When you think of perks that keep your employees healthy, happy and productive, your thoughts probably lean toward free coffee, snack machines, or even designated areas for meditation and power naps. Rarely does air purification come into the picture, but with the global COVID-19 pandemic still dominating the news, air purification systems are definitely worth considering for your business.

What Are Air Purification Systems and How Do They Work?

As the name implies, air purification systems purify the air by removing various airborne pollutants. These impurities run the gamut from outdoor allergens like pollen and dust to smoke particles and toxins such as volatile organic compounds.

The most common form of air purification system consists of a filter made from a fiberglass mesh or pleated paper. A powerful fan or blower motor pulls air through the filter to trap various particles and pollutants. The air purifier recirculates the purified air into the living space, where the cycle eventually repeats.

Aside from the classic air filter, air purification systems come in a variety of forms, including:

  • HEPA Filtration – High-Efficiency Particular Air filters are designed to capture pollutants that other types of filters typically miss due to their small size. As a result, HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. These filters are usually paired with powerful blower fans to ensure maximum airflow while in use.
  • Ultraviolet Light Purification – This type of air purification system exposes airborne pollutants, including viruses and bacteria, to UV radiation. This deactivates the microorganisms, rendering them unable to thrive and multiply.
  • Activated Carbon Filtration – Activated carbon filters trap unpleasant odors rather than  airborne pollutants. As a result, these filters are usually paired with other types of air purification.
  • Ozone Generation – Ozone generators intentionally release ozone gas that readily attaches to and neutralizes harmful pollutants due to its extra oxygen atom. However, ozone gas is also harmful, and exposure to low ozone levels can cause serious respiratory symptoms.

The overall effectiveness of air purification systems depends on various factors, including the size of the air purifier, the type of filtration in use, and the size of the area being purified.

Benefits of Business Air Purification Systems

Installing an air purification system can have some surprising health benefits for your business:

Asthma and Allergy Relief

A business air purification system can easily trap airborne particles that often trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, including pet dander and pollen.

Cold and Flu Deterrence

Since air purification systems help control the spread of airborne particles, including those that carry illness, these systems also help prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses. Air purification systems can also play a significant role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. While this is a boon for any business, the benefits are especially welcome in hospitals, dental offices, and other health care facilities.

Fewer Unpleasant Odors

Even the most pleasant office environment can quickly turn foul due to unpleasant odors. Food service and industrial settings are notorious for their noxious smells that can turn off clients and visitors while making workspaces uncomfortable for employees. Air purification systems can help alleviate these concerns by removing unwanted odors from indoor areas.

A Healthier Workforce

Air purification systems can pay big dividends for your employees’ health and well-being by removing the pathogens that contribute to illnesses. Fewer pollutants equal fewer sick days, plus your workers will feel less sluggish and more energetic thanks to the improved indoor environment.

Features Your Company’s Next Air Purification System Should Include

As you choose your next air purification system, it’s important to consider the following:

  • Filtration Type – Each type has unique strengths and weaknesses depending on the intended application. For instance, carbon filters are only effective at trapping odors.
  • True HEPA Filtration – Some air purification systems are offered with “HEPA type” or “HEPA like” filters. However, these aren’t genuine HEPA filters. When choosing an air purifier, make sure to select one that offers proper HEPA filtration.
  • Noise Levels – Most air purification systems operate between 35 to 70 decibels, depending on the model and chosen settings.
  • Clean-Air Delivery Rate – This rating denotes an air purification system’s overall cleaning speed relative to a particular room size. Measured in cubic feet per minute, a typical air purifier for a medium-sized room offers 300 to 400 CFM CADR.
  • Air Change Per Hour Rating – This rating denotes the number of times per hour an air purifier filters the entire volume of air in a room. Choosing an air purifier with a 4x or greater ACH rating ensures speedy filtration while reducing the likelihood of incomplete removal of airborne pollutants and pathogens.

Many air purification systems designed to control asthma and allergies also come with an “Asthma & Allergy Friendly” certification. Created in a joint effort by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Allergy Standards Limited, this certification helps buyers choose air purifiers that meet or exceed certain standards for removing airborne pollutants that contribute to asthma and allergy symptoms.

When it comes to creating an improved environment for your Charlotte, Greensboro, or Winston-Salem business, it’s hard to beat the benefits offered by air purification systems. Get in touch with Kelly Office Solutions today to learn more about air purification systems.