humidifier and uv lamp question

[john]

Live in a 1920's era house, hot water radiator heat, central air cooling. We run the air handler on low on occasion in the winter to circulate heat and filter the air. The trunk line and most of the ductwork runs through a small attic area.

I have asked two different HVAC contractors on the phone and also posted to alt.hvac about the benefits/practicality of installing a humidifier and UV lamp in the ductwork.

The first guy said No to the humidifier and Yes to the UV. The second guy said Yes to the humidifier and No to the UV. Most of the alt.hvac responses were along the line of "go to alt.home.repair", "who cares", "go screw yourself", "homeowners are the scum of the earth", etc.

Any advice regarding humidifier/uv question would be greatly appreciated?

[Red Neckerson]

"john" wrote

Do a search on Google or choose one of the responses above........

[mike]

I have a humidifier in mounted in my ac only system. It's got a little injector that sprays water. It seems too work fine but I've only been in the house for a couple of years so I don't know if there were problems before me.

I don't have a UV light but I do have a question about them. I read that UV c rays can cause damage to things like plastics and wiring. Directly above my air handler is a section of duct with what looks like rubberized canvas attached to either end. Is it OK to mount a UV light within view of the canvas?

The light looks like something I can tackle myself but I wanted to make sure it was save to mount in this location.

thanks

[steve]

Depending on the lamp you buy, you can mount it where its hitting the flex connector....however, it MIGHT "rot" out depending on the age and actual material of it. UV-C lamps are made to do a job...kill anything that moves, and you know what UV light does to your plastics and such when left outside. Imagine 10X that amount in your duct. You want it to do its job, but not create other issues. Also, you might want to consider putting the single UV-C unit in the RETURN...not the supply side. Its suggested that you use a min of 2 units..one in the return, and one in the supply side. I personally use

3...two on the return, and one on the supply.

[mike]

Thanks Steve,

I did some checking. The flex material is not rated for uv exposure. I seems like this could be a potential problem for a lot of people. The installation guide recommends mounting the lamp directly above the coil. This also appears to be one of the areas where this flex adaptor is most likely to be found.

I'll either have to mount it further up the supply or mount it in the return as you suggested. Though the return box has some type of black fiberglassy insulation in it. I didn't have much luck researching the insulation. I suppose I should treat it as if it's not rated unless you know different.

[steve]

Wont hurt it. The return is normally where you want it anyway, since the air leading to the machine will have all the nasty shit in it that will clog the coil if you are going to run only one light. Also, Highly suggest that you steer clear of those $99 POS things they are selling at Home Depot...total and complete jokes.

in message news:...

[john]

Where exactly on your system is the humidifier mounted? And in what part of your home is it located? I had one guy caution me about locating in an area where it could freeze. What do you think of the injector type humidifier? I thought most of them were drums.

John

[steve]

Humidifiers always should be located where they will NOT freeze. Nasty mess if the valves crack..

If you use a self flushing pad type, you will be enjoy it much more, altho, depending on the SF of the home, style of ductwork, etc...a spray type might be better for you.

[mike]

John

It's mounted a foot or so above the air handler. The air handler is in an upstairs closet and the duct runs up and across the attic. It gets relatively cold in the closet but I don't think it's anywhere freezing even on the coldest nights.

As far as the humidifier goes, I think it's fine but then again I don't have anything else to compair it to.

Hope that helps, Mike