Offering Employees Peace of Mind & A Safe Space

Here in the land of 10,000 lakes, winter can seem like the season of 10,000 days. And this year in particular, Bill Lee of St. Paul's MRL Company recognizes his valued employees may soon be dealing with added seasonal stress particularly amid a global pandemic.

"The majority of our employees are currently working from home, but when they have the urge to get out of the house and need a safe space, we want to make sure they feel comfortable here," explained Bill. "We've implemented safeguards, such as installing two ISO-Aire units, established distanced work spaces and have clear partitions in place. By keeping the air healthy, we'll reduce risk of any spread of germs. Our team can come back to the office based on whatever their comfort level is; we want them to know we've taken every step possible.

MRL Company now houses two portable, low-profile ISO-Aire units featuring medical-grade HEPA filtration, bipolar ionization and UVC sterilization to remove 99.99% of harmful airborne pathogens, mold, pollen, VOCs and dust.

Our signature approach to maximizing safe and continuous air flow involves pulling air and airborne contaminants away from the source utilizing a high-powered fan. Recirculation models continuously capture and destroy harmful aerosolized particles and return purified air into the building environment. ISO-Aire is effective in a variety of settings from child-care centers to schools to offices.

Minimize Exposure Risk: HEPA + Bipolar Ionization + UVC

Tiny particulates, such as Coronavirus molecules, at .1 -.12 microns, can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled, posing a dire threat to our health.

• Utilizing an offense-defense strategy, medical-grade HEPA filtration and bipolar ionization work in tandem to capture and destroy 99.99% of potentially harmful airborne pathogens and pollutants. An added layer of protection, UVC damages the DNA/RNA of pathogens rendering them ineffective.

• ISO-Aire delivers proven mitigation strategies that exceed the minimum requirements for indoor air quality established by ASHRAE and the Centers for Disease Control.

• Recirculation models provide clean air effectively and efficiently 24/7.

How to Apply for COVID Pandemic Funding Assistance for Indoor Air Quality and Where to Find Funding

The $900 billion federal funding bill passed by the U.S. Congress during the closing days of 2020 opens doors of opportunity for many Americans taking an economic hit due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Allocated dollars for small businesses, schools, daycare centers, and healthcare providers is meant to help ease the financial burden and allow organizations to implement necessary COVID-19 mitigation strategies to stabilize our communities. COVID-19 relief funding outlined in the CARES Act can be used to purchase commercial indoor air purification systems like ISO-Aire Elite Commercial Air Purifiers. Our portable units are built with proven medical-grade components and safeguard against COVID-19 and improve indoor air quality by capturing and destroying 99.99% of airborne pathogens, pollutants, VOCs and allergens. 

For organizations looking to apply for funding to bring clean indoor air into buildings, classrooms, restaurants or fitness centers, not everyone has time to read through the 5,000-plus page bill. Below is a breakout of a few package highlights by category with links to resources: 

EDUCATION: As schools and universities work to resume in-class and on-campus learning, ensuring classrooms are protected with clean air is essential. The bill includes $54.3 billion in emergency relief funds for K-12 schools, including facility repairs and improvements in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to improve indoor air quality. The bill also allocates $22.7 billion for colleges and universities as part of the CARES Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

Read how we’ve helped Michigan State University and the New York City Fire Department remain open and improve air quality with air purification solutions.

CHILD CARE —The bill includes $10 billion to support childcare providers and enabling them to open safely. Our ISO-Aire team has worked closely with Green Meadows Schoolhouse in Lewis Center, Ohio to deliver purified air into the school’s isolation room. And our partners at Tiny Tots and Little Tykes updated their entire school facility with integrated ISO-Aire clean air technology solutions.

BUSINESSES — Relief for businesses is extensive at $284 billion that ranges from Payroll Protection Program loans to Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The bill set aside $15 billion for struggling live event entertainment and arts venues looking to step up COVID safety measures. In addition to masks, limited occupancy, and safe spacing, purified indoor air is an essential piece of the mitigation puzzle. 

HEALTH CARE – For skilled nursing facilities, long term care residences, out-patient clinics and other healthcare organizations, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department has a toll-free phone number – 866-569-3522 – to answer questions about the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. Find information about the COVID-19 grant opportunities and guidance here and a site specifically for providers is located here. ISO-Aire commercial air purifiers are protecting residents at many nursing homes and senior living facilities across the country.  

Considering HVAC upgrades or air purification solutions? Contact us for a free consultation and demonstration info@ductsandcleats.com or call 651-265-0605.

HEPA and bipolar ionization are the perfect pair

As COVID-19 continues to put pressure on the nation and the world, attention has turned towards improving building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Several studies have concluded that a building’s HVAC system helps to distribute droplets from an infected person throughout the building. 

With the need to reopen in a safe manner, states like New York have mandated that the HVAC systems in business buildings need to have HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in order to reopen. HEPA filters are not just any filter. Having the highest MERV (minimum efficiency rating value), the filters are able to catch 99.97% of air particles that are equal to or larger than 0.3 microns in size. For comparison, aerosolized infectious droplets tend to be around 5 microns in size. To really top it off, the MERV rating is set at the filter’s worst efficiency, so one should expect it to perform even BETTER than the 99.97% efficiency rate. 

