"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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.

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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

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 :-)

John Grabowski wrote:

"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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

"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
John Grabowski wrote:

"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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?

On May 10, 6:08*am, "RBM" wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in ...





John Grabowski wrote:

"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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.

"ransley" wrote in message
...
On May 10, 6:08 am, "RBM" wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in
...





John Grabowski wrote:

"RBM" wrote in message
...

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"RBM" wrote in message
...
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.

RBM wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
John Grabowski wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message
...
"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...
"RBM" wrote in message
...
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?



The supply houses have all sorts of UV units
on display and there has been a big IAQ "Indoor
Air Quality" push going on for a while as another
revenue stream for HVAC companies. I don't look
at the UV lights as a gimmick or snake oil but
like anything, if properly designed and installed,
the UV lights should function as advertised. If
the equipment is not installed as per manufacturers
instructions, I would doubt the effectiveness. A
lot of gear is sold and just thrown in without a
lot of thought and when it doesn't work right, a
lot of folks will be prone to bad mouth the product.
I haven't installed any UV lights in any HVAC units
yet and I haven't tried to sell anyone on them. I
do use a lot of cleaners on both evaporators and
condensers to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems
running. Dirt is the big enemy of such systems.
A friend and me recently cleaned and treated a large
evaporator for a drug store where they had an odor
problem. Here's an example of some of the products
we used for that job:

http://tinyurl.com/pr3ntl

http://tinyurl.com/r69dav

http://tinyurl.com/r5snwd

TDD

"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
RBM wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
John Grabowski wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message
...
"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...
"RBM" wrote in message
...
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?

The supply houses have all sorts of UV units
on display and there has been a big IAQ "Indoor
Air Quality" push going on for a while as another
revenue stream for HVAC companies. I don't look
at the UV lights as a gimmick or snake oil but
like anything, if properly designed and installed,
the UV lights should function as advertised. If
the equipment is not installed as per manufacturers
instructions, I would doubt the effectiveness. A
lot of gear is sold and just thrown in without a
lot of thought and when it doesn't work right, a
lot of folks will be prone to bad mouth the product.
I haven't installed any UV lights in any HVAC units
yet and I haven't tried to sell anyone on them. I
do use a lot of cleaners on both evaporators and
condensers to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems
running. Dirt is the big enemy of such systems.
A friend and me recently cleaned and treated a large
evaporator for a drug store where they had an odor
problem. Here's an example of some of the products
we used for that job:

http://tinyurl.com/pr3ntl

http://tinyurl.com/r69dav

http://tinyurl.com/r5snwd

TDD


Makes perfect sense to me, Thanks

Bubba wrote:
On Sun, 10 May 2009 07:25:51 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

RBM wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
John Grabowski wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message
...
"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...
"RBM" wrote in message
...
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?


The supply houses have all sorts of UV units
on display and there has been a big IAQ "Indoor
Air Quality" push going on for a while as another
revenue stream for HVAC companies. I don't look
at the UV lights as a gimmick or snake oil but
like anything, if properly designed and installed,
the UV lights should function as advertised. If
the equipment is not installed as per manufacturers
instructions, I would doubt the effectiveness. A
lot of gear is sold and just thrown in without a
lot of thought and when it doesn't work right, a
lot of folks will be prone to bad mouth the product.
I haven't installed any UV lights in any HVAC units
yet and I haven't tried to sell anyone on them. I
do use a lot of cleaners on both evaporators and
condensers to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems
running. Dirt is the big enemy of such systems.
A friend and me recently cleaned and treated a large
evaporator for a drug store where they had an odor
problem. Here's an example of some of the products
we used for that job:

http://tinyurl.com/pr3ntl

http://tinyurl.com/r69dav

http://tinyurl.com/r5snwd

TDD


Here are a couple I use. Different prices and applications. These are
indoor air quality products. They work just. They dont perform magic.
They wont cure a mold problem or asthma. It is merely another product
to help the indoor air in homes. Proper application is key. Some go in
the return duct, some in the supply and others are helpful in the
inlet of the cooling coil area.
Choose your poison. :-)
Bubba

http://sanuvox.com/sanuvox_residential_products.htm

http://yourhome.honeywell.com/Consum...Air+Treatment/

http://www.fieldcontrols.com/uvaire.php

Hey Bubba, in your experience, what kind of lamp life
are you seeing with these UV units? One of the first
questions I'll get is "how long will it last?"

TDD

Bubba wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2009 11:24:08 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

Bubba wrote:
On Sun, 10 May 2009 07:25:51 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

RBM wrote:
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
John Grabowski wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message
...
"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...
"RBM" wrote in message
...
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?


The supply houses have all sorts of UV units
on display and there has been a big IAQ "Indoor
Air Quality" push going on for a while as another
revenue stream for HVAC companies. I don't look
at the UV lights as a gimmick or snake oil but
like anything, if properly designed and installed,
the UV lights should function as advertised. If
the equipment is not installed as per manufacturers
instructions, I would doubt the effectiveness. A
lot of gear is sold and just thrown in without a
lot of thought and when it doesn't work right, a
lot of folks will be prone to bad mouth the product.
I haven't installed any UV lights in any HVAC units
yet and I haven't tried to sell anyone on them. I
do use a lot of cleaners on both evaporators and
condensers to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems
running. Dirt is the big enemy of such systems.
A friend and me recently cleaned and treated a large
evaporator for a drug store where they had an odor
problem. Here's an example of some of the products
we used for that job:

http://tinyurl.com/pr3ntl

http://tinyurl.com/r69dav

http://tinyurl.com/r5snwd

TDD


Here are a couple I use. Different prices and applications. These are
indoor air quality products. They work just. They dont perform magic.
They wont cure a mold problem or asthma. It is merely another product
to help the indoor air in homes. Proper application is key. Some go in
the return duct, some in the supply and others are helpful in the
inlet of the cooling coil area.
Choose your poison. :-)
Bubba

http://sanuvox.com/sanuvox_residential_products.htm

http://yourhome.honeywell.com/Consum...Air+Treatment/

http://www.fieldcontrols.com/uvaire.php
Hey Bubba, in your experience, what kind of lamp life
are you seeing with these UV units? One of the first
questions I'll get is "how long will it last?"

TDD

1 yr and 3 yrs depending on the brand. The Honeywell is 1 yr. They
tried to make a "smart lamp technology" and a light that tells you
when to replace but when you have a customer with a variable speed
high end unit and electronic cleaners and UV's they tend to run the
blower 24/7/365. So it lasts a year and gets replaced.
The Sanuvox is 3 yr. It will last beyond that but its effectiveness
diminishes.
Basically you just have to do the math and figure the cost over the
life and recommend the best to your customer.
Bubba

Me and my friend who I do a lot of HVAC work with have
never installed any UV lights for anyone. Most of our
customers are price shopping and I don't know if I could
sell them on it. I wonder if there is a light designed
for a package unit?

TDD

Bingo

"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
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