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AprilAire Partners Healthy Air in the News 2 minute read

Terri Carey • April 30, 2024

Healthy Air in the News

Healthy Air in the News is a collection of articles that we’ve put together for you to share with your co-workers and others in the business of IAQ. Help educate others about what we are all doing to create Healthy Air!

ACHR News – Manufacturers Look at Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality While Controlling Costs

https://www.achrnews.com/articles/144847-manufacturers-look-at-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-while-controlling-costs

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all take a closer look at the air quality inside the spaces where we work and play. This brings new challenges for building owners and operators who have traditionally made energy efficiency the priority and focused on protecting equipment versus people. This ACHR News article discusses how IAQ strategies can sometimes directly conflict with the energy efficiency within HVAC system management. We also learn about the pros and cons of ventilation and air filtration, along with why this new focus on indoor air quality won’t be going away anytime soon.

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Releases Updated Airborne Transmission Guidance

https://www.ashrae.org/about/news/2021/ashrae-epidemic-task-force-releases-updated-airborne-transmission-guidance

This new statement from the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, released in April 2021, supports the position that modifications to HVAC systems are important in reducing airborne exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The press release specifically mentions air filtration and ventilation as important strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The task force was formed in March 2020 to provide guidance for controlling the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within HVAC systems. Use this statement to support all your efforts in promoting IAQ!

Kaiser Health News – As Schools Spend Millions on Air Purifiers, Experts Warn of Overblown Claims and Harm to Children

https://khn.org/news/article/as-schools-spend-millions-on-air-purifiers-experts-warn-of-overblown-claims-and-harm-to-children/

As students return to the classroom, schools have been under extreme pressure to ensure that the air inside their buildings is clean and virus-free. This article examines some of the dangers that can arise when IAQ solutions aren’t properly vetted out due to a rush for quick, less expensive fixes. These include devices that produce harmful amounts of ozone, use ineffective technology or those that aren’t able to purify spaces adequately. Turns out those tried and true strategies like ventilation, MERV 13 filters, and HEPA filters may be the most effective options after all.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

By Terri Carey • February 25, 2025

1. Don't touch that dial. We recommend installing a programmable thermostat. You can program to automatically adjust your home's temperature when you are sleeping or away. This can cut your energy bill from 10 to 30 percent. 2. Look for high SEER ratings. SEER is the acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the federally mandated rating system for energy efficiency of air conditioners. For the ultimate in efficiency and climate control, look for air conditioners containing the new two-stage Copeland Scroll UltraTech compressors made by Emerson. 3. Make routine maintenance a priority. There are a number of routine maintenance tasks that homeowners can do on their own, such as regularly changing disposable air filters (or cleaning electronic air cleaners) on the indoor blower unit: keeping debris away from the outdoor unit; and hosing off the condenser fins on the outdoor unit. But just like regular tune-ups for your car, it really pays to have a contractor inspect and service your air conditioning and furnace system annually to make sure it is operating at peak performance. Tip: Be sure your contractor is licensed, well trained, insured, and experienced.