Calling HVAC Experts - UV question

[lordjackel]

Hi...need some education. I just had my yearly HVAC inspection/cleaning and they noticed some light mold growing in the ducts just above the condenser. They recommended a Guardian REME UV system. A quick Google Search and I get the concept. They want $1300 to install one / but online I can get one for about $400 and install myself...seems easy enough.

My question is gimmick or real benefit?

Background - multiple animals (dogs and cats), have seasonal allergies, live in manufactured community so no excessive dust beyond normal)

Thanks for any insight.

 

[br9x]

hello 26yrs exp in hvac here the short answer to your question is yes there are benefits to a uv light. is it enough benefitto justify the cost in most cases no. all comes down to how sensitive to mold you may be. as far as the mold being located there around your evaporator coil that is very common almost 100 percent of the time in any home you walk into. also keep in mind if you do purchase a uv light it is something you need to look at semi yearly the bulbs go out and beingg installed in your ductwork tend to go overlookd out of sight out of mind. with all that being said i personaly do not have one installed on my home system

 

[Cameramonkey]

I found this stuff works well if you want to clean your coils.

Grainger stocks it and its DEAD simple to use.

NU-CALGON Aerosol Evaporator Coil Cleaner,No Rinse - A/C & Ref Cleaners and Scale Removers - 2RZW3|4166-75 - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[HoughMade]

Mold isn't quite the boogeyman people have made it out to be.

Johns Hopkins: Lung Disorders on mold allergies: Special Reports

The mold scare: Medical facts versus dubious myths - Houston Business Journal

Indoor Environment - Mold Investigation and Management Services

 

[lordjackel]

hello 26yrs exp in hvac here the short answer to your question is yes there are benefits to a uv light. is it enough benefitto justify the cost in most cases no. all comes down to how sensitive to mold you may be. as far as the mold being located there around your evaporator coil that is very common almost 100 percent of the time in any home you walk into. also keep in mind if you do purchase a uv light it is something you need to look at semi yearly the bulbs go out and beingg installed in your ductwork tend to go overlookd out of sight out of mind. with all that being said i personaly do not have one installed on my home system

Thanks for the insight. I thought as much but wanted to make sure.

 

[looney2ns]

Honeywell Ultraviolet Air Treatment System-RUVLAMP1 at The Home Depot

 

[ghitch75]

not worth the powder to blow them up....

over 30 years in HVAC.....never seen them do what they say the should....

 

[churchmouse]

Been in the trade (HVAC) longer than I care to remember. The lights only treat the area the illuminate. They are not magic.
A good bleach solution will kill off about any mold I am aware of.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Been in the trade (HVAC) longer than I care to remember. The lights only treat the area the illuminate. They are not magic.
A good bleach solution will kill off about any mold I am aware of.

The problem with bleach is it is corrosive. If he has aluminum coils he could cause issues using it. (wouldnt he?) I started down the bleach route and discovered that. Which is what led me to my previous suggestion.

 

[churchmouse]

The problem with bleach is it is corrosive. If he has aluminum coils he could cause issues using it. (wouldnt he?) I started down the bleach route and discovered that. Which is what led me to my previous suggestion.

A bleach solution as in a light mix just to kill off the mold.
I use a dedicated cleanser for evaporators. Not locked in on any specific brand.

 

[lordjackel]

Thanks everyone...based on the feedback I will pass on getting a UV device.

As for the mold...it was very little just above the coils. I pulled the vents in other rooms and snaked a camera into the main lines (attic) and don't see any other signs so I think it is just there cause it is dark and damp and probably not a big deal at this point.

 

[churchmouse]

Thanks everyone...based on the feedback I will pass on getting a UV device.

As for the mold...it was very little just above the coils. I pulled the vents in other rooms and snaked a camera into the main lines (attic) and don't see any other signs so I think it is just there cause it is dark and damp and probably not a big deal at this point.

If the A/C is running as designed it is dehumidifying the air. Mold likes dark/damp. The water in and around the coil is what the A/C is removing. It gathers in the drain pan. Check the drain for restrictions. If water stands in the drain pan it may not be pitched towards the drain properly.