A UV germicidal light is an ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamp installed inside an air handler or ductwork, usually aimed at the evaporator coil and drain pan. UV-C light can inhibit mould and bacterial growth on those damp surfaces; its effect on moving air depends on exposure time and intensity, and it does not capture dust or smoke particles.
Why it matters to you
The cooling coil and drain pan stay damp during operation, and in the Fraser Valley's humid climate that can support biological growth and musty odours. During wildfire smoke season, filtration does the heavy lifting; UV is a hygiene measure, not a smoke solution.
Practical guidance
Use UV alongside a good filter, not instead of one. Replace lamps on the manufacturer's schedule, since UV output declines over time, and never look directly at an operating UV-C lamp.