The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is excited to announce that Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization has been installed in our HVAC system. This air cleaning system will improve the air quality throughout the facility and create an even safer environment on top of the health and safety measures already in place. Bipolar ionization is gaining widespread popularity as a way to help keep the air protected from airborne contaminants, including COVID-19.
“The health and wellbeing of our members, guests, and employees is our top priority,” says Greg Gack, CEO. “Our staff and volunteers are always searching for new, innovative opportunities to improve the Y experience, which is why we’re excited to partner with McDowall Comfort Management and install this technology for exceptional indoor air quality. This partnership also includes a very generous donation from McDowall, for which we are very grateful.”
How It Works
The technology works by producing positively and negatively charged ions, which cluster and surround airborne particles, helping them gain mass so they’re easily caught in an air filter. It also helps to neutralize pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Should COVID-19 be present, the ions created by the air cleaning system will work to inactivate 99.4% of the virus within 30 minutes (92.6% within 15 minutes and 84.2% within 10 minutes). Furthermore, the system does not produce harmful byproducts, are ozone-free certified (UL 2998 listed), and save on energy costs.
The Benefits
Particles Reduced:
This technology reduces airborne particles through agglomeration. The ions attach to the airborne particles and the particles are subsequently attracted to one another, effectively increasing their mass and size. The air filtration system easily captures the larger particles.
Odors Neutralized:
During the process chemical, outdoor, and other odors are broken down into basic harmless compounds, leaving the indoor air fresh smelling and free of odor causing VOC’s.
Pathogens Killed:
During the needlepoint bipolar ionization process, this technology attacks and kills viruses, mold spores, and bacteria. The ions steal away the hydrogen from the pathogens, leaving them to die and leaving you with clean and healthy indoor air.
Energy Saved:
This environmentally friendly cleaning process allows commercial buildings to significantly reduce the amount of outdoor air required to operate. This equates to a safer, more comfortable environment that requires less energy to condition.