3 Aug. 2023
Many senior living facilities have been adopting air purifiers with bi-polar ionization since the beginning of the pandemic because coronavirus particles are particularly transmissible through air. We want to break down what exactly ionization is, and its efficacy on IAQ.
Bi-polar ionization is the process of splitting air molecules into positively and negatively charged ions. Multi-living facilities are installing ionization units into their building’s HVAC system. These ionizers release millions of positive and negative ions into the air that cluster onto airborne virus particles and break down their volatile compounds.
Bi-polar ionization is an important addition to air filtration systems because dangerous particles are often too small on their own to be caught by the filter. However, with an ionization system, these small particles are trapped in larger, neutralized clusters of particles that are easily caught by filters. Bi-polar ionization is an incredible tool for improving your indoor air quality, but its benefits cannot be experienced without a clear monitoring system.
Tools like air filters and ionizers are only successful when you are already monitoring your air enough to know what particles pose a threat to your residents’ safety.
Any air purification systems should be paired with an IAQ monitoring system to improve your air safety. Firstly, bi-polar ionization works specifically for viral particles, but those are not the only particles posing risks to your residents’ health. Many buildings struggle to control the presence of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, given off by building materials. Buildings with older residents, like senior living facilities, must account for their residents’ increased susceptibility to developing conditions from these VOCs and track levels of organic compounds accordingly.
Additionally, an HVAC system is only as good as its maintenance. Air filters and ionizers require proper maintenance, and an IAQ monitoring system is essential to determining if there is something wrong with the air purification system. With a Climate Intelligence platform, building operators can monitor when particle levels in the air are at abnormal levels, indicating an issue with the air purification system in place.
If your business is looking to improve its air quality with an ionizer, pair any new air quality implementations with a strong IAQ monitoring system so that you can be in the know about how safe your residents’ air quality really is. If you’re interested in learning more about Setpoint’s IAQ monitoring system and Climate Intelligence platform, reach out to one of our climate experts today.
