Finding the right HVAC system to cool commercial spaces does not have to mean making a choice between high-quality performance and efficiency, but it does take homework. In order to make the most informed decisions, facilities managers and building owners need to be mindful of not only the purchase and installation price but its protected service life and operational costs. Once the numbers are crunched, it is often found that the most energy efficient equipment offsets a larger up-front price and more than makes up for it in long-term operational savings. Look at the Full Picture Something to keep in mind when...

ATLANTA—The hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. As travel rates increase, hotels are turning to science and technology to create environments that make guests feel safer. Honeywell, a leader in connected buildings, released findings of a computer modeling study that examined indoor air quality in hotel common areas, focusing specifically on filtration and purification methods used to help mitigate potential airborne contaminants. The study found that mobile HEPA air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants by capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns and even smaller. In addition, placing purifiers in high-traffic areas is an...

The hospitality industry has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As facilities begin to reopen, guests must receive clear communications that show everything possible is being done to protect them during their stays. Many facilities are cleaning and disinfecting utilizing harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonias, which are not environmentally friendly and are hazardous to human health. In addition, utilizing paper towels and alcohol-based wipes has produced copious amounts of waste. Cleaning and disinfection can be done in an environmentally friendly way as well as effectively and efficiently. Safer plant-based disinfectants can provide environmentally friendly and healthier...

The pandemic has certainly brought greater attention to indoor air quality (IAQ). A recent survey by Carbon Lighthouse has proven that one group of the work force—Millennials—are demanding greater transparency and data when it comes to IAQ. You should care because Millennials are expected to account for 75 percent of the workforce by 2025. Carbon Lighthouse’s survey included 1,000 U.S. consumers. Due to the overweighted economic influence of the millennial demographic as both employees and consumers, Carbon Lighthouse chose to focus its analysis on the 332 millennial respondents who took the survey. Here are some of the key findings of the...

REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.—Sensibo, maker of smart HVAC solutions and smart air purification systems, launches an integration with ecobee smart thermostats. Ecobee users can now add their devices to the Sensibo app and use Sensibo’s Pure Boost function to boost air purification. Sensibo air purifiers are smart and connected devices that are equipped with top grade HEPA filters and use the Pure Boost technology to enhance air quality inside spaces. The technology monitors the air quality inside the space and the pollution outside and links to the user’s air conditioners and central air. With the new integration with ecobee, users of both...

ADDISON, TEXAS—Industry innovator CASPR Group is literally raising the roof on air and surface disinfection with the introduction of CASPR Blu Tile. This innovative new product offers game-changing simplicity to building managers, owners, and HVAC engineers. CASPR means Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction, and the introduction of the Blu Tile is representative of the innovative solutions the company has always offered. CASPR’s patent-pending technology converts oxygen and moisture in the air into low but effective levels of hydrogen peroxide, which are dispersed continuously throughout a building, reducing pathogens in the air and on surfaces. This unique technology produces no...

PHILADELPHIA—Element Hotels—part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler—announced the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. “Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal...

CHICAGO—Today, Dyson unveiled its latest purification technology designed to tackle indoor pollution within businesses and commercial spaces. A common concern is that conventional ventilation, air circulation and air conditioning systems in public spaces may not have adequate HEPA filtration. Dyson’s latest purifier, Dyson HEPA Cool Formaldehyde, is engineered to provide high-quality filtration and powerful projection to support existing HVAC systems and provide cleaner, purified air throughout public spaces such as offices and schools. Dyson engineers have re-engineered the machine airflow pathways to achieve fully-sealed HEPA 13 standard filtration—not only ensuring that no air bypasses the filter but blocking any potential...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS–Thanks to added capabilities and available new options, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. is solidifying its reputation as the leading U.S.-based manufacturer of complete room air-conditioning solutions designed to deliver healthier indoor air quality (IAQ) and tackle serious issues such as the removal of pathogens and pollutants from the air. Under a suite of new accessory offerings called Friedrich FreshAire™ IAQ https://www.friedrich.com/freshaire-indoor-air-quality, the company has embraced scientific recommendations for how to best achieve exceptional indoor air quality by addressing not only advanced make-up air and filtration, but also integrating sophisticated dehumidification and air purification capabilities. The launch of Friedrich FreshAire IAQ makes...

BOCA RATON, FLA.—Brilliant Scents, a pioneer in bringing the power of scent to the home, announced the launch of its affordable luxury home fragrance system and subscription service designed to help homeowners and small businesses transform their environments into an oasis inspired by the world’s most iconic locations, resorts and hotels. As part of the company’s expanding consumer and commercial product lines, Brilliant Scents’ all-natural fragrances are easily installed into any HVAC system to harness the emotional power of designer fragrances and help provide the health and emotional benefits of uplifting scent, including a better mood in the home...