A customer of mine inquired about a UV filter to install in or on a
central AC air handler to kill mold growing inside the cabinet and
duct. Is anyone familiar with these, that can give me any detail on how
and when they are used and work.


*Roy it sounds as though you want ultraviolet lights for inside the
ductwork. I've seen these used in hospitals, but I don't have any
details. I have also seen the ones used on water filtration units
connected to wells. The idea is that the UV light kills bacteria. Try
talking to an HVAC company.


Thanks John, I don't know who initiated this, possibly the HVAC service
company, and the homeowner is trying to get other opinions. From the
homeowner description, it's just going to be some type of UV light
installed in or on the air handlers. The claim is that there is mold
growing inside, and the UV will kill it. I've worked with the ones on
spas, and water systems, but I've never seen anything like this. It
didn't sound like they were going to be installed throughout the duct,
as you describe, which makes sense to me, just something in the blower.
He didn't give me a number, but said it was wicked expensive. A Google
search didn't turn up anything that was convincing to me. I suppose I
should have him get more specifics from the contractor, so I have
something more tangible to look into.


*Roy I'm thinking if there is existing mold in the ducts that a
remediation company should come in and clean first. The Ultraviolet
lights are only placed near the air handler to my knowledge, not
throughout the duct work so they would not do much for anything beyond. I
would think that the source of the mold should also be addressed rather
have something to keep the mold under control. Perhaps moisture is
getting into the ducts and condensing or they are up against a moist
surface such as a basement wall.

OK, I get you. I'm not sure there is actually any mold inside the systems.
It may be the HVAC company needs work. I think the homeowner is skeptical
as well, at least regarding the remediation. This is your garden variety
system, one handler in the attic for the second floor, and one in the
basement for the first floor. The attic is hot and dry, and the basement
is finished and above grade. Both units can't be more than 10 years old,
and neither has the slightest bit of rust externally. I definitely need to
dig deeper and get more info from the homeowner


*I understand the position that you are in. My customers trust me so they
ask what I think even though I have no knowledge or experience on the
subject. What ever the issue is your customer should get several opinions
before making any decisions. As you said the HVAC company could be looking
for work or they are just incompetent. The only time I have seen an
ultraviolet light unit installed on a residential system was on TV. It was
an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition where one of the children had a
condition and it was necessary to have a germ reduced environment.

Now I am going to reserve a room at a Holiday Inn Express :-)