Services / UV light systems
UV light for the coil, not a gadget on the counter
A UV lamp inside the air handler is there to stop mold and bacteria from living on a wet coil and riding the supply air. It is a small addition to the system you already have, and it is most useful in a Florida house that never really dries out.
What it does
The lamp shines on the coil and the airstream. Growth that would otherwise sit on a damp evaporator has a much harder time staying there. Homeowners usually notice fewer musty starts and less of the smell that shows up when the fan first kicks on.
UV versus a better filter
A filter catches particles. It does not stop colonies already growing on the coil. UV does not replace the filter. The two do different jobs, and a dirty filter will still ice a coil whether or not a lamp is installed.
Safety
The bulb is inside the equipment, not where anyone looks at it. Do not stare at an exposed lamp. Our technicians handle bulb changes so the system stays closed and the replacement is the right one for the housing.
Questions about uv light systems
Is a UV lamp dangerous in the house?
Not when it is installed inside the duct or air handler and left covered. The risk is looking directly at an exposed bulb. You should not be near an exposed bulb during normal use.
How often is the bulb replaced?
Typically every one to two years, depending on the model. Output drops before the bulb looks dead.
Will this replace duct cleaning?
No. UV treats biological growth at the coil and in the airstream. It does not vacuum debris out of the runs.