But there are limitations to HEPA filters. Although they help to catch particles like viruses, bacteria, mold, and allergens, they do not reduce odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or destroy/neutralize pathogens (things that cause disease). They trap pathogens, but do nothing to actually kill them. 

This is why it is imperative that a HEPA filter is combined with the other big HVAC technology- bipolar ionization. Bipolar ionization produces positively and negatively charged ions by using a plasma field that generates high energy to split molecules in the air. These ions surround air particles, and in the case of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, remove critical hydrogen from their structures that are needed for them to infect us. Besides rendering pathogens in the air and even on surfaces ineffective or even killing them, they also agglomerate around the air particles, causing them to gain enough mass to drop to the floor and be caught easier by the HEPA filter. In regard to odors and VOCs, as they pass the plasma machine, they are split and recombined into harmless, naturally occurring molecules in the air like oxygen. 

The air particle-trapping power of the HEPA combined with the indispensable pathogen-fighting ability of bipolar ionization makes the installation of both into a building’s HVAC a great choice. 

Our Iso-Aire units do exactly this without even needing to redo the pre-existing HVAC, which is typically very costly. Providing two technologies that can help protect the indoor air from airborne contaminants and pathogens is a huge step that companies can do to protect those within, and we at Iso-Aire are ready to help you. 

For those interested in a trifecta of protection, we also offer our units to include a third proven technology that combats pathogens, which is Ultraviolet-C light (UVC). Click here to learn more.

Dangers of VOCs and how to eliminate them in buildings

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that easily become vapors or gases.”

VOCs are common indoors where ventilation is poor. Household items that produce VOCs include solvents, paints and thinners, cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, copy machines and printers, and much more. 

When inhaled, VOCs damage the respiratory system, which can lead to an oxygen deficit in the body. Not only are there direct effects on the lungs, but without enough oxygen reaching the body’s vital organs, other severe issues can arise. Even short-term exposure leads to respiratory problems, but with long-term exposure to VOCs, the health effects can even include neurological problems and even cancer. 

Not all people are equally susceptible to VOCs, with those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory complications being more sensitive to their effects. 

Although indoor air quality is often forgotten about because it is invisible to the eye, it is important that buildings are equipped with the proper technology to eliminate VOCs. This is where our Iso-Aire unit comes in. Equipped with the proven technology of bipolar ionization, as air passes through our Iso-Aire unit, harmful VOCs are broken down and recombined into harmless molecules found in the air like oxygen. 

But we do not stop at bipolar ionization to help keep the air inside safe. Check out how we include powerful HEPA filters and ultraviolet-C (UVC) light in our Iso-Aire unit to maximize the ability of the HVAC system to keep the air clean for all inside.

Measuring indoor air flow is important in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19

With the world attempting to cope with the problems brought by COVID-19, businesses involved in improving air quality by assessing the current HVAC systems are starting to be sought out. 

With COVID-19 comes fears of air quality, but it is invisible to the eye. People cannot tell that the air is safe. With more businesses trying to open safely, one concern is assessing the current HVAC systems and making sure the appropriate amount of air flow is occurring. 

Awareness of the importance of assessing HVAC systems will continue to spread, as scientists are now finding that COVID-19 may be spreading through the AC systems indoors (National Review 7/26/20, USA Today 7/15/20).

Optimal HVAC systems could help prevent spread of COVID-19

A USA Today (2020) article presented concerns on building heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and their link to spreading COVID-19. Instead of the viral spread tapering off in the summer months like scientists believed would happen, there has been an increase in cases, and scientists think this may be because of HVAC systems distributing the infectious droplets throughout a building. 

In the article, William Bahnfleth, professor at Penn State University and chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Epidemic Task Force stated that “the main way (air conditioning) can contribute to spreading coronavirus is by creating strong air currents that can move the droplets...and contribute to increase risk.”

The USA Today article also went on to discuss how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published findings that an outbreak that had happened at a restaurant in Guangzhou, China linked to airflow in the building. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that aerosolized transmission was a likely mode of spread for the virus after over 200 scientists wrote to the organization to change their statement that it was not. 

Although increased ventilation is key, filtration is the next big step to improving air quality in a building. Some buildings will have a difficult time to upgrade to the higher-performing filters in their existing HVAC systems due to reduced airflow problems, but the HVAC system should be assessed nonetheless. 

ASHRAE highly recommends that all businesses assess their HVAC system to see if they go above the minimum recommendations.

KSTP-TV News Highlights A Safer Return To School with ISO-Aire

The news team at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis stopped by to report on the family Open House at Legacy Christian Academy (LCA) in Andover, MN last week, prior to the first day of school.

Watch the segment and hear what LCA’s Jake Mulvihill, Head of School, had to say about the new indoor air filtration upgrades implemented campus-wide over the summer months led by Pro Control Building Solutions Group and ISO-Aire.

