The problem with installing a MERV 13 filter in a normal HVAC system is that the pressure (usually) isn't rated for it and can cause serious damage to the motor(s) as you noted, which is more common than people think (definitely the case in my home system).
UV-C installation is fairly simple; though I agree they are power hungry and you need to keep them on most of the time with maximum one power cycle per 24 hour period. They're cheap upfront and do work on normal coronaviruses, though.
Still the real problem is very little state-funded research on the topic, or development of some mitigation techniques for businesses that must run indoors. It's once again fairly useless bureaucracy.
With a few exceptions of more complex units all of the recirculated air spends time passing through the coil.
UVC doesn't damage metal parts, but does effect some materials that would be common in residential installations
https://customer.honeywell.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocu...
I liken using UV-C (potentially) and a good filter as a defense-in-depth technique, just like masks, social distancing, sanitizer, temp checks (all which do very little on their own, but in the aggregate help).
In contrast, a plain old filter is likely to be extremely effective. A HEPA filter will catch almost all particles big enough to contain a virus, and a MERV 13 or better filter is quite good. All you need is a filter with enough surface area that a good filter has low pressure drip.
Almost all HVAC systems already have filters, so upgrading them is usually straightforward.
(I used to have a fancy electrostatic precipitator in my HVAC system. What a waste of power and effort in keeping it clean.)