Lennox purification systems can help resolve a large number of air quality issues in your home. Their powerful filters remove up to 90% of germs and bacteria as small as 0.01 micron. In addition to air filtration, some of the available units use ultraviolet (UV) rays to further improve your air quality. A germicidal UV light can work on its own or as part of a purification system to help keep you and your family healthy.
Here is how it works:
UVC Light
There are multiple different wavelengths of UV light. UVA is the longest and ranges from 315 to 400 nanometers (nm). UVB is also called middle-wave UV and has wavelengths from 280 to 315 nm. Finally, UVC or short-wave UV light is from 100 to 280 nm. Wavelengths between 100 and 300 nm are known to kill germs, so UVC light is the most effective of the three types for this purpose.
How UV Light Kills Germs
Bacteria, viruses, and other molecules multiply by using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Destroying their DNA prevents them from replicating and causing disease. A germicidal UV light works by breaking some of the bonds that hold DNA molecules together. In order to replicate, DNA must “unzip.” UVC light specifically targets the bonds that allow this to happen. This not only prevents replication, but also causes the germ to die when it tries to reproduce.
Air Circulation
When UVC germicidal lights are used in laboratory or industrial settings, the lamp is pointed towards a specific piece of equipment for an extended period of time. This allows the light to efficiently kill germs on the surface. The process is slightly more complicated as it relates to the air in your home, but proper circulation allows the system to kill as many molecules as possible.
When a Lennox germicidal light is installed within your home’s ductwork, the air in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system must pass by it in order to move through your home. Each time air circulates past the light, more germs are killed. Studies demonstrate that this process reduces the levels of airborne microorganisms by 50% in as little as 45 minutes when there is constant circulation. This is in addition to the benefits of the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters within most Lennox purification systems.
Germicidal UV Lights Clean More Than Your Air
Because of their placement within your home’s HVAC, Lennox germicidal UV lights do more than just keep your air clean. They help kill mold, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms that can live in your ductwork. This helps protect your health and also improves the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Install a Lennox Air Purifier
Signature Heating and Cooling is an authorized Lennox dealer and we are proud to install their innovative purifiers. Whether you choose to install the germicidal light on its own or as part of a purification system, you will enjoy the benefits of cleaner air.