Legacy Christian Academy is the first Pre-K through 12th-grade school in Minnesota to implement this type of extensive medical-grade filtration solution, which includes enhanced ozone-free bipolar ionization installed into the existing HVAC system paired with strategic placement of six ISO-Aire air purification units. The bolstered ionization combined with the recirculating ISO-Aire’s HEPA filtration and ionization ensures that indoor air is continuously cleaned and recirculated 24/7, helping to capture and destroy 99.99% of airborne particulates such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and pollen.

Mulvihill and his team invested in the high-tech enhancements to protect the health and safety of LCA students, teachers, and staff. “Navigating the 2020-21 school year means taking every precaution available to ensure our school is prepared, and that includes purifying the air inside our buildings,” explained Mulvihill. “We believe the best scenario for fulfilling our mission means students will return to the classroom full time for a more meaningful and collaborative learning experience. These essential facility updates allow us to welcome families back to school safely and we are confident the measures we’ve taken will enable us to do so.”

Super spreaders don't have to be human, they can be a building's HVAC system

A news press release by Hartford Healthcare on July 13, 2020, discussed the threat of a building’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on the dispersal of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 throughout the building. After over 200 scientists wrote into the World Health Organization urgently requesting that they add airborne transmission to the list of ways the virus can spread, the WHO changed their statement to include that airborne transmission cannot be overlooked. HVAC systems create air currents that enable large viral particles to travel throughout the building’s rooms through the ductwork. According to Chinese health officials, this is how 10 people from three families tested positive after eating in a restaurant. These families were spread apart from one another, so the clue to leading to the transmission was the HVAC system. 

It is recommended that a redesign of the pre-existing HVAC system needs to be completed, or the implementation of technologies that can work with the current system. Such technologies would include the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, bipolar ionization, and ultraviolet-C (UVC) light. 

Combined, these three technologies would provide a powerful and effective way to safeguard the building’s air from germs such as SARS-CoV-2, creating a brighter future for all. At ISO-Aire, we have created a unit that offers this triple trifecta of protection at an affordable price, allowing buildings to meet the HVAC system needs to ensure safety while not breaking the bank.

Poor indoor air quality in schools is linked to student and teacher absenteeism

As summarized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality has been linked by numerous studies to a high student and teacher absenteeism, as well as teacher retention. Past studies listed on the EPA page found that schools with poor HVAC maintenance routines or infrastructure had high levels of absenteeism and even a high dropout rate. 

What were some of the causes for poor indoor air quality?

“Presence of moisture, water damage, microbiological pollutants, animal and other biological allergens, combustion byproducts such as nitrogen dioxide, moisture or dirt in HVAC systems, low ventilation rates, formaldehyde, chemicals in cleaning products, outdoor pollutants or vehicle exhaust.” 

All of those listed above are issues for the human body. Moisture and water damage leads to mold growth, and various species of mold (it’s a fungus) produce spores that are toxic when inhaled. Animal and other biological allergens can make it difficult to concentrate because of the allergy symptoms (watering eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, etc.), making learning a challenge for the student and for the teacher, the ability to work at full capacity. Combustion products, vehicle exhaust, formaldehyde, etc., are examples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic when inhaled. They can cause all sorts of respiratory problems including the onset of asthma. 

The consequences of asthma on school children are far-reaching. According to the EPA, “in 2003, children with at least one asthma attack in the previous year missed an estimated 12.8 million school days due to asthma.” With asthma and the other contributing factors to poor indoor air quality, student performance is also found to decrease with an increase in absenteeism because they are missing out on learning days. 

But indoor air quality does not just affect students directly. When teachers are ill due to the quality of the air inside the school, the students also suffer because their teachers are not there to teach them. Bringing in a substitute typically never meets the level of their regular teacher. 

Besides causing illness to teachers, when teachers responded to a survey in Chicago and the District of Columbia, almost 80% reported that the conditions of the school facilities were important regarding teacher retention. About 50% of the teachers surveyed said they would leave if their facility was graded at a “C” or lower, with the most important factor being cited as indoor air quality. 

Protecting students and school faculty from poor indoor air quality is critical, and that’s why our ISO-Aire units would be such a rewarding investment. With its HEPA filter that removes 99.99% of air particulates equal to or larger than 0.3 microns in size and a bipolar ionization machine that eliminates pathogens (viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.), allergens, VOCs, and odors, our ISO-Aire unit provides long-lasting benefits for schools and their occupants that extends far beyond COVID-19.

Student Performance is linked to Air Quality

Indoor air quality has been connected with student academic performance. Indoor air quality has been largely ignored compared to the move to improve outside air, however, this is concerning because we spend a larger part of our daily life inside. When thinking about the standard day of a student, they are also indoors for a large part of the day. Considering the various airborne particles that can be damaging- viruses, bacteria, mold spores, allergens, VOCs and odors, it is no wonder that the air inside a school can be detrimental to the academic performance of its students. 

