Air Quality and Air Purification in HVAC Installations
At The Cincinnatus Group, our specialty is systematic ductwork materials management.
We source ductwork for commercial construction, provide services for duct fabricators, offer CAD & BIM services, and assist owners and developers with Project Management. Our unique experience and expertise give us insight into many aspects of the HVAC industry.
In today’s HVAC market, air quality is a leading concern. In commercial buildings, where people spend a significant amount of time, indoor air quality is particularly important — poor air quality can lead to decreased productivity and absenteeism among employees, as well as create a building reputation that keeps potential occupants at bay.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Let’s take a look at some common indoor pollutants and how the HVAC industry is addressing them today.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Effects on Health
There are numerous indoor air pollutants that can affect the health and comfort of those who visit and work in commercial buildings. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens.
VOCs, which are found in many cleaning products and building materials, can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches.
Mold can cause respiratory issues and aggravate allergies, and bacteria can cause sickness and infections. Allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. In recent years, the threat of severe acute respiratory viruses like COVID-19 have also become important considerations.
HVAC systems play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality by circulating fresh air throughout the building and removing pollutants.
Different HVAC Air Purification Systems on the Market
Today there are several types of HVAC air purification methods available, each with its own benefits and limitations. All of these methods can be used with the rectangular, spiral, welded, and oval duct products sourced for commercial construction by The Cincinnatus Group.
UV-C Lights
UV-C lights use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the air. These systems are effective at removing bacteria and other microorganisms but may not be as effective at removing other types of pollutants. The UV-C lights can be installed inside the duct, sterilizing the air as it passes through.
Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic filters use an electric charge to attract and trap pollutants in the air. These filters are effective at removing a wide range of pollutants but may need to be cleaned or replaced frequently. They can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is about the size of a dust mite.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are highly effective at removing a wide range of pollutants from the air, including allergens and particulate matter — they can remove about 99.97% of particles in the air that are above 0.3 microns.
These filters are typically more expensive than other types of filters, but they can be installed inside the spiral duct — they’re often used in hospitals and other buildings where air quality is of the utmost importance.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters use activated carbon to remove odors and other volatile organic compounds from the air. These filters are effective at removing odors but may not be as effective at removing other types of pollutants, which is why you’ll usually find them being used alongside other methods. They’re installed inside the duct.
Ionization
Ionization systems use electrically charged ions to remove pollutants from the air — the ionized pollutants are more easily captured by filters. These systems are effective at removing a wide range of pollutants but may produce ozone, which can be an irritant to some individuals.
They’re often used in conjunction with other air purification systems and can be installed inside the spiral duct.
The most effective of these systems to combat microbes and virus particles in the air are HEPA, UV, and ionization systems.
How can The Cincinnatus Group Help Advance Your Project?
At TCG Duct, we can provide all or part of your HVAC fabrication needs. Roof supports are just the start. Our goal is to partner with our customers in ways that make the entire workflow from order to installation a seamless exercise in time and cost savings.
We source and provide the finest in Rectangular Ductwork, Spiral Ductwork, Double Wall Spiral Duct , PCD Ductwork, and Industrial Welded Ductwork
MIRO Rooftop Products
This year we’ve added roof support products from MIRO Industries as part of our comprehensive approach to sourcing the products you need to get the job done.
MIRO began business in 1982 and today is recognized all over the country as both the longest-standing and longest-lasting solution for rooftop support systems.
MIRO roof support products include:
- Service Access Platforms
- Wind and Seismic Duct & Pipe Supports
- Roller Supports for Rooftop Piping
- Pillow Block & Strut Supports for Small Conduits
- Mechanical Supports for Large and Small Rooftop Equipment
- Non-Penetrating Duct Supports
- Stair Assemblies and Crossovers
- Wind & Seismic Pipe Supports
MIRO believes all rooftop support products should last the entire lifetime of a roof, and so they back up their durable rooftop supports with a 20-year warranty.
Call us today at 878-295-8009 to speak with an HVAC ductwork specialist and roof support specialist about your project or visit our Contact Us page today.
