For 2025, I am keeping a tighter eye on my annual household operating costs. I’ve already put in an order for new HVAC filters for my home and those cost me about $50 for a pack of 6 but that’s not what this post is about but it’s related.
The other HVAC expense I have now since COVID are UV light bulbs that I put inside the HVAC return. I bought something like this when COVID hit and it’s been working great except for the fact that the bulbs only last about 30 to 45 days. The bulbs aren’t that expensive but I do notice a change in the air when the bulbs are out which is when I know it’s time to change them.
The UV bulbs will kill most germs floating in the air as well as mold spores and supposedly help improve the odor of your house. I’ve been debating leaving the bulbs off but I notice that illness from colds and flu became non-existent ever since I’ve added these to our home.
Trade Offs
So how does the UV bulb work in terms of pay off? Well, I was cleaning up our medicine cabinet and I was amazed at how many cough, cold and flu stuff we had in there. Things like Nyquil aren’t cheap anymore and can cost upwards of $15. Throat lozenges are expensive, especially the Cold-eeze brand we normally buy which are now $10.
I wish I could say we save on deodorizers and sprays but the UV isn’t that effective at removing odors from things just the air.
We’re in the middle of an arctic blast and I suspect there will be an increase in cold and flu as more people are forced to stay indoors.
Ultimately, I think it’s the right decision especially with new virus making the rounds like the H5N1 bird flu along with COVID and the regular cold and flu germs.
Warning
The photo in this post is AI generated and you should NEVER hold an active UV bulb anywhere close to your body as it will damage your eyes, body and anything else exposed to it to the UV. Those things are dangerous and need to be kept away from kids and ignorant people.
Share The Wealth
How are you managing your virus risk? Let me know in the comments below.