FEATURE STORY

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person, typically through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.

There is however some great news for Heidelberg Associates currently working in our offices and the for the rest of us that will be returning (hopefully soon). Heidelberg is installing iWave air purifiers in all of our buildings in both Ohio and Kentucky.

iWave is an air purifying device that installs in any duct air conditioning system. When air passes over the iWave, ions produced by the device reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke and odors in the air, creating a healthy environment without producing any harmful byproducts. This includes the COVID-19 virus!

iWave uses patented technology, called needle-point bi-polar ionization, to create equal amounts of positive and negative ions. When these ions are injected into the air stream, they break down passing pollutants and gases into harmless compounds like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor (see illustration below).

The idea for the project began with Vail Miller Jr. sharing an article he found with Operations Director – South, Brian Oakes regarding the use of this technology by restaurants to improve the air quality for patrons. “Vail Jr. and I decided to investigate the possibility of a larger scale solution for commercial office spaces,” Brian said. “At some point we will be returning to our offices and Heidelberg wants to provide a safe and clean working environment for all of our Associates. That includes the air that we are all breathing.”

One of the advantages to iWave’s system and technology is that it can be adapted to fit the existing HVAC systems in each of the Heidelberg’s buildings. “The hardware is installed directly into the roof top units that provide heating and AC to all of our office spaces including warehouse break rooms,” said Brian. “The system does not require a major overhaul of our already existing HVAC systems making the technology a high quality, yet still cost effective solution.”

What does make this filter system effective is how it works on the current COVID-19 pandemic and how it will continue to work moving forward. “The technology is proven, including laboratory tests verifying effectiveness on COVID,” says Brian. “This solution is also effective beyond the current crisis. It’s effective on the common cold, flu and many other air quality contaminants providing us a quality, clean air working environment far into the future.”