[jrref]

Originally Posted by BlueStarAirlines

Hate to break this to you, but Sunshine also recommends the UV light. Just had service and was offered to have it installed for $1,999 with UV light replacement every year for only $199.

Every company is trying to install these. I have Sunshine and was offered the UV light. No talk about "gunk" because I didn't have any. The tech was honest and said he has to offer the light but no pressure then moved on.

[Andyb]

Pushing

[HellToupee]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

For people who are still using the standard MERV 8 filters, consider upgrading to MERV 11 filters. They cost a little more, but they remove a lot more dust. I have been using MERV 11 filters for a few years and I have noticed a significant reduction in the amount of dust in the house and the HVAC system is quieter. I buy mine from FilterBuy on Amazon, and change them every 6 months. The decarded MERV 11 filter is much dirtier than the old MERV 8 filters.

That’s what I thought as well. Our hvac/furnace guy up north and the hvac down here both said to use Merv 8 after using 11’s. They both said they’re not worth it. FWIW I change ours quarterly

[Teemotay]

Originally Posted by jrref

Every company is trying to install these. I have Sunshine and was offered the UV light. No talk about "gunk" because I didn't have any. The tech was honest and said he has to offer the light but no pressure then moved on.

I had Sunshine out to service my unit in July. The technician offered me the UV light, two different surge protectors and ionizer. If I did all of it then the cost was about $2,200. The UV light was much less expensive than others are mentioning. See attached offer that he sent to me. I didn’t take them up on any of it.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Teemotay

I had Sunshine out to service my unit in July. The technician offered me the UV light, two different surge protectors and ionizer. If I did all of it then the cost was about $2,200. The UV light was much less expensive than others are mentioning. See attached offer that he sent to me. I didn’t take them up on any of it.

So, Sunshine is one of the reputable HVAC companies. They are not out to rip you off but just to give you the options. I didn't see the surge protectors in the estimate but that is something you should get if you don't have them.

[Kevco]

"PROformance High intensity DUAL twin tube UV germicidal air purifier with odor control" < ———- Now just pause and look at that. LOL. When you see a product description like that you just gotta know that the only “gunk” is in the sales pitch. You can’t trust these people.

[Teemotay]

Originally Posted by jrref

So, Sunshine is one of the reputable HVAC companies. They are not out to rip you off but just to give you the options. I didn't see the surge protectors in the estimate but that is something you should get if you don't have them.

I’ve attached the surge protectors estimates.

[Mike Shebel]

Not necessary, Cindy.
IMHO: the velocity of the air in any entrapped particles, bacteria and dirt are moving too fast past the beam of light to have any beneficial treatment from this device.

[cherylncliff]

Originally Posted by azcindy

Today Sun Kool came out for the first maintenance after joining the Kool Club (I bought pre-owned). The house / air conditioner is 6 years old. The technician showed me there is "environmental gunk" (white color) inside the air handler and inside the blower fan. He recommended they install a "PROformance High intensity DUAL twin tube UV germicidal air purifier with odor control" for $2200. He says if I don't take care of it, the gunk will keep building and can lead to allergy and worse problems for the household. This is all new to me (being from California and Arizona with low humidity). For now I told him no and just clean it the best they can manually this time but I would do research. Any insight on this or are they just pushing products on me?

Thanks,

Cindy

Just change your filter on a regular basis. The 4" filters are good for about 6 months I recall. You can buy them online.

[Justputt]

I used a UV system in North TX because of my son's substantial allergy issues. We noticed a difference. We punted on installing a system for a year in TV until I noticed what appeared to be mold or some non-dust contaminate on the air filter on the 1st couple of changes. We put the UV system on and now only see modest dust each change. The higher the MERV rating the more you restrict air flow, increase energy cost, and wear on the blower motor. Here's a site the explains: MERV 8 vs MERV 11 vs MERV 13 Air Filters: Complete Comparison Guide
– Atomic Filters

[MrLindy]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

Here is an expensive one on Amazon that a handyman could install if you are determined to own one. https://a.co/d/57us9GF.

This should give you some idea of the markup as this one is $250

Wish I'd have known about the Amazon alternative! I paid $2,500 for my install by Sunshine AC when we bought our new house.

We Love Ours. Less dust. Air seems cleaner. No complaints.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Justputt

I used a UV system in North TX because of my son's substantial allergy issues. We noticed a difference. We punted on installing a system for a year in TV until I noticed what appeared to be mold or some non-dust contaminate on the air filter on the 1st couple of changes. We put the UV system on and now only see modest dust each change. The higher the MERV rating the more you restrict air flow, increase energy cost, and wear on the blower motor. Here's a site the explains: MERV 8 vs MERV 11 vs MERV 13 Air Filters: Complete Comparison Guide
– Atomic Filters

I would just add that I have been using MERV 11 filters for over 2 years, and I can really notice the difference in the dust level in my house. The airflow seems fine. Also, I wouldn't worry about the blower motor because it will probably not be affected, and it is one of the cheapest components in your HVAC system. I think the builder and HVAC technicians use MERV 8 filters because they are cheaper. But, Carrier doesn't recommend against the MERV 11 filters.

Your comment about less dust with the UV system doesn't seem to track with what I have read. UV systems kill organisms, but they are not designed to have any effect on reducing dust. The air filter reduces dust.