Even as vaccination rates increase and case numbers decline, COVID-19 remains a serious threat. The safety of workers, students, patients, and all building visitors remains a top priority for building managers.
New in-building traffic patterns and room occupancy guidelines are now permanent. Increased cleaning and disinfecting are the new normal.
Importance of clean HVAC systems
For ventilation, clean HVAC systems play a vital role in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus, as well as other pollutants. Clean HVAC systems provide clean air for healthy building occupants. The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads by aerosol transmission. The evidence for this gets stronger, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues globally. The COVID-19 virus disperses in tiny droplets, when people cough, sneeze or talk loudly.
Some dilution occurs as the droplets travel through the air, of course. However, in offices, conference rooms, waiting rooms, and classrooms, a high risk of spread exists. Another reason for the continued focus on indoor air quality is the emergence of new variants.
Clean HVAC systems for cleaner air
Filtration, natural ventilation, and clean air, in general, depend on clean HVAC equipment
With the amount of time people are spending indoors (90 percent) and the amount of air that they breathe every day (about 3,000 gallons), the threat of airborne viruses remains serious. That said, other airborne pollutants pose health risks as well. Some cause allergic reactions and respiratory conditions. Clean air is the key to the health of all building occupants.
Filtration, natural ventilation, and clean air, in general, depend on clean HVAC equipment. Vaccinations and testing are important in the fight against the virus, but prevention is the key. In the close quarters of office buildings and classrooms, clean air is what keeps people safe from virus infection.
As a result, building managers must focus on methods to achieve optional indoor air quality (IAQ). This starts with help from experts, such as Pure Air Control Services Inc. They know the importance of maintaining clean HVAC equipment and they do this with several services and methods.
The path towards clean air
Pure Air Control Services’ Building Health Check screens for mold, allergens, and dust. The testing of AHU (Air Handling Units) samples, as well as visual inspections, gives the company’s team the data that they need to assess the HVAC system.
The company’s HVAC Hygiene Assessment provides a picture of the HVAC system’s impact on the indoor air quality - IAQ. Their EDLab also tests for the presence of contaminants, such as gasses, pathogens, and volatile organic chemicals.
Rise in focus on carbon-free buildings
Natural ventilation dilutes the virus. However, the focus on natural ventilation must decrease, as the focus on carbon-free buildings increases. This makes clean HVAC systems more important than ever before.
Therefore, mechanical ventilation is the key to clean air. A clean HVAC system is better equipped to handle the air changes per hour (ACH) needed to keep buildings safe. Outdated equipment and dirty filters prevent this. They make systems work harder with lower efficiency. This makes them less safe and more expensive in terms of maintenance calls and energy use.
Smart air cleaning technologies
EnviroSmart 2.0 sensors allow these devices to adjust performances based on room conditions
Smart air cleaning technologies, such as the AeraMax PRO AM air purifier, clean the air in rooms up to 1,400 square feet in size. They feature a hybrid HEPA filtration system and use bipolar ionization to destroy fungi, bacteria, allergens, and viruses.
EnviroSmart 2.0 sensors allow these devices to adjust performances based on room conditions. In addition, our IAQ Guard monitoring service is another effective tool for cleaner air. The system gives data in real-time to avoid IAQ issues. Information on temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde (HCHO) gives facilities managers what they need to tackle any issues.
A combined approach to clean HVAC systems
Meeting the goal of cleaner air requires the combined approach of our Building Sciences Services. That includes the following:
- PURE-Steam - Restores the AHU through the use of high-temperature steam. Administered at pressure up to 350 psi, this method pushes debris through the coil, where it is then collected by a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- PURE-Duct - Cleans the HVAC system and ductwork, using EPA-registered disinfectants.
- PURE-Decon - Destroys 99.9 percent of pathogens, using electrostatic DEP sprayers.
- New Life Restoration - Improves HVAC performance, which lowers energy and maintenance costs. It includes the use of fiberglass-free zero-porosity material, in order to prevent moisture and microbial growth, as well as the application of specialized paint to prevent corrosion and rust.
Pure Air Control Services helps businesses, universities, hospitals, and government institutions get clean air and keep their staff, students, and customers safe.