As an experienced HVAC specialist, I’m excited to share insights on the latest advancements in air purification technologies for residential and commercial applications. In our 10 years of HVAC service experience… Today’s homeowners and businesses demand not just efficient heating and cooling, but also exceptional indoor air quality (IAQ) – and the good news is, there are more innovative solutions than ever before.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive when dealing with air conditioning systems…
Revolutionizing Indoor Air Quality with PHI-Cell® Technology
One of the pioneering technologies in this space is RGF’s PHI-Cell® (Photohydroionization). This patented process uses a UV light and a specialized target material to create airborne hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules. These molecules act as a powerful sanitizer, continuously circulating through your HVAC system and the conditioned space to neutralize a wide range of contaminants.
How does PHI-Cell® work? The process begins by using a broad-spectrum UV light to excite a specialized target material. This reaction generates a low level of airborne hydrogen peroxide that gets distributed throughout the air. As the H2O2 molecules encounter viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors, they break down the cell structure and oxidize these pollutants, rendering them harmless.
Importantly, the PHI-Cell® technology produces this disinfecting effect without generating ozone – a common byproduct of many air purification systems that can be an irritant. By leveraging nature’s own sanitizer (hydrogen peroxide), PHI-Cell® provides comprehensive purification while maintaining healthy indoor air.
Continuous Microbial Reduction with Dry Hydrogen Peroxide
Another innovative air purification approach is Synexis’ Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP®) technology. Unlike traditional air purifiers that filter contaminants, DHP® actually seeks out and reduces the presence of microbes in the air and on surfaces.
The key advantage of DHP® is its continuous, active disinfection. As the system runs, it converts naturally occurring oxygen and humidity into a low level of hydrogen peroxide gas that circulates throughout the indoor space. This H2O2 gas then attacks viruses, bacteria, mold, and other microbes, providing ongoing protection.
Synexis’ studies have demonstrated DHP® can reduce over 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in the air within 90 minutes, and up to 98.7% on surfaces within 4 hours. And because it operates silently in the background, DHP® provides this powerful microbial reduction without disrupting normal activities.
Combining Filtration and Purification for Whole-Home Solutions
While innovative purification technologies like PHI-Cell® and DHP® are making great strides, many homeowners and businesses still rely on traditional air filtration as the foundation of their IAQ strategy. And for good reason – high-quality air filters can be highly effective at trapping airborne contaminants.
The Lennox PureAir™ air purification system is a great example of an advanced whole-home solution that combines both filtration and purification. It utilizes a MERV 16 rated filter to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. But it also incorporates a photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) cell that generates low levels of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide to actively break down chemical vapors, odors, and microorganisms.
By pairing cutting-edge filtration with complementary purification, the PureAir™ system provides comprehensive air cleaning that addresses all three classes of indoor air pollutants – particulates, microbials, and gases. And with the ability to seamlessly integrate into a home’s central HVAC system, it offers whole-home coverage without the need for additional standalone units.
Beyond Filtration: Germicidal UV Light
Another proven technology for improving indoor air quality is the use of germicidal UV light. When strategically placed within an HVAC system, UV-C light can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and mold by disrupting their DNA and RNA structures.
Lennox’s Healthy Climate® germicidal lights, for example, leverage the highest UV light intensity on the market to provide powerful microbial control. By installing these units in the ductwork or air handler, they can continuously treat the air as it circulates, helping to maintain cleaner, healthier indoor environments.
The benefits of UV light go beyond just purification – it can also help keep HVAC components themselves free of biological contaminants. This can improve overall system efficiency and reduce maintenance needs over time.
Smart IAQ Monitoring and Automation
As homeowners and businesses become more aware of indoor air quality, there’s also growing demand for smart, connected solutions that provide real-time insights and automated control.
Products like the Lennox Air Intelligence Hub™ air quality monitor seamlessly integrate with HVAC systems to track key metrics like particulate levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide. This allows users to monitor their indoor environment, receive alerts, and trigger air cleaning on demand.
By pairing this monitoring capability with advanced purification technologies, homeowners can enjoy a fully optimized IAQ system that adapts to changing conditions. For example, the Air Intelligence Hub™ can automatically activate the PureAir™ system or germicidal UV lights when particulate or microbial levels rise, ensuring superior air quality around the clock.
Preparing for the Future of Indoor Air Quality
As we look ahead, it’s clear that innovative air purification will play an increasingly crucial role in HVAC solutions. Homeowners and businesses are demanding more than just efficient heating and cooling – they want healthy, clean indoor environments that protect their families, employees, and customers.
Technologies like PHI-Cell®, DHP®, and advanced filtration/purification systems are pioneering new frontiers in this space. And with the added capabilities of smart monitoring and automation, the next generation of IAQ systems will provide unparalleled control and peace of mind.
At US Air Contractors, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements. Our team of experienced HVAC specialists can help you evaluate the latest purification technologies and design a customized solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about enhancing indoor air quality in your home or facility.
Example: Addressing Common Heating System Problems 2023
