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As companies are slowly and tentatively shifting from work from home to hybrid work from the office, there are concerns about the spread of airborne Coronavirus. At the same time, the government and scientific bodies have released some easy-to-follow guidelines to prevent the spread of the SARS CoV-2 virus, that cover masks, sanitization, ventilation, and distance. From these, increased outdoor ventilation is a community defense, protecting us at home or at work.

The ASHRAE and CDC recommend the use of high-efficiency filtration to reduce the transmission of the virus. Additionally, several studies have shown the use of UVGI technology in the form of commercial UV light sanitizer as a supplement that can inactivate the SARS CoV-2 in combination with the other strategies.

Let’s take a look at the layered strategy in the form of ventilation, high-efficiency air filtration, and UVGI technology to fight COVID-19.

Increased outdoor ventilation 

Research has proved that SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread more readily between people indoors as compared to outdoors. This is because the concentration of viral particles is higher in indoor spaces than outdoors, where even light wind can quickly reduce concentrations. Indoors, you need several ventilation mitigation strategies to reduce the concentration of viral particles. When the concentration is lower, fewer viral particles are likely to be inhaled into the lungs. However, increasing outdoor ventilation is often a challenge in an existing indoor setting with a pre-designed outdoor ventilation system.

High-efficiency air filtration 

Given the apprehension about the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, one way to limit viral spread is by optimizing airflow indoors. High-efficiency air filtration can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses, pollutants, and microbes in indoor spaces. From the three different methods used to purify contaminated air, filtration is the most common air filtration method followed by irradiation.

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Here’s how the high-efficiency filtration in air purifiers for AC works. In the residential or commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, filters are installed either at the inlet, outlet, or within the central air-handling unit. When the external air flows into an HVAC, filters trap particles, microbes, or contaminants too large to fit through the openings. 

Now, commercial air filters have different ratings that are based on the percentage of particles they remove. Usually, the highest rates are used in surgical applications. As per ASHRAE, filters rated MERV 13 or higher are capable of capturing viruses. 

Here are the recommendations by official bodies on the acceptable filtration capacity.

UVGI technology

In simple words, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is an air purification technology that disinfects indoor air by emitting UV-C rays at a wavelength of 253.7 nm. The DNA of microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and bacteria are disrupted or ruptured by the UV-C rays, preventing them from reproducing, thereby killing them.

The UVGI in commercial air purifiers can be used in homes and offices to sanitize the indoor air. Installing Magneto’s Central Air Cleaner co-powered with UVGI acts as a multi-stage commercial UV light sanitizer that continuously removes viruses, bacteria, PM 2.5, fungi, and other pollutants. Magneto’s Central Air Cleaner (MCAC) can also be integrated with commercial air purifiers and air purifiers for AC. With the “trap and kill” technology, MCAC destroys all captured microbes certified to eliminate over 99% of coronavirus by ALG Labs, providing air sanitization of all indoor spaces. 

Wrapping it up 

Magneto’s wide range of solutions, including filtration systems and commercial UV light sanitizer, protect against deadly viruses. MCAC can be integrated with existing air conditioning systems with AHUs, Ductables, Splits, and Cassettes to provide sanitized air to combat airborne pollutants in line with global guidelines.