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UV bulbs in HVAC ducts - do they work?
Posted on 11/20/20 at 7:08 am
Posted on 11/20/20 at 7:08 am
Our HVAC technician came out yesterday for our fall/winter service check-up. The blower motor for our upstairs unit is leaking some fluid, so they will be coming back out to replace it.
He mentioned that they are currently running a "deal" on installing UV lights in systems to help with bacteria, mold, pollen, etc. Cost would be $591 for a double bulb in the upstairs unit, or $823 for a single bulb in the upstairs and downstairs system.
I know that UV light has been proven to kill certain bacteria and fungi, but do they do enough to warrant putting them in the HVAC system? If so, where do these costs line up?
He mentioned that they are currently running a "deal" on installing UV lights in systems to help with bacteria, mold, pollen, etc. Cost would be $591 for a double bulb in the upstairs unit, or $823 for a single bulb in the upstairs and downstairs system.
I know that UV light has been proven to kill certain bacteria and fungi, but do they do enough to warrant putting them in the HVAC system? If so, where do these costs line up?
Posted on 11/20/20 at 7:49 am to PJinAtl
Do you guys have compromised immune systems or extreme allergies or something?
I just can’t see the reason for this. Genuinely curious.
I just can’t see the reason for this. Genuinely curious.
Posted on 11/20/20 at 8:03 am to CatfishJohn
No. We have typical seasonal allergies.
My mom (80s) does live with us part time, and she has Parkinson's and is a 2x cancer survivor, but no compromised immune system.
The HVAC tech just mentioned it. I am wondering if they ordered a bunch thinking people would want them for Covid and the demand hasn't been there, so they are trying to off load them.
My mom (80s) does live with us part time, and she has Parkinson's and is a 2x cancer survivor, but no compromised immune system.
The HVAC tech just mentioned it. I am wondering if they ordered a bunch thinking people would want them for Covid and the demand hasn't been there, so they are trying to off load them.
Posted on 11/20/20 at 8:14 am to PJinAtl
I think for them to be effective, there's some pretty tight tolerances for airflow by the actual light, so I'd do some research.
My father used to sell commercial/industrial HVAC stuff and did many quarantine rooms & hospitals operating rooms. He swore by the UV light and was convinced years ago that drug resistant TB would kill us all.
My father used to sell commercial/industrial HVAC stuff and did many quarantine rooms & hospitals operating rooms. He swore by the UV light and was convinced years ago that drug resistant TB would kill us all.
Posted on 11/20/20 at 8:28 am to PJinAtl
quote:
My mom (80s) does live with us part time, and she has Parkinson's and is a 2x cancer survivor, but no compromised immune system.
I'd say that she isn't in the best shape to fight something off so there may be value there.
I truly don't know if they are effective though, I'd imagine there are a lot of variables (duct size, airflow, etc.)
Posted on 11/20/20 at 8:40 am to PJinAtl
Though I can’t answer your specific question, speaking with neighbor who just had 1 of his 2 HVAC units replaced a couple months ago, the HVAC servicing his bedroom areas, and he told me they also had an oxidizing UV unit installed with the new HVAC, and he said since the install he and and his wife no longer wake up in the morning with sinus related issues.
This post was edited on 11/20/20 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 11/20/20 at 8:50 am to PJinAtl
Don't waste your money. UV is decent but they lose efficacy over time. I did a ton of research and pulled the trigger on a GPS unit. They have been around in hospitals a long time. They are overall better because they require zero maintenance, produce zero ozone, and kill germs in air and on surfaces.
LINK /
they are pretty comparable in price to UV lights as well
LINK /
they are pretty comparable in price to UV lights as well
Posted on 11/20/20 at 10:36 am to PJinAtl
He’s trying to make a commission
Posted on 11/20/20 at 11:42 am to Man4others
Yeah, I kinda felt the same way that it was gimmicky/commission driven.
But, thought I would ask.
But, thought I would ask.
Posted on 11/20/20 at 11:51 am to PJinAtl
I had the GPS unit installed due to some mold issues in air handler,it eleminated it.Also gets rid of odors after frying foods,no longer have to burn candles.
I have no idea how this works but I no longer have static electricity issues in the winter.
I have no idea how this works but I no longer have static electricity issues in the winter.
Posted on 11/20/20 at 12:18 pm to PJinAtl
$600 for one unit? That sounds pretty insane for installing a light to me.
But fwiw, this hvac tech that I use that’s in his mid 70s I believe and charges me $50 occasionally for a quick service call told me this year he though the UV lights were the next big thing and worth it. I think he said they were like $100 plus installation.
But fwiw, this hvac tech that I use that’s in his mid 70s I believe and charges me $50 occasionally for a quick service call told me this year he though the UV lights were the next big thing and worth it. I think he said they were like $100 plus installation.
Posted on 11/21/20 at 1:07 am to PJinAtl
UV light needs a certain length of contract time to kill anything. How long do you think it takes to blow past a certain spot in a vent shaft?
Posted on 11/21/20 at 5:52 am to SEC. 593
It was my understanding that the UV lights are usually installed in the air handler to kill any mildrew that might form on the coils not for disinfecting the air.
Posted on 11/21/20 at 8:15 am to SEC. 593
quote:
UV light needs a certain length of contract time to kill anything. How long do you think it takes to blow past a certain spot in a vent shaft?
This!
I researched it for my office and decided against it for this reason.
Posted on 11/21/20 at 2:13 pm to PJinAtl
UV is good for water but doesn't do much for air. It does nothing for allergens.
Posted on 11/22/20 at 7:40 am to PJinAtl
Definitely would recommend a GPS over a uv light.
Posted on 11/22/20 at 10:32 am to Cajun Invasion
I sat with the HVAC Salesman and asked ....
So, you hang a UV light in a ten to twelve inch diameter duct, light it up and expect the UV light to cut contaminants while they blow by at say 20-30 mph. Meanwhile, my UV tube in the filtration system of my salt water tank is a three inch diameter bulb inside a five inch diameter PVC Pipe and I don't trust the killing power while flushing over 500 gallons an hour inside that tube. What am I missing here?
Couldn't answer the question.
So, you hang a UV light in a ten to twelve inch diameter duct, light it up and expect the UV light to cut contaminants while they blow by at say 20-30 mph. Meanwhile, my UV tube in the filtration system of my salt water tank is a three inch diameter bulb inside a five inch diameter PVC Pipe and I don't trust the killing power while flushing over 500 gallons an hour inside that tube. What am I missing here?
Couldn't answer the question.
Posted on 11/22/20 at 1:43 pm to FishinTygah84
What model did you get?
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