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.

tia, Roy

"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.

tia, Roy


Customer? What kind of business are you in?

I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil and
it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy

"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil and
it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy


What is it's intended function? Is it designed to kill mold, or is it an air
purification system? Do you have the name and model of the unit?

Thanks

RBM wrote:
"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil and
it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy


What is it's intended function? Is it designed to kill mold, or is it an air
purification system? Do you have the name and model of the unit?

It kills stuff. It does not filter out any dust, pollen, dead bacteria
carcasses, etc. so is usually used upstream of a filter.

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...
RBM wrote:
"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil
and it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy


What is it's intended function? Is it designed to kill mold, or is it an
air purification system? Do you have the name and model of the unit?

It kills stuff. It does not filter out any dust, pollen, dead bacteria
carcasses, etc. so is usually used upstream of a filter.

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

OK, it kills stuff. In this case it's supposed to kill mold. My assumption
is that this was recommended by the AC company to kill the mold in the
blower system, and I don't understand how it would kill mold in the duct
work that isn't near the UV light. Again, I'm assuming that if there is mold
in the air handler cabinet, there would also be mold elsewhere in the duct

RBM wrote:
"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...
RBM wrote:
"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil
and it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy

What is it's intended function? Is it designed to kill mold, or is it an
air purification system? Do you have the name and model of the unit?
It kills stuff. It does not filter out any dust, pollen, dead bacteria
carcasses, etc. so is usually used upstream of a filter.

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

OK, it kills stuff. In this case it's supposed to kill mold. My assumption
is that this was recommended by the AC company to kill the mold in the
blower system, and I don't understand how it would kill mold in the duct
work that isn't near the UV light. Again, I'm assuming that if there is mold
in the air handler cabinet, there would also be mold elsewhere in the duct


Hmmm,
Mold causing bacteria is air borne. Actually most germs are.

On May 9, 11:12*am, Nate Nagel wrote:
RBM wrote:
"Steve" wrote in message
. ..
I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil and
it is on all the time.
Steve

"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.

tia, Roy

What is it's intended function? Is it designed to kill mold, or is it an air
purification system? Do you have the name and model of the unit?

It kills stuff. *It does not filter out any dust, pollen, dead bacteria
carcasses, etc. so is usually used upstream of a filter.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Hmm. Seems to me I'd want it downstream of a filter, to protect the
lamp. Dust on the lamp may limit the output and effectiveness.
Unless you're going to clean it every month.

Remember, the filter in your system is not to protect YOU from dust,
it's to protect your coil so they stay working longer.

On Sat, 9 May 2009 10:46:48 -0400, "Steve"
wrote:

I have had one for 4 years and it works. It is installed above the coil and
it is on all the time.
Steve


What exactly does it do?

"RBM" wrote in :

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.

tia, Roy

I think you may want to google for germicidal lamp. A fluorescent-like
tube made of quartz glass, which lets UV light through. Handle with care,
ie gloves or with clean paper, because fingerprints will damage the tube.
Don't look into the light, and don't expose yourself (sunburn and worse).
Used in biological safety cabinets (tissue culture hoods) to keep them
sterile.

Glass absorbs UV.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

"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.

"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.

RBM wrote:
"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.



I don't think they're *that* expensive... the industrial-sized ones
I've seen (hotels etc.) are just fluorescent fixtures with UV tubes that
are put into the ductwork just upstream of the filters. If someone
wants one, I can't imagine it would cost more than a couple hundred
bucks if one installed it oneself.

nate



--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

"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.



It sounds like YOU are the HVAC company, if he's coming to you with this
question.

"JoeSpareBedroom" 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.



It sounds like YOU are the HVAC company, if he's coming to you with this
question.

I'm just involved with lots of trades, so my customers routinely ask me to
check on things that don't seem quite right to them... and I did spend last
night at a HIE

"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?

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

On Sat, 9 May 2009 15:53:48 -0400, "RBM" wrote:



As you appear to suspect, I doubt if it will be of any value
for this use.

On Sat, 9 May 2009 10:03:40 -0400, "RBM" wrote:

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.

tia, Roy


Do you mean a UV light? I don't see how UV would need to be
filtered in a AC unit, especially I doubt if there would be any
significant amount present normally.

UV lights can kill some of the stuff we don't want in our air,
but it can only kill on surfaces that are illuminated by it or in the
air that passes though the light. I don't think it is especially
effective against molds..

They don't work in ducts. They work inside the cabinet.
The reason they don't work in ducts is because the amount of time UV
light takes to kill things in the air is longer than the amount of
time the air is rushing by.
As for working inside the cabinet, where the air is still, not only
would you need lights surrounding whatever surfaces you are aiming at,
but if you have things to kill on those surfaces, that means there is
something wrong with the system in the first place.