Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - Withair® Heating and Cooling, Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Chiller, Industrial Process Cooling & Heating Systems, and Indoor Air Quality

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HVAC Strategies to Control COVID-19 Transmission & Improve Air Quality

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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Solutions

With the right system (air conditioning, ventilation, air purification equipment) air pollutants such as pollen, spores, cement dust, bacteria, viruses or germs can be filtered out of the air. The smaller these particles, the more dangerous they are for our health, therefore particulate matter are categorized based on their size. Indoor Environment Quality Components as belows:

Ventilation: Ensures the provision of fresh and clean air

Energy Recovery: Delivers energy savings by transferring heat and moisture between airflows thus helping to bring supply air to the required indoor conditions for temperature and humidity

Air Processing: Delivers the required conditioned air to optimize the energy efficiency of indoor HVAC equipment

Humidification: Ensures the desired moisture level in the conditioned space

Filtration: Ensures clean and healthy air by filtering out pollen, dust, odors and other contaminants that are harmful to our health

Improve Air Quality

According to ASHRAE, “infectious aerosols can be disseminated through buildings by pathways that include air distribution systems and interzone airflows.” While there is no magic solution to eliminate the issues presented by SARS-CoV-2 or other airborne pathogens and viruses, ASHRAE experts agree there are several things that can be done to clean the air and decrease potential risk. ASHRAE has identified many strategies to help provide superior quality indoor air, including filtration, ventilation, relative humidity, and UV lights. Adhering to ASHRAE-approved guidelines and air cleaning devices, Withair® is teaming up with design engineers, service contractors, and facility managers to make an important contribution in promoting better indoor air quality.
Bring Indoor Air Quality Solutions

With the advanced technology of Withair’s ventilation solutions and expertise in indoor air quality (IAQ), we’re here to support building readiness with HVAC system evaluations. We can help you enhance strategies and solutions for your building’s HVAC systems.
Filtration

Virus particles can piggyback on larger dust particles or droplets and travel through a building. Infectious diseases can be controlled by interrupting the transmission routes used by a pathogen. Using high efficiency air filters in air conditioning and ventilation systems can help to capture the majority of airborne particles, reduce the airborne concentration of bacteria and viruses and thus the risk of transmission through the air.

According to ASHRAE, the risk of airborne infections particles in filtration systems may be reduced by upgrading filtration systems to a minimum MERV-13, or the highest level achievable. Withair® has developed specific guidelines to help identify some of the ancillary system effects that can occur when upgrading HVAC filtration.
Ventilation

According to ASHRAE, higher ventilation rates may reduce the risks associated with HVAC systems’ impact on the distribution and bio-burden of infectious aerosols within a building. A well-engineered and executed ventilation strategy will help provide more fresh air, while minimizing operation cost. Every application is unique due to the differences in buildings themselves and varying climate measures including humidity levels and temperature. Withair® can help develop a cohesive strategy to support your ventilation needs, helping you to navigate decisions involving retrofits, recommissioning, or potential new equipment solutions when applicable. Let our service professionals assist you to find the right solutions to minimize the possible increased energy usage.

Learn more about our rooftop units and air-handling units that might be right for your ventilation needs.
Humidity Control

ASHRAE recommends keeping the relative humidity levels in your building between 40-60% and explains that if relative humidity is too low, dry airborne pathogens can exist longer and travel further. ASHRAE farther explains that if relative humidity is too high, moisture and mold can build up. Withair® can help you develop a strategy of monitoring and maintaining your climate controls in accordance with ASHRAE recommendations. Contact Us today to learn more about potential improvements to your building’s climate control.
Ultraviolet Lights

With a good filtration system you can capture very small Particle Matter from the airstream, but the captured virusses, bacteria and fungal organisms are not inactivated. They can still replicate and potentially cause diseases.

In order to prevent this from happening air disinfection is needed. Ultraviolet energy inactivates viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms so they are unable to replicate and potentially cause disease. The entire UV spectrum is capable of inactivating microorganisms, but UV-C energy (wavelengths of 200 – 280 nm) provides the most germicidal effect. Disinfection and sanitization through UV-C light is widely used in hospitals. UV-C light however is a health hazard to the human body. By treating recirculated & fresh air with UV-C light directly within the Air Handling Units, clean and microbe free air can be achieved without exposing the human body to harmful UV light.

Different ultraviolet light systems result in different indoor air quality effects. Our system with UV-C light is a possibility and how to maximize their effects on indoor air quality.