Frequently Asked Questions
General | UV Systems | UV Lamps | Replacements | Warranty | UltraMax Gold | UltraMAX EZUV
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General Information
How do I get a copy of my owner's manual?
Owner's manuals can be found on the product pages. Look for the information tab called "Owner's Manuals / Replacements".
What is a VOC?
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. They make up hundreds of household odors that are generated from common activities like cooking, cleaning and home improvement projects.
Where can I buy an Ultravation system?
Ultravation IAQ products are sold and installed by HVAC Professionals
Proper integration of Ultravation® IAQ products into an HVAC system takes the expertise of an HVAC contractor, who can evaluate IAQ improvement needs and HVAC equipment to determine the best IAQ product(s) to accomplish your goals. Just as important, an HVAC technician is best qualified to install IAQ products that integrate with HVAC equipment. This will assure optimum performance for the entire system. Ultravation products are available to all HVAC contractors through wholesale distributors nationwide.
So call your favorite contractor today for more information. Or visit Ultravation.com to find a list of Ultravation Authorized Contractors in your area.
Ultravation, Inc. does not authorize anyone to sell its Indoor Air Quality products on the internet. They are sold legitimately only by licensed professional HVAC contractor/installers. Any product purchased and installed by any other means will not be installed with proper evaluation of the home, the HVAC system and the needs of the customer. Purchasing any Ultravation product though non-authorized sources WILL NOT be covered by the Ultravation warranty. Learn more here.
Which UV system should I buy?
The best way to determine the correct model is to consult with your Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) professional, who can properly analyze your individual needs.
What is the benefit of installing two systems?
Installing a UV system on moist HVAC components prevents mold. The addition of a system in the return air duct optimizes airstream disinfection.
Can I install Ultravation® UV equipment outdoors?
Most Ultravation products have a weather-tight enclosure option. These enclosures are recommended for commercial, RTUs and all outdoor applications. For commercial applications see the UVMatrix 4X.
How much UV is too much?
It is not possible to “overdose” with UV. Your HVAC professional will be able to recommend the right amount of UV protection for your HVAC system.
Who should install a UV air disinfection system?
We recommend that an HVAC trained professional install a UV air disinfection system, to assure you of optimum performance. Call your favorite HVAC contractor or find an Ultravation Authorized Contractor in your area.
UV Systems / UltraMAX Gold / UltraMAX EZUV
Should my Ultravation UV system only go on when my HVAC system is running?
No. While HVAC systems start and stop frequently, most Ultravation UV installations operate all the time so that microbial infestation on HVAC surfaces does not have a chance to take hold even when the blower is not running. Further, if the UV system cycled with the HVAC system, the repeating on-and-off of the lamp will shorten the life span of the UV-C lamp and causes undue stress to the UV system's power supply. When the UV system runs continually, your HVAC system coil and other internal parts remain clear of bio-growth and should obtain full useful lamp life from your Ultravation lamps.
I replaced my UV lamps and there is still a steady red light on my UltraMAX system. What should I do?
Check to see if you have a UVS or UMX system. Then follow the instructions below for the appropriate unit. You may need to reset the microprocessor. It is recommended that a certified technician perform service and maintenance operations. If you do not have an HVAC professional, you can find an Ultravation Authorized Contractor here.
For UltraMAX UVS Series LED Reset Procedure
TURN POWER OFF
Then, press the reset button located on the bottom center of UVLampMonitor circuit board (opposite side of the wire connection).
If the LED comes on when pressed, hold it for 5 seconds until it changes state: it will start red and turn green after 5 seconds.
The unit is now reset – put the cover back on and turn on power.
If no LED comes on when the button is pressed, then the coin battery (CR2032) needs to be replaced. You can purchase this standard battery at most hardware, electronics stores or other such store where batteries are sold.
For UltraMAX UMX Series LED Reset Procedure
LEAVE POWER ON
Remove cover and find the red reset button inside the cabinet.
Press and hold it down until the LED turns green.
The system is now reset.
Which UV system should I buy?
The best way to determine the correct model is to consult with your Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) professional, who can properly analyze your individual needs. Ultravation products are available to all HVAC contractors through wholesale distributors nationwide. So call your favorite contractor today for more information. Or visit Ultravation.com to find a list of Ultravation Authorized Contractors in your area.
What is the best way to use the UV system to reduce biogrowth?
For optimum bio-growth reduction, install a single or two lamp system as required to allow for proper exposure of HVAC components.
What is the benefit of installing UV in the HVAC system return?
A UV system installed on the return will optimize airstream disinfection and inhibit biological contamination in the HVAC unit.
The Importance of Changing UV Lamps
Should I replace my UV lamps myself or call my contractor?
