Ozone or UV lamp sanitising instead of washing – worth it?
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Băneasa, new flat, 12,000 BTU Daikin in the bedroom, 2 years old. I have seen offers for 'ozone sanitising, no water, no dismantling, 20 minutes' and 'UV lamp fitted in the unit, no more cleaning needed'. Sounds clean and modern. What is the truth?
What is really happening
The Lancet office study showed UV-C mounted on the coil and pan cut microbes on irradiated surfaces by about 99% and workers' symptoms by 20–40% – the best evidence for UV, but that is central plant with permanent, maintained lamps, not a lamp stuck inside a split. Even there, UV does not clean dust, does not unblock the pan and does not reach inside the roller. Ozone: generators produce concentrations that irritate the airways, and after 20 minutes 'without water' the unit is exactly as dirty, just smelling of ozone. The EPA rule stands: physical removal; biocides and 'technologies' are at most an extra.
- Inspection: assessing condition and symptoms.
- Service check: checks and measurements appropriate to the unit.
- Cleaning: removing deposits.
- Sanitising: suitable treatment of cleaned surfaces.
The actual scope is confirmed before the visit.
- UV-C mounted on the coil cuts microbes on irradiated surfaces by up to 99%, but health-benefit evidence is inconsistent and it does not replace cleaning. [LBNL Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findi, 2023]
- UV disinfection of cooling coils and drain pans in offices cut surface microbes by about 99% and workers' symptoms by about 20–40%. [The Lancet, 2003]
- Mould remains allergenic even when dead, so merely 'killing' it with a spray does not solve the problem – it must be physically removed. [US EPA, 2024]
- EPA principle: mould must be physically removed, not merely 'killed'; biocides are not recommended as routine practice. [US EPA, 2024]
What we do on site
- Classic sanitising: sealed double cover, hose to the bucket, foil on the bed; alkaline detergent, adjustable pressure wash of evaporator, roller, pan and hose; sanitising solution on clean surfaces.
- Filters washed; outdoor unit washed in place.
- If you already have a UV lamp fitted, we visually check it is not in the way of washing and its fixing has not damaged the casing; we neither fit nor recommend lamps.
- Start-up test, bucket with clear water. See current rates on the Prices page.
What you can do yourself
- Spend the money on 20 minutes of 'Fan' daily (free) before any gadget.
- If you really want UV, ask for a certified product, fitted by an electrician, and still clean yearly.
What NOT to do
- Do not accept ozone sanitising in a bedroom – irritant, no cleaning.
- Do not believe 'no more cleaning needed' for any technology.
Prevention
Bedroom: sanitising with washing yearly; UV/ozone do not change the rhythm.
When to call us
0764 012 943, WhatsApp, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00; Băneasa is close.
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Sources (11)
- iaqscience.lbl.gov/using-uv-germicidal-lights-air-cleaning
- www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673603148970/abstract
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132316304462
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132326008322
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6968652/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143940/
- www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-chapter-3
- www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4483703/
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719347333
- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/8984619
The information on this page is educational and based on cited sources; it does not replace medical advice. We do not do repairs, installation or refrigerant circuit work.