Designing Safety with CoolSys Energy Designs
January 13, 2021
Clive Samuels, CoolSys Energy Design President, has developed four decades’ worth of expertise in the design of optimized HVAC, refrigeration and building automation systems for commercial facilities worldwide. 2020, however, was the first year in which he was forced to apply his expertise to help customers who are restaurant owners and operators implement HVAC technologies to support the fight against a worldwide pandemic.
Hospitality is one of the industries that has been most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the inconsistency at which indoor dining has been permitted across various U.S. states over the past year. For restaurants that operate in areas that allow for indoor dining, owners and operators are charged with creating the safest possible environments for both employees and customers by generating positive indoor air quality.
HVAC takes on a whole new meaning
We’ve long relied on HVAC to keep us comfortable. Now, we’re relying on it to keep us safe as science reveals that the coronavirus spreads through airborne transmission. CoolSys is poised, with the experience of Clive Samuels as part of its leadership team, to guide customers in implementing critical existing and emerging HVAC technologies to protect citizens and lower the risk of transmission and infection in commercial settings.
It is important for customers to utilize the expertise of an HVAC expert, as each system and unit has its own unique needs based on size, layout and construction factors. CoolSys develops unique solutions for its customers that achieve measurable improvements in air quality.
Putting technology to work
CoolSys can help restaurant owners and managers weigh whether the following emerging HVAC technologies might be ideal safety solutions for their facilities, retail and commercial environments.
- Air Filtration: Restaurants may be able to upgrade their air filters to higher-MERV and HEPA filters that are more effective at reducing viruses and bacteria in indoor air at a relatively low cost. HVAC experts should be consulted to ensure the HVAC system is equipped to handle an upgraded filter.
- High Ventilation: Circulating more conditioned outdoor air into the indoor air environment can enhance indoor air quality, and reduce risk of virus transmission. CoolSys can provide solutions like an air economizer or a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to improve ventilation.
- Air Ionization: Air ionization is an efficient and effective solution for improving indoor air quality. Also called bipolar ionization, the process enlarges air particles that then attach to airborne viruses, and neutralizes them as they are more easily trapped in air filtration systems.
- Ultraviolet Light: UV-C wavelengths are considered the most effective in killing or deactivating pathogens. Specially designed lights that emit UV-C light should only be utilized in conjunction with a professionally installed air filtration system.
- Humidity Control: A recommended indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent can help defend against COVID-19. To achieve and maintain the ideal level of humidity in indoor spaces, a qualified HVAC technician can install a humidifier within the HVAC system or dehumidify the air with other professional techniques.
CoolSys is here for you and ready to deliver the cutting-edge HVAC solutions that allow you to resume business operations while keeping all stakeholders safe.
Learn more about our HVAC solutions to help mitigate COVID-19.