It has now been two (2) years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives and led us into entering the “New Normal” stage. From lay-offs of employees to closing of businesses, global travel restrictions, and suspension of face-to-face classes, living in this global pandemic has driven us into a dramatic change in our lives.

Now that vaccines are available, we are already achieving wide-scale immunity. As we move forward to a pandemic-free world, this crisis has taught us different things.

One of the takeaways of this experience is knowing the importance of the HVAC industry not only for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 virus, but also for other airborne diseases such as influenza, measles, chicken pox, and so on. But how can we really lessen the transmission? By reducing airborne exposure. Proper design of air conditioning and ventilation is very crucial in taking this global pandemic under control. Air filtration, temperature control and dehumidification process are the important factors to consider in improving indoor air quality.

Mitsubishi Electric has been taking a qualitative leap into innovations of their air-conditioning system products to help in mitigating the COVID-19. One of these innovations is the Plasma Quad Connect Filter. This technology is the only air filtration system endorsed by the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. “The Society confirms that the Plasma Quad filtration system reduces exposure to allergenic particles, viruses and bacteria by up to 97%, which helps in the reduction of allergy symptoms. Better indoor air quality equates to improving the care of your family’s health and that of yours,“ says Mario Picazo, a renowned meteorologist, science communicator and professor at the University of California.

According to the test carried out by the Kobe Microbial Testing Laboratory in Japan, the recent data shows that it inhibits 99.8% of COVID-19 in six hours. It neutralizes 99% of bacteria in 162 minutes and 99% of viruses in 72 minutes. It also eliminates 98% of allergenic elements, such as pollen and it captures 99.7% of mites and dust, and it eliminates bad odors from tobacco and products used in the kitchen.

This air filter is suitable for both new and existing installations, and also applicable for selected units from MSZ Series, Mr. Slim and City Multi. It uses powerful plasma to filter out even microscopic particles. It also works by positively charging particles in stage one which then attracts the positively charged particles to the negatively attractive field around the filter element, helping to clean and purify the air in your home or office.

Air filtration is very important in reducing airborne contaminants. As the global COVID-19 cases skyrocketed, ASHRAE, REVHA and other organizations recommend increasing air filter efficiency up to MERV 13, or even to High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA). Mitsubishi Electric’s Climaveneta is ready to take-off with these standards through its customized Air Handling Units. One of the disadvantages of using these high-grade air filters is the increased pressure drop, thus decreasing the airflow supplied, leaving the people at risk to high concentration of airborne contaminants. This will not be a problem with our Climaveneta Team, improving the fan system design and performance while using these high-grade air filters.

Another key factor in reducing the risk of airborne transmissions, especially in indoor areas is lessening the amount of recirculated air. Thanks to Mitsubishi Electric's Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) "Lossnay" which helps in introducing outdoor fresh air without affecting temperature and humidity. As the exiting room air and the fresh outside air pass through the Lossnay Core, they are kept separated by partition plates. This core is made of a specially treated paper filter that works as a heat exchanger. This ERV is also equipped with high efficiency filters that inhibit air contaminants both in the leaving and entering air, thus making it a good choice to improve indoor air quality in your home, office, facilities and other establishments.

Mitsubishi Electric is indeed one of the world's major manufacturers of air-conditioning products. It has been in the front line of technical ingenuity and innovation and is leading in the global market even at this crisis. The company and its stakeholders work hand in hand to provide solutions, comfort, and safety to its end users.