It is recommended that your Ultravation system be installed and maintained by professional HVAC contractors. To find an Ultravation Authorized Contractor in your area, visit our contractor directory. If you choose to replace them yourself please read the following safety information:
Important information to know before replacing UV lamps
Below are some precautions to be taken when replacing UV-C lamps. This information can also be found in your Ultravation UV systems owner's manual.
WARNING: UV Hazard. Always protect eyes from ultraviolet light. NEVER look at UV lamps in operation. Unplug or disconnect power before re-lamping or servicing.
WARNING: Severe eye damage or temporary blinding may occur.
WARNING: DO NOT operate outside of Air Handler. Mount product to duct first.
WARNING: No openings in duct are allowed which would give direct line-of-sight to the UV light.
In the event of accidental breakage or replacement of ultraviolet lamps, please ensure that the lamp is disposed of in accordance with local and state environmental laws regarding fluorescent lamps containing mercury.
How often should I replace residential UV lamps?
To maintain optimum effectiveness in the reduction of airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and to keep HVAC bio-growth on surfaces, particularly the coil, drain pan and blower minimized, follow the replacement schedule listed in the Owner's Manual for your specific UV system. For people with respiratory conditions or other acute sensitivities, we recommend keeping to an annual lamp replacement schedule.
Lamps operating visibly after their germicidal (useful) life no longer provide adequate reduction of pathogens and must be replaced. They may contribute to excessive power consumption of the ballast which can cause overheating of the power supply and lamp, further deteriorating the effectiveness of the product and/or cause system failure.
If the UV lamps cannot be replaced at end of useful lamp life, turn off or otherwise disconnect power from the system until new lamps can be installed. Failure to do so may void the warranty.
Why change my UV lamps when they still light up?
Ultraviolet lamps are comprised of two electrode filaments (the spring looking wire at each end), a glass and quartz combination vacuum tube, several inert gases and approximately 3 mg of mercury (Hg).
These specialty lamps are designed to provide light energy in the germicidal spectrum centered on 254nm (nanometer = one billionth of a meter). As they operate, they slowly loose their germicidal effectiveness, about 15% per year. If the UV system is installed for the sole purpose of protecting HVAC equipment such as coils and blowers—surfaces that stay consistently in the range of the UV lamps, then the UV lamps will be effective for about 24,000 to 36,000 hours (or 2-3 years) depending on which Ultravation lamp you have purchased.
If the primary operation of the UV system is to aid in the reduction of indoor air contamination, then the recommended lamp replacement interval should be one year. This will ensure needed higher energy levels are maintained to aid in the reduction of moving (airborne) microorganisms circulating through the HVAC system.
Otherwise UV lamps should be exchanged replaced after their useful lamp life has ended a maximum two year installation period for several reasons, including:
At the end of useful life, the disinfection effectiveness will be significantly compromised and the system will not be able to generate UV-C light as specified. Note that even though a visible blue glow can seen though the system viewport, the glow is not UV light (which is invisible) but actually a by-product of the operation.
Replacement Lamps and Filters
Where can I buy replacement lamps and filters
We recommend purchasing genuine Ultravation replacement lamps and filters through either your favorite HVAC contractor or another Ultravation Authorized Contractor. Otherwise, lamps and filters are available at UltravationStore.com.
ltravation equipment is not sold on Amazon, and here is why.
Where can I buy other replacement parts?
If you are in need of a replacement part (other than a UV lamp or filter), we recommend contacting your favorite HVAC contractor or an Ultravation Authorized Contractor. Otherwise, you can contact Ultravation and they can assist you with finding the part you require for your system.
Product Warranty
How do I register my Ultravation system?
To register your newly installed Ultravation system(s), use our easy online Warranty Registration form or you may complete and mail the printed card included with with your system installation kit.
There is a typo in my warranty registration. How do I update the information?
Forward your emailed online warranty registration confirmation with notes of what changes you would like made to our warranty registration to onlinewarrantyregistration@ultravation.com. We will resend you an updated confirmation email.
I didn't received my warranty registration confirmation email. What should I do?
In an effort to control inbound spam email, email programs will sometimes divert legitimate email to your Junk or Spam folder. If you have checked those folders and you have not located your warranty registration confirmation email, please send an email to onlinewarrantyregistration@ultravation.com and your confirmation email will be resent.
How do I find out if my product is still under warranty?
The owner's manual for your Ultravation system will list your system's warranty details. Using that information and your installation paperwork from your contractor, you will be able to decipher if you system is still under warranty. If you are still unsure, you can contact Ultravation and we will assist you.
How do I submit a Warranty claim?
If you are having trouble with your Ultravation equipment, please contact Technical Support at (866) 468-8247 and they will assist with problem-solving the system and if needed, processing a warranty claim.