Many studies are finding that existing HVAC systems could actually be super spreaders of COVID-19 due to the recirculation of air done to maximize efficiency (takes less energy to recirculate cool air than cooling hot air from outside). If one person is shedding the virus, the droplets that the person produces could be spread to other parts of the building because of the effects of the HVAC system. This is thought to have occurred at a restaurant in China, where multiple unrelated dining parties that were spread apart from each other ended up testing positive. The only way this could have happened was because of the HVAC system, a study by Lu et al. (2020) confirmed.
Recently, outbreaks in parts of the country have pointed to the fact that children have elevated levels of the virus and the spread to staff will be highly likely. Thus, many institutions are pushing that as much as possible needs to be done to protect all within the school building considering that there would be a combination of high people density and an insufficient HVAC system.
In response to this need of helping schools open safely, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) released an updated version of guidelines on July 17, 2020 for schools. The guidelines are focused on improving building logistics, specifically as it pertains to a school’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.
Among the recommendations made by ASHRAE, the implementation of a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, bipolar ionization, and ultraviolet-C (UVC) light were identified as some of the best steps that can be taken to help keep classrooms safe.
Adding a HEPA filter into a pre-existing HVAC system is a challenge though. But adding new ductwork that can handle a HEPA can also come at an exorbitant cost, with most schools having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to go that route.
Our ISO-Aire unit allows for a cost-friendly solution to this problem. Being able to stand alone or joined with the ductwork, our HVAC unit has a fan that pulls air in from the room and cleans it using a HEPA filter, bipolar ionization, and UVC. Furthermore, the HEPA filter we use in our unit is, at a minimum, 99.99% efficient in removing air particles equal to or larger than 0.3 microns in size. This is much better than other HEPA filters on the market which are rated to be only 99.97% efficient.
We are confident that we offer an effective and cost-friendly solution to schools as they take steps toward making their classroom environment a safe one. Furthermore, our unit provides long-term rewards beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, helping protect individuals from asthma and allergy triggers, mold dangers, gaseous toxins, and protects from other airborne infectious diseases than just COVID-19. The positive effects from the addition of these three technologies could help with academic performance and reduce absenteeism in both students and staff, leading to a better learning environment overall.