GermGuardianLB4000 Genuine UV-C Replacement Bulb for AC4300BPTCA, AC4825, AC4850PT & AC4900CA Germ Guardian Air Purifiers

I purchased two bulbs, one for each of my Germ Guardians. I replaced the the first bulb (after reading the Q&A section. yes, its tricky, but one you get the metal plate loose its easy). I replaced the first bulb. It was INOP. then I tried the second bulb on the same unit. Also INOP. I inspected both bulbs and one had a jiggle inside, so I figured it was bad. I tried the "good" one again facing both positions and it was still not working. So I proceeded to return both bulbs on amazon. I was surprised to get a pop-up window that said "chat with a rep before returning, over 50% of issues with this product can be resolved with a representative." Obviously, I thought that was crazy, but okay, I'll chat.To make a long story short, the rep asked me to try the new bulbs in my Other Germ Guardian. I had not done this because a bulb is either good or bad, right? But I had also read all the reviews saying these bulbs were bad from stock and I thought this couldn't hurt especially since I have a second unit.To my surprise, BOTH the jiggly bulb and the "good" bulb BOTH worked on my other Germ Guardian. Apparently, the connector socket is what failed on my first Germ Guardian, along with the bulb. After inspecting both burned bulbs, I found one to be severely dark while the other was just light brown. The darker one was the one that had the connector burned as well.I understand that most people might not have another Germ Guardian in the the house to do this experiment. But I caution people to test the connector before even buying these bulbs. If you are getting power, then go ahead and purchase the replacement. But if you are not getting power to the socket, don't waste your $. If your Germ Guardian is still under warranty, you may be able to get a replacement for the entire unit.I'm glad I contacted customer service. At least I have UV in my kids room where I need it to kill the stink of shoes :o]My office unit will have to run without the UV until I feel like investing in a new Germ Guardian.

Since I bought the machine, I've now purchased 4 of these replacements, two of which never worked. The second one was purchased two months before I needed it, in anticipation of the previous one going out. It seems to me, that the original light, that came with the machine, lasted quite long. Every replacement, that has worked, barely last a couple of months. Not only that, but they're not as bright as the original. I suspected that they were using knock-offs, as replacements, but the verbiage capitalizes GENUINE. In the meantime, since I bought this last bad one two months before I needed it(which shows that it's predecessor lasted two and a half months!), it's too late for me to return it.

Can I give it zero stars??? Was going to buy another germ guardian for my living room (already own 2), but now that my UV bulb went out and I bought this “genuine” replacement bulb, I will never buy one of their products again. The new bulb does not work no matter how many times we put it in. I go to get a replacement from amazon who sold this to me and it says this item is not eligible for return/replacement. WHAT? It is completely defective! And I bought it through Amazon! This is a scam. The mold (UV kills the mold) is the whole reason I got these units, and now they are worthless! Have recommended these units to several coworkers and friends before, will be sure they know how I feel now. DO NOT BUY! Get rid of your unit before you waste your money. Don’t give these scammers any more of your money.

Received the bulb today. Aside from the fact removing the existing bulb required a firm grasp (make sure you use a towel), the install was straightforward. Unfortunately as others have indicated, the bulb does not light up. Upon turning on the machine, the UV light flashes for a second and then turns off. Would not recommend purchasing until there's a consistent history that the bulb works for others.

I've had my germ guardian air purifier for almost a year now, I figured it was time to change the bulbs even though they were still working.. once you change them you can see that they are no longer a blue/white light but they burn out and turn purple. Changing the bulb in my unit was very easy.