While there’s light at the end of the tunnel, the world is still struggling to handle COVID-19. Until everyone is able to get vaccinated, employers need to keep doing what they can to keep their workforce safe. Wearing masks, washing hands, and frequently sanitizing surfaces are effective measures that can help fight against infection, but what else can be done? The answer you’re looking for may involve your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit.
What Is Bipolar Ionization?
Bipolar ionization has gained a lot of popularity in recent months, emerging as a potential secret weapon in the fight against COVID-19. Also known as needlepoint bipolar ionization, this is a technique that was created to improve indoor air quality. The method uses specialized tubes that are installed on your HVAC. These tubes take in oxygen molecules from the air and convert them into charged particles.
Once the particles are charged, they are able to react with airborne contaminants. When the bipolar ions are shot out, they essentially surround harmful substances like airborne mold, bacteria, allergens, and viruses and deactivate them. These molecules are also able to latch onto breath droplets and dust particles, one of the main vectors for COVID-19 infection.
A Deeper Look Into How Bipolar Ionization Works
Molecules can be positively charged, negatively charged, or have no charge at all. This is influenced by the number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge) an atom has. An oxygen molecule that normally doesn’t have a charge can become charged by losing or adding an electron.
If an oxygen molecule is altered in this way, it becomes unstable. In an effort to restabilize, the molecule desperately seeks out other molecules it can trade or share electrons with. These molecules can cling onto particulate matter, bacteria and virus cells, odorous gases and aerosols, and volatile organic compounds. Bonding with these microparticles ends in the harmful airborne particulates being neutralized.
A bipolar ion generator installed on your HVAC takes in oxygen molecules to charge them. They are then released, free to attack any particulates that cross their path.
Is Bipolar Ionization Safe?
Bipolar ionization is not a recent invention, it has been around for decades. The older versions of generators used perishable glass tubes and would also create potentially harmful ozone during the process. However, this is no longer a concern as the needlepoint modules, developed in the mid-2000s, do not create harmful levels of ozone.
Your HVAC’s Role in Air Quality
When it comes to improving the air quality of your office, you may already have a tool at your disposal: your HVAC. Most of the air coming in and going out of your building is moved through this system. Your HVAC unit cycles that air, forcing it through a filter that removes particulates before you can breathe them in.
For situations like the pandemic, however, an HVAC alone isn’t going to be enough. The air filter in your HVAC already does a lot, but it won’t be able to sanitize the air on its own. The answer to this problem is combining your HVAC with a bipolar ion generator that can decontaminate the air as it’s pushed through your system.
Who’s Using Bipolar Ionization HVACs?
As the concern over airborne transmission continues to grow, it has become clear that the fight against COVID-19 needs to be taken to the air. Many organizations have realized this and have been hunting for solutions like bipolar ionization. According to Business Insider, well-known hospitals (e.g., Johns Hopkins) and some of the country’s busiest airports (e.g., LAX) have already implemented the technology into their facilities.
However, this isn’t a solution limited to large facilities. Bipolar ion generators come in portable and add-on forms, meaning this is a viable solution for smaller commercial buildings and homes as well. You just need an expert who can install it.
Get Your Bipolar Ionization Solution
At A&G Services, we specialize in all matters related to mechanical service. Our highly trained technicians can visit your location and install a bipolar ion generator onto your HVAC with minimal downtime. Rest easy knowing your office is safe from contaminants.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
