Air conditioning technology gaining traction to curtail COVID-19 risks

Businesses have scrambled to deal with the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and the ensuing pandemic that spread across the globe this spring. There are no guarantees that a vaccine or other treatments to stop the virus are imminent, meaning many businesses have to prepare for an uncertain future.

Arvest Bank central Arkansas President and CEO Jim Cargill told Talk Business & Politics his company is outfitting several bank branches with technology that should reduce the virus threat within their physical buildings. Needlepoint ionization is being used to collect and destroy virus particles in the air, he said.

“We are very clearly taking every step to protect our associates and customers in this crazy new environment,” Cargill said.

Middleton Heating and Air has been charged with modifying the central heat and air systems at many of the banks under Cargill’s charge, head of special projects division Drew McCurry told Talk Business & Politics. There are several ways to limit the threats posed by viruses in the heating air systems, he said.

The first step is to ensure the filter system is properly maintenance and the largest grade of filters are being used in the system, he said. His company does a survey to determine if the system is being optimally utilized to stop the spread of potential pathogens.

Once the survey is complete, and those changes are made, additional technologies such as the introduction of ultraviolet or UV light is discussed.

Read the full article from TB&P here.