One such study (2006) published in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers found that student performance was statistically higher when greater ventilation was present in the building. The authors concluded that a similar effect could be created by adding improvements to the school’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. 

At Ducts and Cleats, we offer a solution for schools that is both effective and cost-friendly. Combining 2 proven air-purifying technologies (and offering a third additional option of UVC light), our ISO-Aire unit offers protection to all under the roof from poor air quality. We use a HEPA filter that catches 99.99% of all particles equal to or larger than 0.3 microns in size, as well as bipolar ionization that assists the HEPA filter in capturing particles while also killing and neutralizing pathogens and even eliminating odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  

Going beyond even COVID-19, we offer a way for schools to improve the inside conditions to help facilitate student success by significantly reducing issues that arise from inhalation of mold spores, allergens, VOCs, and infectious droplets. Absenteeism should consequently be improved, providing students more time in the classroom, and teachers with fewer sick days needed to be utilized.

What is Bipolar Ionization?

In December of 2019, SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that infects humans, broke out in the Wuhan Province of China. It soon enveloped the world into a new way of life. With the economy straining under the restrictions, governments and businesses are searching for ways to open safely. 

Besides the rush for the development of a vaccine, safety measures in buildings are also being examined. One such safety measure is the inclusion of bipolar ionization in HVAC systems. Bipolar ionization is not a new technology- being popular in Europe since the 1970s. Now, big names in the US, such as the renowned John Hopkins Hospital and the giant Los Angeles International Airport are touting the benefits. Even Google Headquarters is adopting the technology into its HVAC. 

Bipolar ionization involves a unit that splits molecules in the air into positive and negatively charged ions. These ions then cluster around airborne particles like mold, viruses, bacteria, and even allergens like pollen. The ions not only help to make these particles bigger, causing them to be easier caught by the air filter, but they also physically affect viruses and other pathogens. In the case of viruses, it affects the molecular structure of the protein coat that is a key part of the infection process. With the proteins altered, they cannot infect our cells, and thus cannot make us ill. 

Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at the NYU School of Medicine, says, “it can reduce 99.9% of microbes in a matter of minutes.”

With new information developing on SARS-CoV-2, numerous scientists now claim that the virus can be suspended in the air for much longer than previously thought, making bipolar ionization as a method of helping to clean indoor air even more important.

Commercial Air Purifier Solutions with Bipolar Ionization and UVC

Minimize Exposure Risk:

HEPA + Bipolar Ionization + UVC

Tiny particulates, such as Coronavirus molecules, at .1 -.12 microns, can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled, posing a dire threat to our health. Strategic Design with Safety Top of Mind. Tailored installation maximizes safe and continuous air flow, pulling air and airborne contaminants away from the source. ISO-Aire captures and destroys harmful aerosolized particles. Human hair: 100 microns Coronavirus: .12 microns Magnified for visual clarity and for comparison. ISO-Aire is an innovative and long-lasting, clean air technology solution designed with power-driven and proven components including 99.99% HEPA (High-efficiency Particulate Air) filtration, ozone-free bipolar ionization and UVC sterilization used on recirculation models. By combining these components, ISO-Aire delivers proven mitigation strategies that exceed the minimum requirements for indoor air quality established by ASHRAE and the Centers for Disease Control. Our easy-to-install recirculation model is designed to provide clean air to multi-room applications effectively and efficiently 24/7.

Strategic Design with Safety Top of Mind.

Tailored installation maximizes safe and continuous air flow, pulling air and airborne contaminants away from the source. ISO-Aire captures and destroys harmful aerosolized particles.

WHAT: ISO-Aire filters and cleans indoor air, improving air quality by removing and destroying up to 99.99% of potentially harmful airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and pollen particles.

HOW: Inside the ISO-Aire system, reliable and proven medical-grade components protect us by eliminating 99.99% of potentially harmful particulates. ISO-Aire utilizes a HEPA (High-efficiency Particulate Air) filter and can be bolstered with powerful UVC sterilization or ozone-free bipolar ionization in high-occupancy environments.

Customized Comfort

• Versatile and effective for both recirculation and exhaust/negative pressure needs in a variety of indoor environments including multi-room settings, examination rooms, schools, fitness centers, senior living centers, offices, restaurants, etc.

• Unit installation can be customized to individual application needs

• Effective and quiet solution, operating with low noise levels

• All models are insulated, utilize sound attenuation and built with quality UL listed components

• Easy and safe operation with the capacity to accommodate even large rooms

• Modern aesthetic with color options available

• Built with pride in St. Paul, MN and includes a one-year limited warranty

WHEN: ISO-Aire is now available for commercial applications. The technology was developed and purpose-built to address COVID-19 and other droplet and/or airborne-based infections in healthcare settings in early 2020. It was created in conjunction with a leading Minnesota healthcare partner to adhere to stringent hospital isolation room requirements, safely protecting patients and staff.

WHO: ISO-Aire is a sound, convenient, high-performance solution for small business owners, commercial property owners and facility managers looking to safeguard their employees, customers, tenants and livelihood. This healthcare-grade technology, developed by family-owned Ducts & Cleats in St. Paul, Minn., protects the public in a variety of settings - from hospitals and dental offices to schools and restaurants - and offers peace of mind during the pandemic.

