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As upgrading HVAC systems can be a challenging and costly endeavor, portable air purifiers have emerged as crucial assets in modern buildings and retrofit projects. Recognizing the important role that air purifiers play in maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ), facility managers are increasingly turning to stationary indoor air quality meters to gauge their effectiveness and make informed decisions.
Air purifiers play a pivotal role in controlling indoor air pollution and promoting occupant well-being. Purification systems can potentially decrease operational costs through targeted purification strategies by utilizing precise air quality data.
However, when evaluating air purifiers, it is crucial to approach the topic of built-in air quality sensors with a discerning mindset. While these sensors serve as valuable components of air purification devices, it is important to acknowledge that they may not always meet the highest standards of quality. Given that air quality monitoring is not their primary focus, these sensors may fall short of delivering the comprehensive and accurate data required for effective air quality management.
Another consideration is that purifier air quality sensors often provide only localized measurements, limited to the immediate surroundings of the device itself. This limited coverage can result in incomplete and potentially misleading readings, which may give a distorted perception of the overall air quality within a facility.
How can facility managers ensure that their decisions regarding air quality are based on accurate data?
The answer lies in the utilization of stationary indoor air quality monitors. These devices are capable of providing real-time data on multiple pollutants (PM, VOCs, CO2) present in the air, as well as measuring other parameters (temperature, humidity, noise, and light levels), contributing to indoor comfort.
Facility managers will have the ability to make informed decisions backed by accurate, up-to-the-minute data. Depending on the capabilities of selected monitoring and purification systems, facility managers can activate need-based targeted purification, increasing the air quality while keeping the operational costs under control.
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Manufacturers of air purifying and air cleaning solutions can effectively showcase the efficiency of their products in tackling indoor air pollution by utilizing real-time, precise indoor air quality data.
For instance, AirLife conducted a pilot study at Clemenceau Medical Center aiming to optimize indoor air quality and enhance safety for staff and patients. The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the AirLife in-duct filtration system installed in the ventilation system. To gather accurate data, Atmocube air quality monitors were installed in reference rooms before and after the installation of the AirLife Swiss filters. The results showed a significant decrease of 50-60% in particulate matter (PM) and TVOC levels in rooms with the AirLife filtration system compared to those without it. The study confirmed the three-layered air purification system's efficacy in removing mechanical and microbiological pollutants, as well as reducing TVOCs and odors. The findings highlighted the ability of the AirLife system to improve indoor air quality, lower energy consumption by reducing the need for preconditioning fresh air, and create a safer environment for healthcare facilities.
When it comes to selecting an indoor air quality monitor, accuracy, reliability, and real-time data availability are paramount.
Facility managers seeking a solution that meets the highest standards should consider monitors complying with the RESET Air Standard, which are accredited for use in design and construction projects pursuing RESET and WELL Certifications.
Atmocube, one such monitor, stands out for its sensor accuracy and design excellence. It has become the go-to monitor for residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Equipped with an array of up to twelve sensors, Atmocube measures all the critical parameters contributing to indoor comfort, including PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, temperature, humidity, light, and noise levels. This comprehensive data is delivered in real-time, with minute-by-minute updates. Moreover, all the historical data from connected devices is stored in the cloud, providing facility managers with a valuable resource for making data-driven decisions regarding indoor air quality management. One Atmocube monitor can capture air quality data in an open space of up to 3,500 square feet.
Atmocube is placed within the “breathing zone", the vertical zone where the occupants spend the majority of their time. Placing the device in this area will ensure that Atmocube samples the air that the building's occupants are breathing.
Atmocube's integration with air purifiers goes beyond conventional data collection, empowering facility managers with unparalleled operational efficiency. Atmocube enables need-based automated purification and energy usage control tailored to the specific requirements of each facility.
The system can locally read data from Atmocube via Modbus IP and send real-time commands to the air purifier through the API based on the collected air quality data. As a result, the air purifier can dynamically adapt its purification levels to match the precise air quality needs of the facility, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing energy consumption.
Alternatively, Atmocube can send the real-time AQ data to any other custom cloud solution.
The power of automation lies in facility managers' ability to customize purification settings, establish thresholds, and define preferences that align with their facility's specific requirements.
When it comes to air quality management strategies, the key to success lies in leveraging the power of precise air quality data.
By continuously monitoring indoor air quality and harnessing the insights provided by devices such as Atmocube, facility managers can accurately assess the impact of air purification systems and take the necessary steps to enhance indoor air quality.
With real-time data at their fingertips, facility managers are equipped to optimize IAQ, ensuring a healthier and more productive environment for all occupants.
With Atmocube's integration, facility managers can have full control over the air purifier's operations, allowing them to achieve the desired level of air quality without wasted energy.
Automated purification and energy usage control enables facility managers to ensure that air purifiers operate precisely when and where they are needed the most. By proactively adjusting purification levels based on real-time data, facility managers can optimize energy consumption, significantly reducing costs while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
