You may be new to the world of air quality, but this year it is becoming even more important in the workplace, public spaces, the education sector, and care homes especially. The general public has become heightened to hygiene and germ-control with the Covid-19 pandemic, which means everything we touch or breathe in on a daily basis is being scrutinised more than ever before.
So, you’ve decided you want to address the air quality in your business, but which option is most effective?
Air purifiers such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, for example, are an option – these work by drawing in large particles such as dust, pet dander, and dead skin, which is then filtered through thousands of extremely fine fibres to trap the microscopic particles. These units constantly draw in the air, removing pollutant particles as it goes, therefore filtering the air.
One benefit to HEPA filters is that they can vastly improve the air you breathe as they remove airborne particles which might be an issue to those with allergies or asthma, such as pollen, dust, and other allergens that may get into our noses or throats, causing health problems. However, the HEPA filter only filters out the larger particles in the air, meaning smaller particles such as bacteria, viruses, mould, and fungi will still get through.
A further downside of HEPA filters is they can be particularly noisy as they are powered by a fan that draws the air through the machine. It can also be costly to replace the air filters, as they will need to be changed every six to 12 months depending on the levels of pollution in the environment. Forgetting to change an air filter can result in the particles being redistributed around the room too so it’s worth having a regular reminder if using this kind of air purifier.
Air sanitisers such as the SteraSpace can be a good option for tackling airborne pathogens that cause allergies and sickness, something many people are looking for in the current climate. These units work by emitting negative ions, ozone, or through UV or UVC lamps. Air sanitisers draw in the air, which then passes through germicidal irradiation by a dual UV light which kills micro-organisms and removes their ability to reproduce. The unit then emits ozone which lands on the hardest to reach places, decontaminating the surfaces.
This is a great benefit of an air sanitiser as it not only cleanses the air of the source of odours, the growth of mould, and the spread of infections but eradicates these micro-organisms continuously on every surface it reaches. In addition, this can be a great solution in areas that see heavy footfall or people gathering (such as offices, schools or health environments). Every time new micro-organisms enter the space, they will be eradicated by the unit, leaving the space free of particles and odours that may cause health problems.
The innovative 24/7 technology of air sanitisers allows the units to constantly emit ozone and therefore they are always cleansing the area and surfaces of potentially dangerous pathogens. Coupled with the low-cost (from around £12 a year for the replacement bulb) and almost silent operation, this can be an appealing option for those looking into better air quality. This approach to air quality control is also perfect for care homes, dental surgeries, waiting rooms, hairdressing salons, cafés, and other hospitality uses.
If you are keen to learn more about why air matters this year more than ever, do not hesitate to give us a call on 01865 882330 and we will be more than happy to assist you in choosing the best solution for your needs.