WHY: Emerging evidence and clean indoor air advocacy from public health officials* is urging leaders to invest in further research to understand how COVID-19 can be transmitted by airborne particles. One of the most important safeguards in minimizing exposure risk now is to sterilize our indoor air to remove any trace of harmful contaminants to protect one another. Microscopic particulates, such as Coronavirus particles measuring .1 - .12 microns in diameter, can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled, posing a dire threat to human health. These particulates are captured and eliminated inside the ISO-Aire unit ensuring clean, safe indoor air for all.

Refreshed Indoor Air Alleviates Fall Allergies

Last spring, Annette Bing of Family Salon in Cannon Falls, MN partnered with ISO-Aire™ to install a sophisticated indoor air purification system as part of her COVID-19 plan to re-open safely. Inside the salon’s ISO-Aire™ unit, a powerful medical-grade HEPA filter (99.99% at .3 microns) works 24/7 to capture
and destroy airborne particles from viruses, like SARS-CoV-2. The filtered air features an added benefit for salon employee Heidi Wilson, who has managed severe allergies for years, because ISO-Aire™ also effectively captures pollen, mold, VOCs, and bacteria. Here Heidi shares her experience, noting how
purified indoor air has made a significant improvement on her health and well being.

With fall in the air, those of us suffering from allergies brace ourselves as tiny airborne culprits – ragweed, mold, and dust particles – wreak havoc on our health. Hair stylist Heidi Wilson suffered from severe allergies for years, but this season is different – and greatly improved. Heidi has discovered relief
from the uncomfortable respiratory symptoms triggered by allergies ever since Family Salon in Cannon Falls, Minn. installed an ISO-Aire™.

We asked Heidi to share a bit about the improved air quality at the salon and the positive difference it has made.

Q: Family Salon installed an ISO-Aire™ unit inside your historic 1887 Yale Hardware building this past
June. Please share any changes you’ve noticed since then.
A: The changes have been quite significant! Being that our salon is located in one of Cannon Falls’
historic buildings, there are always the old-building smells. Now with ISO-Aire™ recirculating and filtering
the air 24/7, everything is fresh and clean. You almost feel re-energized when you walk in. I look forward
to going to work knowing I’ll be mostly symptom-free from my allergies for at least 8-9 hours.

Q: Knowing you manage your allergies year-round, Heidi, how has the ISO-Aire™ helped you with
your symptoms?
A: ISO-Aire™ has made the air so clean that I no long have the severe congestion and sinus pressure.
And the sneezing has been cut to a minimum.

Q: That’s wonderful news! If you were going to give the air inside Family Salon a letter grade, how
would you score it?
A: A+

Q: Have your clients noticed changes to the indoor air at Family Salon?
A: We are constantly being told how the salon smells great. The ISO-Aire™ has really helped us clear
out the old-building smell and has replaced it with clean, fresh air. I have one client who has commented
every time they’ve come in on the noticeably improved air and the removal of odors.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add, Heidi?
A: I just want to add that we are super grateful to be able to have such a wonderful ISO-Aire™ air
purification system. It helps us and our clients feel much safer coming into the salon with everything
going on in the world.

Next time you’re in Cannon Falls, stop in and visit Heidi and the welcoming team at Family Salon. You
can see – and smell – the ISO-Aire™ filtration system at work!

ISO-Aire Highlighted As Indoor Air Quality Solution in Andover, MN School

Several Minnesota schools were highlighted in this recent ABC Newspapers article for taking proactive steps to install clean air filtration technology that can effectively capture and destroy harmful airborne pathogens and indoor pollutants.

Our partners at Legacy Christian Academy (LAC) were interviewed and Head of School Jake Mulvihill explains how bolstered ionization and six ISO-Aire units placed in high-traffic locations are working to purify the indoor air for students, teachers and staff 24/7. LCA’s efforts reflect the school community’s goal to implement air purification updates to safely bring students back to the classroom full-time starting last August.

Read the full article here. Watch our LCA video here.

ISO-Aire™ Launches Compact Clean Air Technology Solutions with Big Impact

While the next evolution of ISO-Aire clean air technology solutions feature a compact design, the powerful medical-grade filtration components housed inside continue to offer peace of mind for business owners, school administrators, facility managers, and now home owners. Two right-sized recirculating ISO-Aire 750 CFM models for mid- to smaller-spaces include the RSF750 floor model and the RSP750 portable filtration system on wheels, which allow for easy and convenient maneuverability. In addition, the new RSR residential offering delivers clean, purified indoor air throughout a living space and can be efficiently installed into a home HVAC system.

