Tests conducted by third parties demonstrate that when ionization is added to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the performance of the filters improves, especially in terms of removing microscopic and submicroscopic particles, including many viruses and bacteria[1].
The practical and real implications of being able to add technology like ionization to air filters are numerous. The benefits are significant as well. Here are four.
UPDATING AIR FILTERS CAN BE COSTLY
During the pandemic, indoor air quality experts recommended that HVAC systems, whenever possible, use a minimum of MERV-13 rated filters. For air filters, the MERV rating almost always corresponds with its cost: the higher the MERV rating, the higher the cost.
Air filters often need to be replaced four times a year or more, according to typical preventive maintenance schedules.
The DM-2 is part of this extensive family of patented products that contribute to improving air quality in our spaces by ensuring that ion emitters are correctly oriented within the airflow.
Additionally, HVAC systems are equipped with many air filters of different sizes.
These costs can add up, especially for large companies, school districts, university systems, and healthcare networks that own and manage multiple facilities, each with their own HVAC systems.
Adding ionization to existing air filters provides end-users with a cost-effective solution that does not compromise filter performance or indoor air quality. In fact, adding ionization as part of a building's multi-layer approach has been shown to enhance filter performance.
2. MOST BUILDINGS ARE OLD, MAKING FILTER UPDATES PROBLEMATIC
For many, upgrading air filters has not been, and is not, feasible or practical given the age and state of deterioration of the buildings and their HVAC systems, which have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Many older HVAC systems cannot accommodate HEPA filters, for example.
Consider this: 60% of all commercial buildings in the United States in 2018 were built before 1990. The average age of a public school building in the United States is over 40 years. According to a 2019 survey by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, over four out of every 10 (41%) U.S. public school districts needed to upgrade or replace at least half of the HVAC systems in their schools.
Modernizing or replacing a building's HVAC system to accommodate upgraded filters is often extremely costly. Additionally, it is very disruptive to a building's activities (and productivity).
Adding ionization on top of existing air filters in an HVAC system can help address this issue.
3. HIGHER ENERGY COSTS LEAD TO GREATER WEAR AND TEAR
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings consume an exorbitant amount of energy: they account for nearly 40% of all energy in the United States and over three-quarters (76%) of electricity. And HVAC systems are by far the largest source of energy consumption in buildings, representing over a third (35%) of a building's energy cost and three times more than lighting (11%).
Higher-capacity air filters can increase air flow resistance. The fans that move air through the HVAC system, as a result, have to work harder, which increases energy costs. The effort also taxes motors and compressors, which in turn can shorten the expected 10 to 15-year lifespan of an HVAC system.
Incorporating ionization helps improve the performance of existing air filters without increasing air flow resistance. This helps reduce energy costs and may extend the lifespan of an HVAC system.
4. BUILDINGS ARE WHERE ACTIVE LIFE OCCURS
Buildings are more than bricks and mortar. Considering that we spend over 90% of our time - at work, at home, and at leisure - indoors, buildings are where life happens. And they are very busy places, which makes indoor air quality a challenge to address and solve.
Being able to quickly and thoroughly improve indoor air is important. This includes, for example, the hospitality sector, where tables and rooms need to turn over frequently throughout the day. It also includes other high-traffic facilities such as schools, universities, airports, and office buildings where people come and go, which, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, has a significant impact on everyone.
Third-party tests have shown that adding ionization to existing air filters removes matter from the air more quickly and completely.
[1] These third-party tests were jointly executed, and funded, by GPS Air.
Disclaimer:
GPS Air does its best to ensure industry-accepted testing methods are used in controlled environments in the tests it commissions. The purpose of these tests is to isolate the impact on particle reduction efficacy of one filter versus another in these controlled conditions.
Source: GPS Air
Translated by Teksol Group Solutions
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