How Effective is UV Light Technology in Killing COVID-19? Dallas' Air Pros USA Weighs In

Air Pros USA—an air conditioning installation and repair HVAC company in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Washington—has made headway on the conversation surrounding the effectiveness of UV light on the COVID-19 virus.

Recently, it was circling during a political rally for President Trump that said UV lights installed in the AC units could kill most, if not all, of the coronavirus.

Dallas’ Air Pros USA released a new statement today regarding “the truth about UV light technology.”

There is research that indicates some UV lights and LEDs can aid in killing germs and forms of coronavirus. Ultraviolet (UV) light such as fluorescent lamps, microcavity plasmas, and LEDs can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, which would be a safe way of slowing the transmission of any virus in indoor spaces.

Research has already concluded that UVC is efficient for fighting two other types of airborne coronaviruses. Moreover, ultraviolet light has long been used to cut down the spread of drug-resistant superbugs and to disinfect medical suits, but UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

UV light technology

Air Pros USA has been offering and installing UV light technology to improve home air quality since before the COVID-19 crisis began. The company emphasizes that while the effect on the COVID-19 virus is unproven, UV light technology is proven to complement the air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality by neutralizing viruses and other microbes.

UV light systems are tested and validated against surface bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. They have been tested to achieve up to 99.999996% reduction on microorganisms, according to Air Pros.

“First, let’s make it clear that UV lights work the way they’re designed to work, that is killing the airborne microorganisms like surface bacteria, viruses, and fungi,” Anthony Perera, founder of Air Pros, said in a statement. “Although the effect of UV lights for killing the COVID-19 virus is still not known, installing UV lights is the single best thing a homeowner can do to take pro-active measures to enhance the indoor air quality.”

According to Air Pros, UV light for air conditioners—typically installed in the HVAC unit or ductwork—has been proven to “reduce fungal contamination inside of air handler units, reduce airborne pathogens, and make central HVAC systems run more efficiently.”

The lights are specifically designed to disinfect the air as it circulates through the ventilation system, which is also known as “ionizing the air” that kills microorganisms.

In all, UV light has been used as another means of disinfectant for years. However, with the newfound fascination with germ-killing hygiene, there is now corporate and civilian interest in using the light equipment in public indoor spaces, such as classrooms or restaurants, to help reduce coronavirus spread once these gathering spaces are completely open again.

More research will continue on ways to slow the transmission of this deadly virus, including the research that tests the claims made by Air Pros.