of all the bacteria dwelling in your room. This 14 inches UV germicidal bulb can be installed to make a room safer for your children.

Replacement bulbs for the system are easily available, making this the best HVAC UV light for long-term use.

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9. DEAL UV Best Light AIR Purifier

Ultraviolet light for AC units has to be installed quite carefully. The DEAL UV purifier comes with an intelligent voltage protection system that helps protect your A/C from potential electrical overload.

This lightweight unit is the best HVAC UV Light for keeping you're A/C in good condition.
The 14-inch UVC coil cleaner is provided with magnetic brackets. This allows for a smoother and hassle-free installation. Using 120V ballast, the product cleans its surrounding area and the evaporator coil as well.

Improved energy efficiency helps you reduce your electric bill. This is the top UV light in HVAC effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

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10. D200 Air Purifier Whole House Uv Light

D200 is the best UV filter brand to go for if you want an ozone-free bulb. Not only the bulb, but all the products that they make are ozone-free.

Using the sight glass on the system, you can monitor the operating state of the UV light. The electronic ballast also helps you check whether the light is working or not.

The bulb puts on 253.7nm to ensure all germs are killed. It is also the best duct UV air purifier for getting rid of indoor mold.

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11. Best Deal UV D200 Air Purifier Whole House UV Light

Ozone free products are great for environmental sustainability, and the Best Deal UV D200 is just that. It is a premium UV light sy that is best recommended for over 1-ton ventilation systems. It uses germicidal bulbs that put out 253.7NM to clean the air. It is capable of eradicating 99.9% of allergens from your home.

The light does a great job of getting rid of mold and ensuring it doesn’t grow again or spread. This is good news for homes whose occupants are allergic. Installation is easy and reduces susceptibility to organic and inorganic particles that may cause respiratory problems. The electronic ballast along with sight glass allows you to monitor the light and ensure it is working efficiently.

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12. RGF REME HVAC HALO 24V Air Purification System

This is a next generation air purification system to clean every inch of your home. Rather than wait for contaminants to pass through air to kill them, the REMI HALO goes to the contaminants and kills them on contact. It is also designed to eradicate sick building syndrome, which occurs due to so many people working in cubicles.

It removes dust, spores, mold and dander. Due to the increased efficiency offers, some hospitals have been known to use it. The system reduces germs due to sneezing by 99.9% before the sneeze reaches 3 feet. It is made using zinc ions for improved efficiency. It integrates well with most HVAC systems and operates silently. There are two quick release features that make replacement easy when needed.

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13. Best Deal UV D200 Air Purifier Whole House UV Light

This is an affordable choice for purifying your air ducts and getting rid of microbes from your home. It is a dual lamp system that uses germicidal UV bulbs. It features an environment friendly design that is in line with the goals of global carbon footprint reduction. Monitoring the system is easy thanks to the electronic ballast and sight glass that provides a clear view of the bulb.

The germicidal bulbs are incredibly powerful and can eliminate 99.9% microbes from the ducts. This in turn reduces risk of allergic reactions and prevents odors. An installation guide is included to make the task easier and save on costs. Also included are a couple of replacement bulbs, which you’ll need after a year of use.

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14. Pure UV Light Air Purifier for AC

The Pure UV Light Air Purifier for AC features a 14” germicidal bulb with magnet. Its ozone free design makes it an environment friendly and expertly crafted device. While undeniably similar to some of the products on this list, it has a 120VAC power supply that is energy efficient. It cleans your home while keeping electricity costs to a minimum.

The germicidal bulbs eliminate 99% of the microbes in your home, thus preventing odors and respiratory problems. There is a magnetic bracket that makes installation a walk in the park. The integrated Intelligent Voltage Protection helps prevent damage due to electrical surges. A replacement bulb is included for added convenience when the time comes. You can install the purifier above and under the evaporator coil.

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15. REKOLIGHTING Pure UV Light Air Purifier

Concluding our HVAC UV light reviews is the Pureuv UV Light Air Purifier. It uses a germicidal bulb with magnet to clean the air and eradicate mold. It also removes microbial colonies, leaving the air clean and fresh. Magnetic brackets are included for easier installation, saving you money on professional services.

This is uniquely designed with the Intelligent Voltage Protection, an innovation that prevents damage due to electrical surges. The 24 volts AC power supply improves general efficiency of your HVAC while keeping the utility costs at a minimum. Also included is a 6ft power cord, 5ft lamp cord and 1-year warranty backing.

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Comparison Among Different UV Lights

What To Look For Before Buying?

With the market offering so many options, finding the best UV light for HVAC system can prove tricky. The following factors will help you narrow down your choices.

UV-C output power

The UV light you purchase should be powerful enough to eradicate the bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses and mildew in the air ducts. It should be able to remove all microbes from other rooms in the house.

Ozone free

This is an essential when it comes to preventing irreversible pollution while improving the aesthetics of your home. Ozone production also reduces the efficiency of air conditioning systems by corroding the surfaces. By purchasing an ozone free UV purifier you not only contribute towards carbon footprint reduction, but also improve the lifespan of your HVAC.

