HVAC & Air Purification
The Importance of Clean Air
At Wm. T. Spaeder Company we recognize the importance of having clean indoor air where you work and where you live. Air purification systems on the market today are highly efficient and can remove bacteria, allergens, and other lung irritants that can reduce the comfort and safety of yourself and those around you. In light of COVID-19, there have been concerns about HVAC in association with viruses and other contagions. Installing up-to-date efficient HVAC systems with good filtration and proper ventilation as well as scheduling regular maintenance checks can greatly eliminate risks associated with airborne illness and poor air quality.
Not only can good air filtration protect from viruses and bacteria, but it also reduces long term side effects caused by pollution which has been widely recognized as a significant public health issue. This is particularly true in industrial environments such as factories and fabrication facilities where dust and debris can enter the air and expose workers on a daily basis to contaminants. Well-maintained HVAC and air purification systems prevents this exposure and ensures happier and healthier employees.
RTU Filter Change
What Types of Air Purification Systems Are There?
The type of air purification you should install is dependent on the individual requirements of your space. Medical facilities have different needs from factories which are different from apartment complexes. HVAC systems in commercial spaces can be varied and complex which requires advanced knowledge and training.
Air Filters
Often a good first step to increasing the level of air filtration is to upgrade your filter. Air filtration effectiveness is measured using MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles a filter can capture. For example, a MERV 6 filter can trap 20% of dust, pollen, large mold spores and other particles between 3-10 microns, whereas a MERV 13 filter can trap 90% of these particles, 90% of particles between 1-3 microns as well as 75% of .3-1 microns. HEPA or “high-efficiency particulate absorbing” filters have a MERV rating between 17-20. While HEPA filters are highly effective, they are denser than standard filters and might not fit in some systems. Additionally, these high efficiency filters need more power to draw air through them, which could require a fan upgrade to maintain an adequate amount of airflow without putting additional stress on the system.
The CDC and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommend MERV 13 as adequate filtration in most situations.
UV Light, Oxidation & Ionization Technologies
In addition to air filters, there are other types of air purification technology such as UV Light (germicidal UV) and oxidation & ionization technologies. UV Light has been traditionally used in hospitals to kill viruses and bacteria that collect on surfaces. When added to an HVAC system, UV light can kill viruses, bacteria and mold that builds up on air conditioning coils. While clean coils keep the HVAC unit running efficiently, it takes a few minutes for UV light to kill these particles. Therefore, it is not efficient in destroying airborne contagion which can move quickly through the system. On the other hand, oxidation and ionization technologies are well suited for the task.
Oxidation and Ionization technologies work by creating charged oxygen molecules. These charged molecules collect around the harmful airborne matter, neutralizing it on the spot. For example, if someone sneezes, these ionized particles can reduce the amount of airborne contagion by 99% within three feet. They are most often used in healthcare facilities and food processing plants but can be a benefit anywhere. Check out this video to see an example of how one system uses this type of technology to purify air.
Schedule a Free HVAC Audit
Choice of air purification works hand in hand with ventilation and the overall design of your HVAC system. The HVAC technicians at Wm. T. Spaeder Company can design and install equipment to suit the individual needs as well as troubleshoot and maintain your existing equipment. Contact us for a free consultation so we can learn your HVAC needs and provide you with a suitable recommendation.
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