Similar to the innovative ISO-Aire models launched last June, all three new products feature proven HEPA (High-efficiency particular air) filters paired with optional ozone-free bipolar ionization and/or UVC sterilization. Together – in a proactive offense-and-defense, clean air strategy – the combination improves air quality by helping to remove and destroy 99.99% of airborne particles such as viruses, bacteria, mold, smoke, and pollen. “Created originally for hospital applications, ISO-Aire became a competitive choice for the commercial market safeguarding restaurants, child-care centers, schools, hair salons, and fitness studios. We’ve listened to our customers and are proud to deliver new, nimble solutions that do not compromise on ISO-Aire’s unmatched level of protection,” explained Chuck Albers, owner of St. Paul-based Ducts & Cleats and lead developer of ISO-Aire. “Teachers and child-care center owners expressed a need for a portable, compact unit that could purify the air in separate classrooms throughout the day. And we know schools are seeking medical-grade filtration for nurse offices or in smaller spaces to simulate an isolation room environment.”

Albers confirmed the 750 CFM units fit through a standard doorframe and may be transported and easily installed in a variety of building spaces. The concept for the RSR model also came at the request of consumers who experienced the pure indoor air filtered by three ISO-Aire units at Joseph’s Grill in St. Paul, Minn. Albers was approached about creating a residential version, and he and his team engineered an effective in-home solution. Connecting the powerful RSR series to an existing HVAC system enables homeowners or small businesses to maximize their indoor air quality with medical-grade air filtration and continuously remove airborne particulates, a tangible health benefit for those suffering with allergens and asthma. 

ISO-Aire New Product Specs

ISO-Aire 750 CFM model features are highlighted below. For a complete product overview, visit the ISO-Aire products page. RSF750 and RSP750 floor set and portable models include HEPA filtration (99.97% to .3 microns), bipolar ionization and/or UVC sterilization to help capture and destroy 99.99% of airborne contaminants. The 750 CFM models utilize the same proven technology found in ISO-Aire 1,000 CFM models in a quiet and compact design. In addition, the RSP750 portable unit includes rugged casters and a handle for seamless mobility.

All ISO-Aire models can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet for easy installation. RSR1000 Residential unit features the same powerful medical-grade technology and unmatched protection as ISO-Aire commercial units but is designed to connect to a home’s furnace and HVAC system. Featuring 1,000 CFM and HEPA filtration, ozone-free bipolar ionization, and/or UVC sterilization, RSR1000 removes 99.99% of contaminants and air pollutants and delivers purified air throughout the home. The model protects from microscopic viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants, offering relief for those with respiratory conditions. Also available, the RSR500, is ideal for homes, dorms or other living spaces without existing ductwork or ventilation systems.  

How HEPA and Bipolar Ionization Clean the Air

Together proven bipolar ionization and HEPA filtration reduce potentially harmful airborne particulates invisible to the human eye, such as Coronavirus particles measuring 0.1-0.12 microns in diameter. The dual technology adds a layer of protection, and Albers notes it aligns with ASHRAE’s latest guidance on indoor air quality in schools that recommends supplemental use of HEPA filtration unit paired with bipolar ionization and/or UVC sterilization. “Inside ISO-Aire, ozone-free ionization serves as the offense, and a HEPA plays defense, helping to capture 99.99% of airborne contaminants,” Albers explained. “Our powerful fan recirculates and purifies the air, returning it into the building environment to safeguard occupants.

These recirculating units can operate 24/7 to continuously capture potentially dangerous particulates and microscopic pathogens as well as dust, dander and pollen.” Albers and his team originally developed ISO-Aire at their St. Paul facility in early 2020 at the request of one of Minnesota’s leading healthcare facilities in response to COVID-19 to ensure a secure and safe environment for patients and employees, particularly in negative pressure hospital isolation rooms. Realizing the technology could be adapted for commercial use, they redesigned the unit to accommodate a variety of building environments, such as schools, office settings, child-care centers, restaurants, hair salons, churches, and fitness studios. Emerging evidence and recommendations by public health officials and scientists is urging leaders to invest in further research to understand how COVID-19 may be transmitted by airborne particles. Albers noted, one of the most important safeguards during the pandemic is protecting the indoor air quality and removing any trace of harmful contaminants to protect one another. For more details on model specifications, pricing, and to determine which ISO-Aire unit is the appropriate solution for your school, home or business, please email us at info@ductsandcleats.com, or call 651-265-0605.

About ISO-Aire

The inner workings of the patent-pending ISO-Aire include reliable and proven filtration components that help to eliminate 99.99% of potentially harmful airborne contaminants. ISO-Aire includes a HEPA (High-efficiency Particulate Air), bipolar ionization and/or UVC sterilization. ISO-Aire continues to expand its presence in a variety of applications across the U.S. where clean, filtered indoor air is essential, such as senior living centers, hospitals, child-care centers, restaurants, fitness studios, hair salons, and now homes. Learn more at www.ductsandcleats.com and www.ISO-Aire.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

Home Air Purifier Systems Can Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19

Experts at Mayo Clinic say that having an air purifier in your home can help protect you and your family from COVID-19. Home air purifiers and air cleaners quickly cycle clean air through their HEPA filter, so the virus does not survive floating around in the air.

