Not all infection control happens at the system level. Portable and in-room devices provide additional flexibility, especially in high-risk environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
• Upper-room UV-C fixtures: Mounted above 7 feet, these treat air circulating in the upper part of a room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Portable UV-C decontamination robots: Used for surface disinfection, though spaces must be unoccupied during use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Portable HEPA units: Self-contained devices effective at removing particles from the air.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Room ionization units: Similar to bipolar ionization systems, with the same risks and limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Takeaway: Portable solutions are valuable supplements but should be considered part of a layered approach rather than a standalone fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Choosing the Right HVAC Infection Control Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  Every building is different, and infection control strategies should be tailored to its purpose, occupancy, and existing HVAC capabilities. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \n
  • A healthcare facility may rely on UV-C sterilization and HEPA filtration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • An office building might see major benefits from improved MERV-rated filters and CO\u2082 demand controlled ventilation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Retail environments may combine ERVs for more fresh air with higher efficiency filtration and CO2<\/sub>\u00a0demand controlled ventilation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The most effective approach is often a combination of strategies, balancing performance, safety, energy use, and long-term maintenance requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Improving indoor air quality is essential, but infection control requires targeted strategies. The best results come from layering methods like filtration, UV sterilization, fresh air, and portable devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With flu season underway\u2014and other airborne illnesses still a concern\u2014now is the time to evaluate your HVAC systems. Proactive upgrades can protect occupants, reduce absenteeism, and keep indoor spaces safer year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ready to strengthen your building\u2019s infection control? Contact Schnackel Engineers<\/a> to explore the best HVAC strategies for your facility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In our Indoor Air Quality 101 blog, we explored the basics of IAQ\u2014what it is, why it matters, and how poor indoor air quality affects health, comfort, and productivity in buildings. But as we head into flu season and continue facing other airborne infectious diseases like RSV and COVID-19, building owners are asking an even more… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogs"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n