Central AC UV filter
"ransley" wrote in message
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On May 10, 6:08 am, "RBM" wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in
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John Grabowski wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message
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"John Grabowski" wrote in message
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"RBM" wrote in message
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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.
The UV light around the evaporator coil kills the
the micro-critters that can grow on the wet coil.
That area of any HVAC system is where microbes can
grow because that's where a lot of water and debris
can collect. Some evaporator coils are coated at the
factory with an antimicrobial compound that will help
kill off the little beasties. Anything that can kill
mold and mildew around the evaporator will also keep
the odor level down. I've seen yeast grow in the darn
things, some folks like to bake their own bread.
TDD
Is there not some type of spray on coil cleaner antimicrobial stuff that
can
be applied when the units are serviced? Do you recommend any type of UV
beast killer?- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Dont you like alt hvac. lotts of nice guys there to help you.
I thought I was clear about seeking help and advice!!
Ive
gotten mild mold and used bleach on my unit, but I rinsed well, as I
have heard bleach can affect coils, but I really dont know about that.
Im sure there are pro sprays. To me excessive mold indicates something
must be changed to not alow it to grow in the first place. Maybe an
additional dehumidifier or the drip pan doesnt drain well or something
else is wrong. I have heard about a tablet that can be set in the drip
pan to kill mold before it grows. A UV light sounds like a good idea
to use after you have fixed the issue causing mold, I have read they
come in different strengths and what HD sells are not the high output
units. A filter like Air Bear might be of use in trapping a large
percentage of spores after the main issue is fixed. My house is to
tight, I need to run additional dehumidifiers as my AC is also
oversized.
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