Manager’s Message – October 2020

As we enter fall and prepare for the upcoming flu season, and with COVID-19 still present, now is a great time to consider other steps we can take to keep our family healthy. While we continue to physically distance ourselves, practice frequent handwashing, and disinfect surfaces to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, I encourage you to consider an air purifier or a portable air cleaner for your home.
According to the CDC, air purifiers and regular replacement of HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollutants that are airborne, including viruses. When used along with the practices mentioned above, air filtration can be part of a plan to protect people indoors.
Whole house air purification can be accomplished by installing a device in the duct system of your HVAC system. There are several types of these air purifiers but not all do the same thing, so it’s best to do your research and choose what’s right for your home. You can ask your HVAC technician to help you determine which of these air purifiers would work for you: High Energy Particulate Air Filters (HEPA), Carbon Activated Filters, HVAC ultraviolet light air purifier, Electrostatic air purifier, or an ionizing air purifier.
Portable air purifiers are also an option, especially if you are concerned about a small space. Portable units remove dust and vapor particles from the air near the unit. These types of units are best suited for a room and will not purify the air in an entire home. Portable units do not require a licensed technician for installation and use.
You may ask yourself why your local electric cooperative is sharing this information? Well, we wouldn’t recommend something unless we have tried it for ourselves. Like your family, we want to keep our employees safe and healthy at work. After careful research and pandemic planning, management decided to have ionizing air purifiers installed in all of the HVAC systems at each office location. We are also utilizing portable air purifiers in our lobby areas to keep our members safe.
Remember, when used properly, air purifiers can help reduce indoor airborne contaminants. Air purifiers are not to be used as the only form of protection, but are most effective with best practices such as handwashing and disinfecting surfaces.