5 Ways Your Building Equipment Can Keep Occupants Safer

Keeping building occupants safer is a predominant theme in commercial building. With the advent of a global pandemic that has brought more than 5 million cases of COVID-19 to the United States, it seems that we’re all scrambling to improve indoor air quality to help prevent the spread of this virus. HVAC equipment manufacturers are focused on delivering quality products aimed at improving air flow and reducing infectious airborne transmission.

While none of the equipment we offer is a cure-all, we think a combination of several types of equipment, along with following recommended CDC guidelines for essential hygiene practices and social distancing, can be effective in improving indoor air quality and keeping building occupants safer.

1. Wind-driven rain resistant louvers. These louvers from Ruskin offer constant airflow and outside air circulation. ASHRAE has recommended increasing outdoor air ventilation; these louvers can increase airflow while keeping water out of the building to decrease the advent of mold and dampness.
   
   
2. Displacement ventilation. This energy efficient method of air delivery supplies air directly into occupied building spaces at low air speeds. Price Industries has a blog referencing studies that show a significant improvement in air quality using displacement ventilation, along with many additional benefits like lower noise levels, improved thermal comfort, and reduced cost of ownership.
   
   
3. UV-C fans. Big Ass Fans now offers the Haiku UV-C fan, which increases air circulation through occupied rooms. The fan then directs invisible UV-C rays at the ceiling, inactiving airborne pathogens as they pass over the fixture.
   
   
4. NPBI technology. This patented technology from Global Plasma Solutions releases charged ions into the air that attach themselves to pathogens and allergens. The larger particles are then more likely trapped by filters, cleaning the air inside the building. When the ions come into contact with pathogens, they steal hydrogen from the pathogens and reduce infectivity.
   
   
5. Indoor air purifiers. Camfil offers indoor air purifiers that remove harmful dust, allergens, and toxins from the air.

Any of the above equipment, along with some others not listed here, can help improve your indoor air quality. We may even recommend a combination of equipment, depending on the application. However, we cannot stress enough that following CDC guidelines is an important part of protecting yourself and your building occupants. If you have questions about how any of the above equipment works or if any of this is suitable for your building, please contact your local HVAC manufacturer’s representative to learn more.