[MSGirl]

We recently had our AC annual service completed and there was mold inside the unit. AC guy recommended adding a UV light to kill current and future mold. Has anyone had mold then added the UV? If so, who did you use and what was the cost?

[Rango]

I would get a second opinion

[LAFwUs]

Did the tech show you the mold (in person, pics from of the inside your unit, etc) or did he just indicate it on paperwork or in passing conversation?

Its not uncommon in older units and while UV lights work to kill mold off quickly & easily and are fairly inexpensive, if it were me, I wouldn't just sign off on the need for one without confirming it was a problem in My specific unit and getting more than one cost estimate, if you do not want the hassle of dropping one in yourself.
Dry mold can go airborne and become reactive with moisture, so it maybe best to not avoid the issue, just confirm it with another inspection/AC company to which you are present for and can confirm for yourself...too many scams around TV to take anyone person or company at there word.
Good luck.

[Whitley]

Originally Posted by MSGirl

We recently had our AC annual service completed and there was mold inside the unit. AC guy recommended adding a UV light to kill current and future mold. Has anyone had mold then added the UV? If so, who did you use and what was the cost?

I have the UV installed, not specifically for mold though I assume it helps, but for health in general. I am what some would call at risk, so I do what I can to put the odds in my favor. I can tell you if you ever need change the bulb, do it yourself. Very easy and the bulb cost me 184.00. The AC company quoted 790.00.

[Papa_lecki]

I thought the UV lights was to cleanse the air circulating through the house, not the AC unit.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

I thought the UV lights was to cleanse the air circulating through the house, not the AC unit.

That's what I thought also.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by Rango

I would get a second opinion

Definitely get 2nd opinion, this area is FULL of sharks, Land sharks as Jimmy Buffet terms them !

[retiredguy123]

You shouldn't have mold in your HVAC system unless there is another problem. The UV light is a waste of money.

[metoo21]

You should read up on UV lights. The contact time isn’t sufficient to clean the air passing through. Also, the bulb will go bad long before it burns out. It will appear to be on but useless in effectiveness. Also the distance from the bulb for any affect isn’t very far. These are a complete waste of money for AC.

[Altavia]

Scam

WHY UV LIGHTS IN HVAC SYSTEMS ARE A SCAM - Blue National HVAC
The HVAC UV lights your technician or HVAC servicer mention are more or less a scam.

Why? They’re touted for their ability to destroy mold spores, harmful bacteria, and viruses that work their way into your air supply, so they’re said to improve your indoor air quality and keep you safe from infection, allergy symptoms, and other medical issues associated with breathing them in.

However, the bulbs used in most residential systems are severely underpowered, don’t work quickly enough to kill stuff in the air that’s circulating through your ducts, and they typical aren’t installed in your ductwork, so they aren’t even meant to treat the air.

[villagetinker]

I would contact an independent air quality company and have an independent inspection done. Then get their assessment of what needs to be done.

[Keefelane66]

My brother in law just had A/C replaced. On sales visit the A/C rep noticed something on ceiling claimed was mold at return vent. After $800 mold remediation company identified it as DUST on popcorn ceiling, testing his home and vents determined home had NO MOLD.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

My brother in law just had A/C replaced. On sales visit the A/C rep noticed something on ceiling claimed was mold at return vent. After $800 mold remediation company identified it as DUST on popcorn ceiling, testing his home and vents determined home had NO MOLD.

Wow! I would hope a reputable HVAC company and mold remediation company would do a lab test for mold before charging $800.

[Boffin]

Waste of time and money.

[airdote22]

Its a scam. Often its charge is placed on a new credit card from Capital One.