How to Control Indoor Air Quality on a Budget
As more and more of us are installing air conditioning and heat pumps in our homes, all of a sudden, we’re evolving from a summer of doors and windows wide open hearing the calls of the birds, to a household where you can hear the call of the parent yelling, “close the damn door!”. And with that, we now have an opportunity to take full control over our indoor air quality (IAQ) and environment.
This blog is one of our Future Proofing series where R&B is looking at ways we can enhance our living spaces now, that will also serve us later. Young and old, our bodies are more susceptible to the effects of poor air quality, making it crucial for both young families and older adults who are, or plan to age in place, to prioritize clean and healthy indoor air. And since we’re talking about heating and cooling, which is all about changing air, I’m going to start with the most economical and adaptable product that R&B has available, the iWave by Nu-Calgon.
There are many different technologies that can be used to clean and purify your indoor air, such as UV-C sterilization, filtration, and the method used by iWave, needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NPBI).
Here’s How iWave, Needlepoint Bi-Polar Ionization (NPBI) Works:
1. Ionization
iWave produces positive and negative ions through an electrical charge. These ions are released into the air stream of the HVAC system.
2. Interaction with Airborne Particles
Once released, the ions travel throughout the indoor space. As they encounter airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses, they begin to attach to these particles.
3. Agglomeration
The ions cause the particles to cluster together through a process called agglomeration. This process makes the particles larger and heavier, causing them to become more easily captured by the HVAC filter or to settle out of the air onto surfaces within the space.
4. Microbial Inactivation
Additionally, the ions can disrupt the cellular structure of viruses, bacteria, and mold spores, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. This process helps to reduce the concentration of harmful microorganisms in the air, thereby improving indoor air quality.
5. Odor Reduction
iWave’s ionization technology can also help to neutralize odors by breaking down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odor-causing molecules in the air.
Ionization-Based Air Purification System vs. Air Cleaners
Overall, iWave’s NPBI technology provides an additional layer of air purification within HVAC systems by effectively reducing airborne particles, microbial contaminants, and odors. It operates continuously while the HVAC system is running, helping to maintain cleaner and healthier indoor air quality in homes and other indoor spaces.
That all sounds great, but what about the cost? Our handy dandy Amazon can deliver an air cleaner to my door within two days, for about $150, why wouldn’t I do that?
Comparing iWave, an ionization-based air purification system, with air cleaners available on Amazon, which typically include a variety of filtration-based devices, involves considering several factors:
Technology:
iWave uses needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NPBI) technology to purify air by releasing positive and negative ions that interact with airborne particles and microorganisms. On the other hand, entry level air cleaners available on Amazon may tend to use various filtration technologies such as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), to capture and remove contaminants from the air.
Particle Removal:
The iWave is effective at reducing ultrafine particles and microbial contaminants in the air through ionization and agglomeration. Filtration-based air cleaners, particularly those with HEPA filters, are highly efficient at capturing particles down to 0.3 micrometers in size, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens.
Odor Control:
The iWave’s ionization technology can help neutralize odors by breaking down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odor-causing molecules. Some air cleaners on Amazon may also feature activated carbon filters designed specifically to adsorb and remove odors from the air.
Ozone Emissions:
One potential drawback of lower quality ionization-based systems is the production of ozone as a byproduct, which can be harmful to human health. In contrast, most filtration-based air cleaners do not produce ozone, particularly those that rely solely on mechanical filtration methods. However, you can be rest assured that the iWave is UL 867 ozone standard certified to produce no harmful levels of ozone.
Installation:
The iWave will be professionally installed in your HVAC equipment by your 5 star Google Reviewed R&B technician, where as an Amazon air purifier will be simple to plug in… so long as you have plugs available with everything else we’re plugging in these days.
Coverage and Noise:
Air cleaners available on Amazon may vary in terms of room coverage and installation requirements. Some air cleaners are designed for single-room use, while others are suitable for larger spaces. Read the fine print to find out the square footage, and air exchange based on fan speed. The higher the speed, the quicker the air exchange and the higher the noise level. The iWave is a silent addition, cleaning the air throughout your home, not just a single room.
Maintenance:
The iWave is self-cleaning and maintenance free. The store-bought units will need filter replacements at ~$25+ each, as they can’t be cleaned. This not only adds to your cost, but also to the land fill.
Cost vs Coverage
The initial cost of iWave may be higher compared to some air cleaners available on Amazon. However, when we look at room size and compare that to a whole home system, iWave still comes out on top. Not to mention, the iWave has warranty coverage for 3-years.
Case Study
An entry-level, high-volume sales ‘Amazon’s Choice’ air purifier sells for $90 (with coupon!) while the iWave, installed at the time this blog was written is $1152.
The Amazon Choice cleans 356 square feet, via air exchange through the unit – meaning if the air doesn’t go through the unit, it’s not cleaned just by virtue of being in the same room. The iWave, installed in the mechanical room, at source, cleans the air for the entire home as it moves through the unit and into the living space.
For whole home air purification, the Amazon choice would require at least one, possibly two units for every room. Simple math on a 3000 square foot home would have us invested in 9-10 units which is about $1000, before you factor in the operational costs of all those units drawing electricity, and cleaning and filter replacement at another $100 per year, per unit.
Not that we’re biased or anything but R&B’s Choice is clear. We do believe in the products we sell. The iWave operates continuously while the HVAC system is running, helping to maintain cleaner and healthier indoor air quality in homes and other indoor spaces. One caveat is its only designed for homes that are heated or cooled by forced air, or ductless units. Stay tuned for more air quality blogs that feature other types of systems for other types of home HVAC systems. If you’re considering improving the air quality in your home, give us a call to ask if it’s a good choice for you and a good fit for your home.