Staying six feet away from others helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, but scientists have discovered that very small particles, called aerosols, can survive in the air for minutes or hours. If enough of these particles build up in a room, they can put you at risk for contracting COVID-19 if you breathe that air.

The Mayo Clinic suggested these two ways to use your home air purifier:

• Place the air cleaner in the room that you spend the most time in or where vulnerable people spend the most time.

• Direct the airflow of the air cleaner so it does not blow directly from one person to another. 

ISO-Aire Air Purifiers offer three levels of protection against COVID-19, as well as other spores and airborne pathogens. ISO-Aire units use bipolar ionization to combat particles floating around in the air, before they even get back to the air purifier.

Social distancing, wearing a mask, and using hand sanitizer will also help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Discover Negative and Positive Ions in Nature, Just Like Those Produced Through Bipolar Ionization Technology

The next time you’re chasing waterfalls, take a moment for a quick mood check. Chances are, simply being in the presence of these natural showers can evoke a sense of calm, brighten our outlook, and help us feel better overall.  

The positive effect of this natural therapy could be attributed to several factors such as the beautiful surroundings, the soothing sounds of rushing water … and an abundance of ions. 

We may not think of ions as good-vibe producers, but these naturally occurring particles found in atoms and molecules surround us daily even though we cannot see them. Typically, the closer you are to nature, the greater the number of atmospheric ions. 

For example, in St. Paul, Minn. near to ISO-Aire offices, our ion meter calculated 210 ions per cubic centimeter. Ion levels in densely populated urban areas tend to be lower because of airborne pollution and contaminants.

Heading to the countryside, away from city pollution and congestion, our air ion counter increased on average 500 to 900. Let’s say you were outdoors during a lightning storm, that number would increase again as bolts of electricity emit additional air ions. Another naturally occurring source of energetic ions results from cosmic rays that reach the earth.

Standing next to a waterfall ions increased substantially, ranging between 4,000-5,000. The reason being, as water droplets are emitted, they crash into each other and onto the surrounding area. An electrified spray from the molecules saturates the air which results in an increased number of ions. Crashing waves also release a high number of atmospheric ions. 

These tiny, charged particles fill indoor spaces, too, but often there are far fewer naturally occurring air ions inside buildings, schools, and homes. This is due to a lack of fresh air being brought into the building envelope resulting in a continuous recirculation of stale air. 

However, a proven technology – bipolar ionization – purposefully adds positive and negative ions to a room, office building or airplane and effectively works to purify the air. This indoor air filtration method has been popular in Europe since the 1970s. Now, big names in the US, such as the renowned John Hopkins Hospital and the giant Los Angeles International Airport are touting the benefits. Even Google Headquarters is adopting the technology into its HVAC. 

Ozone-free bipolar ionization, available in our ISO-Aire clean air filtration units, involves a high-tech component that splits molecules in the air into positive and negatively charged ions. As these ions are dispatched into a space, they actively cluster around airborne particles like mold, viruses, bacteria, and even allergens like pollen. The ions ultimately help to make these particles bigger through agglomeration, which allows the clusters to be more easily captured in HVAC air filters. The ions also physically affect viruses and other pathogens. In the case of viruses, ions affect the molecular structure of the protein coat that is a key part of the infection process. With the proteins altered, they cannot infect our cells, and thus cannot make us ill. Ionization is also effective in reducing odors from pets, VOCs, and smoke. 

It is critical to test indoor ion counts after installation to confirm proper levels in your facility. The best results come from in-space applications near to the source, such as portable filtration units, rather than duct mounted ionizers due to ions’ limited :60-second lifespan. Ions only keep their charge for a brief amount of time. By the time they are channeled through a duct or air vent their lifespan can expire and they are no longer effective in destroying potentially harmful pollutants. Utilizing a portable air filtration solution that houses ionization, such as an ISO-Aire unit, continuously floods a space with positive and negative ions to ensure high ion counts for effective air purification.

Protect Ski & Snowboard Resorts with HEPA Air Purifiers

According to the CNN article “WHO released a new scientific report that acknowledged the virus could possibly be spread through the air in crowded indoor spaces. The international public health agency had always recognized that SARS-CoV-2 could be spread during surgeries and other aerosol generating procedures.”

The organization went on to state that outbreaks of the virus have been connected to indoor settings where people may be shouting, talking, singing, or even just being present for an extended period of time. This connection suggests an airborne route in the form of droplets.

To battle the airborne mode of transmission, HEPA air filters may play a key role. At their best, HEPA filters are 99.97% efficient at removing airborne particles equal to or larger than 0.3 microns. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to be between 0.6 to 1.4 microns. According to Allen, “filters are rated at their worst performance, so 99.97% is the worst it will do. And that’s rated for a particle size of 0.3 microns, but smaller and larger it actually does better. So the point is that it’s capturing nearly all particles.”

If a business has the resources, a HEPA filter can be combined with other technologies such as UV light which will help to destroy pathogens suspended in the air as it passes through the HVAC system. 

Allen agrees that combining other technologies with a HEPA could be most beneficial. "No one strategy alone is going to work. But if we layer enough of these on top of each other, we can significantly reduce risks."

