We might not be able to see the air that surrounds us, but the quality of said air can nevertheless have a major impact on our health and well-being. A multitude of airborne contaminants can make their way inside buildings, including bacteria, dust, fungal spores, pollen, and, of course, viruses -- the pandemic triggered by SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19) continues to surge due to indoor air transmission (both airborne and aerosolized), and considering that most of us spend around 90% of our time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) matters a great deal.

So, what can businesses do to improve IAQ inside their buildings? For starters, they can invest in state-of-the-art air filtration and purification systems for their building’s rooms. The market for proper air disinfection is hot right now for obvious reasons, and many players have entered the fold -- as such, finding the right system for your building can be challenging. We’re here to make this decision process easier. In this article, we’ll outline what to look for in an air filter/purification system and break down a few of the best options available.

What to Look for in an Air Purification System

Durable Construction

An air filtration system is a major investment, so you want it to stand the test of time. To get the most out of your device, you need to purchase one that’s built from tough, high-quality materials. Prioritize systems with stainless steel enclosures and other durable materials.

Protection Against a Wide Range of Microbes

Durability aside, an air filtration/purification system’s most vital trait is its ability to stop a host of harmful, microscopic actors from polluting your building’s interior air. Make sure the system in which you invest can guard against bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, pet dander, VOCs, pollen, dust, and more. Just as importantly, make sure your system’s filter can capture even the tiniest iterations of these substances, down to 0.01 microns in size. Simply put, the more stuff your system can keep out, the cleaner your air will be.

Multi-Layered Air Filtration

To keep the airborne microbes out of your building’s rooms, your air purification system must be equipped with multiple interlocking, high-efficiency filters. More specifically, the best air filtration systems feature two to three tiers of filters, each designed for a specific purpose. The first filter is an activated carbon filter that eliminates harmful odors. Next up is an antimicrobial-treated electrostatic air filter that should ideally capture over 99% of microorganisms. And the final filter should be HEPA certified, removing 99.99% of all microbes larger than 0.01 micron, releasing clear, clean air inside a given room.

In-Depth Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring

All the bells and whistles of a highly efficient air filter/purification system won’t ring true without proper monitoring. Simply put, you’ll want to be able to closely track your IAQ to ensure your system is functioning as promised and stay alert to any changes you may have to make (i.e., changing filters, replacing parts, calibrating settings, etc.). Read our blog, “Why Personal Air Quality Meters Are More Important Now Than Ever” for more on the importance of modern IAQ monitoring in regards to building maintenance.

Comes Equipped with Warranty

Even the most well-crafted and well-maintained systems can experience errors. To keep your building’s indoor air as clean as possible and protect your bottom line, invest in a system with a built-in warranty. A solid warranty will guarantee accountability so that if anything goes wrong, an expert can quickly address the issue at no additional cost.

Three AIRBOX Models to Consider for Your Building’s Rooms

Here at The Budd Group, we’re proud to install, maintain, and repair AIRBOX air filtration systems for our clients across all industries. These American-made purification devices offer all the key features mentioned above and more. Let’s outline three of these AIRBOX products and their features.

AIRBOX Apex 2.0

The AIRBOX Apex 2.0 is a portable industrial-grade air purifier that uses Certified HEPA Filtration, providing 99.99% pure air to a given space. This device features an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy/stainless steel enclosure with stainless steel fasteners. The AIRBOX Apex 2.0 can easily roll from one location to another, thanks to its durable polyurethane wheels. Its pre-filter carbon option has an OZ 3 rating of greater than 30% ozone removal efficiency; its preliminary antimicrobial filter is treated with Microban Aegis Microbe Shield®; its primary HEPA filter contains an aluminum frame and 4” pleated glass media. The Apex 2.0 is also backed by a 5-year all-inclusive warranty.

AIRBOX MESA

Smaller and lighter than the Apex 2.0, the AIRBOX Mesa is a more compact (and also portable) industrial-grade air purifier that likewise uses antimicrobial and Certified HEPA filtration to release 99.99% pure air. This device’s enclosure is made of HDPE infused with Micro-Shield technology, meaning it’s virtually indestructible and bacteria resistant. The MESA system also features two main filtration stages rather than three. Other than these minor differences, the MESA is similar to the Apex 2.0 in terms of power requirements and construction. The AIRBOX MESA also comes with a lifetime warranty on material and workmanship, along with a 5-year warranty on its fan and motor package (inclusive of electrical).

AIRBOX Peak Series-S

Last up is the AIRBOX Peak Series-S, which like the Apex 2.0, offers three air filtration stages (odor shield, antimicrobial, and HEPA filter). With an OZ 5 rating of over 50% ozone removal efficiency, the first filter stage of the Peak Series-S outperforms that of the Apex 2.0. The Peak Series-S also features a limited lifetime warranty akin to that of the MESA system.

All three AIRBOX variations offer high-efficiency air disinfection for coronavirus while also keeping a building’s indoor air free from bacteria, fungi, dust, and other pollutants.

The Verdict

At The Budd Group, we believe that any of the three AIRBOX filtration/air purification systems listed here are excellent additions to any facility. Of course, one option may be better suited for a specific building depending on its unique needs and specifications. We’re committed to the health and safety of our employees and clients, which is why we not only offer high-level COVID disinfecting services but also focus heavily on improving IAQ for all kinds of facilities.

To learn more about our services and values, give us a call today at 800-221-8158! And for more detailed information on IAQ, COVID-19, and the Delta Variant, visit the CDC’s website here.