Ease of installation and cost

It is best to buy a UV light for AC that is easy to install and within your budget. Look for features like magnetic brackets and installation guides. The product should also comes with all of the accessories you’d need for the task like aluminum tape, screws and template.

Power consumption

UV purifiers come in different amounts of power depending on the manufacturer. This is attributed to the fact that manufacturers use varying technologies to make energy efficient products. Some use a titanium oxide reflector while others use zinc ions. Some UV lights for HVAC use 9 watt bulbs while others use 18 watt bulbs.

UV-C Wavelength

This helps identify the effect of light on microbes in the air. UV light has a wide spectrum of wavelengths, and this affects its effectiveness at getting rid of bacteria, viruses and organic particles that may cause odor development. Look for models with lower wavelengths as they’ll offer optimal performance.

Negative ions

The UV purifier system you choose should be able to produce hydroxyls as well as negative ions. These are crucial to cleaning and circulation of air in your home.

Easy bulb replacement

UV lamps don’t last forever and when they stop working, replacement is required. This should be easy to accomplish, preferably with a twist out twist in method. The replacement bulbs should be readily available on the market. Some manufacturers include extra bulbs to make things more convenient for you.

Where Can You Install UV Lights in Your HVAC Unit?

The most common noncommercial use for UV-ray light is for heating and cooling systems. Earlier, most people faced this problem that the air in their house smelled funny.

Some even complained, their cooling system wasn’t giving them the expected performance. Later they realized their system was filled with molds. Now, this was a very serious problem that had to be dealt with.

In your house, the cooling or heating system is very essential. And the whole atmosphere of your house will depend on your HVAC system. 

If your HVAC system is infested with bacteria and germs, then the air you are breathing in your house will have germs as well. You don't want your house to smell like mold or musky. Apart from the bad odor, it is also not hygienic.

Thankfully, if you install UV germicidal lights in your HVAC system, then you can easily get rid of this problem.

UV light is required in the part which does not have access to sunlight. So, the part which you use indoors, more specifically the cooling coils, needs UV light. In case you have a central AC, then you can install a UV light in the ductwork.

The places we mentioned are more prone to have bacteria or germ buildup. Therefore, it is the ideal place for installing UV light. The best UV air purifier for HVAC will prevent molds from developing, and the system will even last longer.

Mold usually disrupts the activities of the HVAC system, causing pressure on the system, and your system even uses more electricity.

HVAC UV Light Installation

Installing HVAC UV lights is easy if you know what to do. And while the method of installation may vary from one model to another, the rules are mostly similar.

Here’s a quick installation guide for you:

What Size UV Light Do I Need for My HVAC System? 

The size of the UV light matters a lot.  This is because the size will determine the area it can cover and also the power of the UV rays it can produce.

Let us better understand this with an example. Imagine you recently moved into a new house and you need to get a light for the hall room. Now, the first thing you need to consider is the size of your hall room.

The light you buy for your hall room will entirely depend on the size of the hall room. If your hall room is big and you get a small light for it, the light will not be able to brighten up the room properly. It will look dark and gloomy.

Similarly, if the room is small and you get a big light, then the room will be too bright. Your eyes might start hurting due to the brightness. The concept is quite similar when buying a UV light.

Therefore, getting the proper size light is mandatory. In the case of UV light for the HVAC system, the size will depend on the size of your HVAC unit.

If it is a small unit, like a split AC or a medium-sized heater, then a medium-sized UV light will do the trick. However, if it is a big unit like central heating or cooling system, then it is best to get a big one.

The idea is that the light should cover the area where the mold will develop. So, first look into the area where mold will develop, then buy something which covers that area accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Types of UV Lights for HVAC Systems are There?

There are 2 types of UV lights for AC i.e. air sterilization and coil sterilization. Air sterilization lights are designed to sterilize moving air. They are usually installed in return air ducts. Coil sterilization lights are a stick type products installed inside return air duct. They sterilize the air handler coil.

2. How do UV Lights Help?

They kill harmful bacteria, allergens and microbes, leaving the air clean. This helps prevent allergic reactions and odor development. It also improves efficiency of HVAC systems.  They are particularly important for people who live in humid areas that are susceptible to mold and mildew.

3. Can UV Lights Really improve Air Quality?

UV lights for AC systems help eliminate a wide variety of microbes and allergens. Once installed in the HVAC, they operate 24/7. They are quite effective at controlling growth of mold. And while there are many factors that affect performance, UV lights certainly improve air quality.

4. How much are Replacement Bulbs and how Long do they Last?

On average replacement bulb may cost $60 to $100. We found that the bulbs can serve you 8000 hours or more. 

5. Are HVAC UV Lights Hard to Maintain?

UV lights are not hard to maintain. They require the same maintenance as any other light bulb in your house. The only difference is that UV lights need to be replaced more often than other types of bulbs.

Final Verdict

Now that you know more about UV lights, we hope you’ll find what you’re looking for. Remember to prioritize low wavelength, negative ions, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. You want something that will save you money on installation and maintenance without compromising performance.