October 5, 2021 —Kendal at Lexington is always looking for ways to ensure the best living and care experiences for residents. The COVID concerns over the past year and a half were no exception, and as a result, new air quality technology has been added all over Kendal’s campus.
According to Operations Director Herbie Martin, installation of two air quality systems was completed over the summer months. The addition of a UV lighting disinfecting system, and Phenomenal Aire, an air purifying and cleaning system, wrapped up in August of this year.
Technology and Improvements You Can’t See
Ultraviolet (UV) light technology isn’t new according to Herbie, but has become increasingly used by schools, hospitals, restaurants, and communities such as Kendal. It’s been proven that UV light can sanitize air and equipment by killing off mold, viruses, airborne fungi, and bacteria up to 97%.
These lights are placed within the existing HVAC ductwork. Since moisture accumulates within the system, dust, dirt, allergens, and the harmful particles collect on coils that can then be recirculated in the air. The UV lights shine directly onto the coils, keeping the coils and resulting air output cleaner.
The Phenomenal Aire system, developed by Trane, is similar to the air quality technology used in other closed spaces such as airplanes. Positioned in the supply ducts of the HVAC unit, a plasma field kills off mold spores, viruses, and bacteria as air passes through.
Enhanced Air Handling and Safety in All Common Areas
Both UV lights and Phenomenal Aire systems were added to all HVAC units in the common areas of Borden Health Center, Webster Assisted Loving Center, Anderson’s main dining area, Kendal Hall, hallways and the fitness center.
Herbie says the individual apartments will also benefit since they are all connected via the hallways which are part of the common area ventilation.
Areas such as meeting rooms, hallways, dining rooms, and other areas where there is a lot of traffic and activity now have the added safety of the enhanced ventilation systems.
Now that the project is complete, Herbie says the plan is to learn how to interpret forthcoming data on how the systems perform, and how efficient and effective the improvements are, especially how it contributes to the longevity of the equipment.
This UV technology is available on a residential scale, and while there is no immediate plan to add this to cottages, residents in the cottages can add it if desired and some already have.
“We feel like we’re well covered in the common areas and community spaces,” Herbie added. “It’s good technology, and we’re seeing it utilized a lot more as schools and hospitals are adding it to their systems too.”
Keeping an Eye on New Tech
Residents won’t see
anything different, however maintenance and technicians will be alerted to the
UV and Phenomenal Aire systems with labels and other safety measures. In the
duct work where the UV lights are installed, there are now inspection lenses so
they can be viewed while still protecting the person looking at them.
As other filtration options and improvements emerge, Kendal at Lexington will
be researching and considering what works best for the residents and the areas
they live in. “We want to do as much as we can to take care of residents, staff
and our guests” Herbie added.