Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential at any time, but particularly now, when stopping the spread of disease is our top priority. When it comes to eliminating viruses, your HVAC system’s air filter is simply not enough. However, there are some tools that do work to remove viruses from the air. One of the most promising is bipolar ionization.
How Bipolar Ionization Works
You may have heard of an ionic air purifier. Dust and other contaminants are imbued with a positive ionic charge. This then causes them to be attracted to a negatively charged metal plate, thus removing them from the air.
Bipolar ionization works in a similar way, though it’s a bit more complex. Instead of dust particles, the ionizer charges oxygen atoms in the air. The charged particles are attracted to the oppositely charged viruses, bacteria, and other allergens and contaminants. They then surround these harmful particles, causing a chemical reaction that renders them harmless. The addition of oxygen atoms also makes these particles bigger, so they’re more likely to be captured by an air filter and removed.
Bipolar Ionization Against the Coronavirus
COVID-19 is an airborne virus that can be spread even by breathing. Furthermore, the virus lingers in the air long after the breath has been exhaled, allowing it to spread much further. That’s one of the reasons it’s been so difficult to contain.
However, bipolar ionization can neutralize 99.9% of the viral particles in a given area in a matter of minutes. By rendering the virus harmless and removing it from the air, it reduces the spread considerably. Many scientists hope that implementing this method of air cleaning will help keep the disease at bay and allow us to conquer it once and for all. Note, however, that the use of ionization doesn’t preclude the necessity for wearing a face mask in public or social distancing. Continue to adhere to CDC guidelines.
To learn more about bipolar ionization and other ways to improve your IAQ, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve Lorain’s home-comfort needs.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area