More attention is being given to the role of refrigeration and HVAC equipment in the ability to spread, and conversely, control the spread of airborne pathogens in public spaces. CoolSys is at the forefront of working with customers to implement emerging technologies that can have a dramatically positive impact on indoor air quality.

In many ways, the drive to incorporate new technologies into HVAC-R operations is in some ways contradictory to traditional energy initiatives that have focused on limiting outside air and keeping stores pressurized. While fresh air codes used to be focused on building occupancy and energy savings, they’re now changing to satisfy health-related guidelines for increasing amounts of fresh air required per occupant within a space. As we look to solve new safety challenges through HVAC-R engineering and design, the focus is undoubtedly on bringing in as much fresh outside air as possible in order to maintain adequate indoor air quality.

How air ionization works

Ionization is one of the advancements in HVAC technology that has recently proven effective in improving indoor air quality without automatically needing to overhaul the current infrastructure. A well-researched and reasonably priced method, air ionization has been installed in hospitals, schools, military buildings, and even Boeing aircrafts. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, ionization is being considered as a large-scale ventilation solution in increasing building applications.

With bipolar ionization technology, an electronic device creates charged atoms that attach to airborne pathogens, such as bacteria, mold, allergens, and viruses, deactivating them and making them large enough to be trapped by filters. Viruses don’t travel alone—they attach to dust or water particles. Using a filtration system together with ionization technology is 99% efficient in collecting viruses and eliminating their transmission through the air stream.

There are many benefits to air ionization that can add up to major cost savings for business operators. Minimal maintenance is required, and the technology may reduce the need for incorporating a dedicated outdoor air unit into the overall HVAC system.

CoolSys technicians can help customers determine the correct velocity and filtration to achieve ionization effectiveness, as well as determine whether there are other HVAC technologies, such as ultraviolet light, that can be applied together with air ionization to further improve indoor air quality.

Learn more about how air ionization can help achieve better indoor air quality.