Viral Control Measures

Viral Control & Healthy Building Environment.

The world’s clearly evolved towards a ‘new normal’. I refer to this ‘new normal’ as we all seem to understand it; unique to wherever we live geographically, and our surrounding population density. We’re learning this is extremely strange, challenging, and creating numerous brainstorming around making Building’s Safe.

I believe, many of us wish to feel our Building Environments were more Healthy. Beyond brilliant amenities and basic hallway pressurization … Today, we want some form of Viral Control Measures: 

1) Air Filter Changes, and Quality of Air Filter are the most basic form of protection. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Too high level (HEPA, MERV15), will cause significant pressure drop (weak air flow) throughout the building. FYI – Clogged filters do the same. In dust prone areas: Monthly changes are not too often.

MERV 13+ Filters are ~2.7x as much as the LEED baseline: MERV 8. Honestly, it’s probably worth-while. We can teach Site Staff how to safely change filters; we get a good buying rate to save you money.

2) Next-up: Controls. There are two-primary options here both are limited by equipment capabilities and energy costs.  First, increase air-turn-overs by providing 100% fresh air and increase fan speeds. Consider that all fresh air must be conditioned as it enters the building (with exception of free-cooling seasons in fall/spring/overnight). Also consider the outside air conditions given different seasons. 

Second, humidity control. This depends on whether the equipment has humidification included. Humidity is extremely effective at 40%-60% keeping Virus’ at your feet. Low humidity will allow Virus’ to float around your nose, and high-humidity creates mould. Generally speaking, these are effective, but costly.

3) Finally, the coolest: UV-C Lighting Fit-Up. This powerful Ray of Light works by ‘zapping’ the DNA of virus’ like Influenza. That’s the only test results we could find – Scientists out there ?? It’s been used in Hospitals for years. I bet Hospital Facility Management would share their Spec’s/Sequence’s !? NOTE: UV-C light is extremely dangerous. Direct exposure will have permanent consequences; so we must be safe.

UV-C Installs are tricky. A lot goes into how fast and the velocity of the air flowing through the duct. Does the Air Handler have room? Where to put it most cost/control effectiveness? How much space are you working with? How much area around the Unit? Can you pre-manufacture the Lighting Rack or do you build-on-the-spot? Do we want a 1-pass, 2-pass, or 3-pass kill-rate? How important is this to you?

These are all options to consider amongst the others like auto-thermo-readings to enter, distanced line-ups and Office-staging in the mornings (so as not to wait in line for elevators), and masks! AIRON has nearly 30 years’ experience in Mechanical HVAC Service/Retrofits, and Building Automation System Install/Service. We developed an Operational Software – ANT Technologies – that we sold and continue to support several Contractors around the World. As far as Contractors go, we’re one of Toronto’s most Innovative with leading edge Management Practices, Teammates, and Technology.

The AIRON Group of Companies appreciates your attention on this matter. Your interest shows you’re being a responsible member of society, given your Professional place in the world. We are prepared to provide Paybacks and Energy Comparisons amongst our Options, including your ROI. Thank You!