Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?

The patented technology combines two known pathogen-killing techniques, Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO)and ultraviolet light to destroy harmful airborne microbes. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the photocatalyst usedin the AiroCide air purifying systems. When this material is irradiated with the ultraviolet photons from thelamps inside, hydroxyl radicals are formed, which oxidize (reduce to trace elements of carbon dioxide andwater) volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) adsorbed on the catalyst surface. They will also kill anddecompose airborne pathogens. AiroCide air purifying systems produce no ozone and is not a filteringsystem.

What types of airborne contaminates will AiroCide® Photocatalytic Air Purifying Systemseliminate?

AiroCide air purifiers completely destroy airborne bacteria, mold, fungi, viruses, volatile organic compounds(VOC’s like ethylene gas) & many odors.

Will it eliminate small contaminants and gaseous chemicals or VOC’s?

The technology is not limited by a particle’s size or properties other than its chemical makeup. If an airbornecontaminant is organic it will be broken down leaving only carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Do the systems produce Ozone?

No, not only do the systems not PRODUCE ozone, but they REMOVE ozone by converting it to oxygen.

Can AiroCide photocatalytic air purifiers eliminate ozone already existing in a room?

Tests have demonstrated that the oxidation reaction inherent in the Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) chamberwill convert ozone to oxygen. So not only do AiroCide air purifiers differ from many other air purifiers by notgenerating, but they also help eliminate ozone produced by other sources in the environment.

What makes AiroCide air purifiers different from other air cleaners?

Two distinct features separate AiroCide air purifiers from competitors. First, it is not a filtering system. Thetechnology is based on immediate destruction of airborne contaminates - not trapping or collecting them ina filter. Second, many other air cleaners and purifiers produce some type of Ozone, or 03, that is emittedinto the air, though many are disguised ionizers or other terms. AiroCide air purifiers do not produce anyozone and are the only air cleaners to completely destroy the pathogens that pass through a PhotocatalyticOxidation (PCO) chamber.

What makes the Photocatalytic Oxidation technology different than others on the market?

Other attempts at using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) coated materials that claim oxidation or pathogendestruction have proven ineffective because of slow oxidation efficiency. The intended catalysts in thesecases are either not photocatalytically active and/or delaminate (or split into thin layers) easily. Thepatented AiroCide technology utilizes a nanoparticle science to make a titanium oxide membrane that isphotocatalytically active, which also binds to the applied surface(s) without delaminating. Nanotechnologycomprises technological developments on the nanometer scale, usually 0.1 to 100 nm, or ten thousandtimes smaller than the width of a human hair.

What types of businesses and industries use AiroCide air purifying technology?

Applications range from quality control and food safety in perishable products and food processing industriesto medical-healthcare (AiroCide air purifying systems are FDA Class II listed medical devices) and many

other commercial, government and residential indoor air quality uses. Additional specific applications forinfection control and terrorism preparedness functions also exist.

Are there any filters to replace?

AiroCide air purifiers are not a filtering system and there are no filter media to replace. A fan protectiveelement protects the inner workings of the device from large, bulk particulates. In adverse environmentalconditions, incidental removal of such particles may be required.

Will it help me with my allergies/asthma?

Many of the common and recognized airborne triggers of chronic respiratory ailments like allergies andasthma are easily killed and removed, such as molds, fungi, pet dander, and dust mites.

What maintenance is required?

The only maintenance required is annual replacement of the ultraviolet lamps.

Does the catalyst have to be replaced?

Since the catalyst is non-depleting (is not used up) and self cleaning (a process called mineralization) in thephotocatalytic reaction the catalyst will last for the life of the air purifier. The catalyst material simply causesthe reaction but is not chemically oxidized (or “used up”).

How much energy do the system use?

The power consumed by the largest model, ACS-100, is equivalent to 3 – 100 watt standard light bulbs; atypical cost, depending on geographic area, is approximately $1.00 per day.

Why is so little air exiting from the unit?

The technology's PCO reaction is very efficient in generating OH radicals which kill and remove aerosolizedorganic contaminants that come in contact with the reactor surface inside the device. Because of this,airflow through the device needs to remain low and constant and be hardly noticeable by sound or feel.

How is the unit mounted in the room? Does it come with mounting hardware?

Most facilities use wall mounts but ceiling attachment is permissible. Each unit is shipped with mountinghardware that is used to attach to anchoring studs or beams depending on location.

Is there protection against a power surge?

A circuit breaker that opens upon an amperage surge is included in the circuitry for protection of theelectronics as well as shutting down the unit should there be a power malfunction.

Do I need a service person to change ultraviolet lamps or can I do it myself?

Lamp change is very easy and requires no special tools or skills. The cover is removed to find access to thelamp connectors and grommets. Electrical “quick connects” are easily unplugged and lamp pulled out of aprotective sleeve allowing replacements to slide in and be reconnected on each end.

Can I place the unit in a closet or concealed space in a home or office?

For AiroCide air purifiers to work effectively the space where it is placed needs to have inlet and return airvia the central HVAC system otherwise the closet or isolated space will be the only volume of air purified.

The central HVAC system in your home or office needs to blend and mix the air as it continuously does whileit heats and cools your environment.

If there is a fan to move air, how much noise does it generate?

Yes, a fan draws air into and through the PCO chamber. The sounds of the air movement and fan spinningcan be heard but noise levels are far less than most air “filtering” devices. The actual decibel level of noise isclose to conversational levels.