ISO-Aire Combines These 3 Technologies into One

With different virus-fighting properties, we have taken the step to combine all 3 technologies to offer the best protection against airborne contaminants that extend beyond just viruses- bacteria, mold spores, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and allergens like pollen. With guidelines from CDC, OSHA, and WHO, as well as recommendations from ASHRAE there are significant steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk when opening a business back up. Of these, improving indoor air quality is a big step in the right direction. The three big proven technologies used in cleaning air include the use of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, UVC (ultraviolet-C) light, and bipolar ionization.

Optimal HVAC systems could help prevent spread of COVID-19

A USA Today (2020) article presented concerns on building heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and their link to spreading COVID-19. Instead of the viral spread tapering off in the summer months like scientists believed would happen, there has been an increase in cases, and scientists think this may be because of HVAC systems distributing the infectious droplets throughout a building. 

In the article, William Bahnfleth, professor at Penn State University and chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Epidemic Task Force stated that “the main way (air conditioning) can contribute to spreading coronavirus is by creating strong air currents that can move the droplets...and contribute to increase risk.”

The USA Today article also went on to discuss how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published findings that an outbreak that had happened at a restaurant in Guangzhou, China linked to airflow in the building. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that aerosolized transmission was a likely mode of spread for the virus after over 200 scientists wrote to the organization to change their statement that it was not. 

Although increased ventilation is key, filtration is the next big step to improving air quality in a building. Some buildings will have a difficult time to upgrade to the higher-performing filters in their existing HVAC systems due to reduced airflow problems, but the HVAC system should be assessed nonetheless. 

ASHRAE highly recommends that all businesses assess their HVAC system to see if they go above the minimum recommendations.

Top 3 Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Home or Workplace

Infections are the leading cause of death in Long Term Care facilities, accounting for 380,000 deaths annually, including influenza, pneumonia and others. Unfortunately, SARS-CoV-2 will only worsen this statistic. Pathogen-carrying droplets or aerosol particles and poor indoor air quality have taken center stage in today’s fight against COVID-19 in healthcare facilities, and it’s estimated that as high as 43% of all COVID-19 deaths have been in Long Term Care facilities. It’s crucial to consider modifications to airflow as well as clinically effective solutions that may prevent airborne transmission in Senior Living communities. Let’s evaluate three different HVAC infection prevention indoor air quality solutions to help fight COVID-19:

3. Ventilation & HEPA Filtration

According to ASHRAE: “Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air.”

Filtration traps particles and pathogens from outside or recirculated/conditioned air in a filter as they pass through an HVAC system. This is available on most air handlers and as a thin filter for dust on PTACs. There are two common filtration techniques.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) ratings are a measure of a filter’s ability to capture particles 0.3 to 1.0 microns. MERV values are not standard and will vary from one brand to the next, so it’s important to check brand, system and compatibility.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a type of mechanical air filter and can theoretically remove at least 99.99% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. The diameter specification of 0.3 microns responds to the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Generally, your HVAC system needs to be compatible with a HEPA filter or it may not work as effectively. More system power would then be required, resulting in increased energy bills and extra strain and maintenance on your system. ISO-Aire filtration systems are compatible with HEPA filters, giving you an extra layer of security.

2. UV Light Irradiation

Ultraviolet light has long been proven to have disinfection properties. UV-C light emits a specific band of UV light (radiation) that can break down pathogens, and is available in many applications to treat water, surfaces and indoor air. It can be installed in several ways. UV-C light is an option that can be built into ISO-Aire units.

1. Bipolar Ionization

Installed into new or existing HVAC systems, bipolar ionization uses an electronic charge to create a plasma field filled with a high concentration of positive and negative ions. As these ions travel with the air stream and flood facility spaces, they attach to particles, pathogens and gas molecules to: inactivate pathogens, agglomerate fine sub-micron particles that can be filtered or fall out of the air, and break down harmful and/or unpleasant VOCs (odors).

The proactive nature of bipolar ionization technology, flooding both positively and negatively charged ions into the rooms where residents congregate, gives it added efficacy against hard-to-find-and-kill pathogens by not limiting treatment to only air that passes through the HVAC system. Combining with filtration to remove passing dead pathogens makes for an even more effective solution. This technology differs greatly from simple negative ionization, which affect particles only, can create ozone and typically has lower effectiveness because of very low airflow rates and clean air delivery rates. Bipolar ionization is an option that can be built into ISO-Aire units.

ISO-Aire Combines These 3 Technologies into One

With different virus-fighting properties, we have taken the step to combine all 3 technologies to offer the best protection against airborne contaminants that extend beyond just viruses- bacteria, mold spores, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and allergens like pollen. With guidelines from CDC, OSHA, and WHO, as well as recommendations from ASHRAE there are significant steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk when opening a business back up. Of these, improving indoor air quality is a big step in the right direction. The three big proven technologies used in cleaning air include the use of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, UVC (ultraviolet-C) light, and bipolar ionization.