Tuesday, February 26, 2013

New Indoor Air Quality Product: 9200 Series

Filter Box Sizes: 16x25; 20x20; 20x25
UV/PCO Kit 1625K mates to 16x25 filter box
the 2025K mates to 20x20 or 20x25
   The most recent addition to our active models was the 9200 Series, an All-in-One system that combines particulate filtration and purification on a lower price scale than our premium 9000 Series, which was covered in our January 28, 2013 blog post.
   This unit is supplied with a MERV 11 rated filter and an air purification kit, sized to match the filter box desired.
   Replacement parts are available from Second Wind, or installers or homeowners can purchase replacement filters from any vendor they want, as the UV lamp from the kit is designed to face away from the filter pleats, so they cannot be damaged.

  As a refresher, the Center for Disease Control identifies 3 factors that contribute to respiratory problems like asthma, allergies and general respiratory health of this planet's citizens.  The pie chart below shows the percentage of each of the contributing factors.


HEPA filter size limit is shown above as red line
Particulates are addressed by the filtration systems installed in a forced air HVAC system, like a furnace of air handler.  Keeping filters serviced is important to the efficiency and proper operation of the furnace or air handler..  Check out this HVAC contractor's website & blogs that enforce that statement.

Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning
- his blog from 2012 re: how often to change filter

Purification of the BioAerosols & Volatile Organic Compounds is provided by the ultraviolet light and Photo-Catalytic Oxidation technology in our All-in-One 9200 Series.

If you have any questions, please post them here, or privately email us to discuss.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Under the Knife

Happy Tuesday!

I am currently recovering from carpal tunnel surgery on both of my wrists and will not be posting a blog until next week.  Sorry for the lack of material these last few weeks, we'll be getting more information out for you soon!

Tom

Monday, January 28, 2013

9000 Series All-in-One Air Purifier



9000 Series w/ 2012 paint upgrade
The 9000 Series of Second Wind Air Purifier systems was the feature of our January 2013 issue of Second Glance newsletter.  In support of that article, I felt it would be good to highlight the article here and provide a little more information support and guidance when evaluating our product against our competitors.

As an industry leader in Indoor Air Quality, Second Wind's engineering and marketing group decided that an all-in-one solution was needed to address all the factors that the Center for Disease Control identifies that contribute to respiratory problems and general poor health.

The CDC is a fantastic resource for Indoor Air Quality information


This could be living and breeding
 in your filter pleats



This unit matches up against many of the traditional filter box manufacturers like Honeywell, Lennox and Carrier to name a few. Some of these companies are now building devices that tie-in UV purification with their filter systems, which furthers our point of the importance of having an ultraviolet system installed as well as a filtration system.  The key design difference for Second Wind was to have a filter that could bear the intensity of Second Wind's high output ultraviolet lamps directly shining on the pleats of the filter media.  This allows our UV & PCO technology to kill, decompose or break down the contaminants that mite (pun intended) come to rest on the filter media.  Not all filters can stand up to the UV light.  A quick look below shows what can happen to non-UV treated filter when exposed to the UV light source.


Filter media degraded under UV light -
a white powder residue bled thru HVAC system
and entered the living environment
As you can see, the UV light eroded the filter media right down to the skeleton of the filter’s pleats (see the white area in the center….ewwww!).  The smell in the home was terrible and noticeable within minutes after installation. It was obviously installed by someone that thought all filters were the same, especially if they fit the filter guides.  When this was brought to our attention, it became clear that a knock-off filter had been used.  On Second Wind Air Purifier 9000 Series systems, you must get your replacement filters from us.



In basic cost comparisons, the Second Wind device is still much more affordable.  Once you look at replacement part costs and system capabilities, our five-year costing is considerably lower than the aforementioned competitors (all info collected from internet vendors, pricing may differ).


As always, if there are any questions, post them here or email us privately and we will respond directly.  Please note that during 01/30 - 02/08 this blog will be suspended while your faithful author is recovering from carpal tunnel surgery.  Thanks for your patience 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Dave's not here, man



Happy Thursday, Indoor Air Quality true believers!
I'm on the road working this week, and have not been able to put an update together this week.  Suffice it to say, we've had a great week visiting with customers and planning for further Indoor Air Quality Domination.  I will be back next week with another update and product focus for you all.  Tom (not Dave)

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Product Feature: Coil Clean Models



One of the most popular portions of our product line is the Coil Clean Division.  The HVAC industry has often referred to these systems as 'Stick Lights' based on their simple design of an illuminated lamp that faces  the air conditioning coil to bathe it in purifying germicidal light to prevent growth of mold, mildew and other contaminants on the coil surfaces and deep within their fins.  These devices help A/C systems last longer, run cleaner, and reduce maintenance of the evaporator coil.

These systems have traditionally been sold in the high humidity locations in the US that, when combined with high temperatures require almost constant operation of air conditioning systems.  These units are designed for easy installation into air handlers of any manufacturer and orientation.  Recently, these Coil Clean models have also been migrating to be used in supply plenums of full ducted systems, where the 24V ballast can be easily connected to the accessory terminals on the control panel for power.  To support this demand and to offer choice, Second Wind Air Purifier has created variations of the standard design to offer homeowners options to address their different wants and needs.


New for 2013 was to provide all of our Coil Clean models equipped with rare earth magnets for easy installation.  With lamp lengths of 12 and 14 inches, Singlet Oxygen lamps and Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) odor control brackets customers can choose which of the seven different Coil Cleaning and Air Purifying systems are best for their personal needs.  The chart and photos can help you see which unit is best for you.


Coil maintenance is essential to keep your air handler properly operating and most efficient.  Even a microscopic layer of mold on evaporator coils can dramatically affect the performance of the system.  A poorly operating air handler costs more to operate, and will require more expensive maintenance later as the system is over-taxed.  The build up on these coils can come from dirt, dust, dander, shedded skin (did you know that each person loses one pound of skin each year? Gross!) and mold, among other contaminants.  Properly maintaining your filter media and changing your UVC lamp(s) on a regular basis will keep your unit running at its most efficient state.  Check with your HVAC service technician, you may even save on the use of chemicals for coil cleaning by installing a Second Wind Air Purifier.

I found this link when preparing this blog and it is testimonials from those that have serviced their own coils.  This information is here only to help educate the reader on why the coil should be cleaned, my political affiliations are not represented by the linked site.  Why Clean Evaporator Coil?

Please comment here or email for any support information at  any time! 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Product Focus - Second Wind Air Purifier 2000 Series

Our 2000 Series of Whole Home Air Purifiers is the workhorse of our product line, producing the most intense ultraviolet light is residential air quality systems.  These lamps are partnered with our Photo-Catalytic Oxidation system which reduces household odors and breaks down bacteria, viruses, molds and other contaminants that may be found in your home's air.

Original Design, circa 2005
The design for this purifier began in 2000, as the US was taking notice of the dangerous effects of ozone to the human respiratory system.  Second Wind had used ozone producing lamps to provide the air purification solutions to homeowners through its 1000KCS, 2150 and other purifier models when its business began, but a new technology was sought after that could purify the air without the residual ozone creation.  The intent of the design was to provide the safest method of air purification with no potentially harmful by-products.By harnessing the naturally occurring hydroxyl radical that is created by photo-catalytic oxidation this goal was accomplished.


In 2011 design changes were tabled as essential and the focus was placed on improving installation and appearance of the unit.  Upgrades were:


2011 Redesign
  • Finished in gun-metal grey powder coat paint - no more 'Lennox' brown
  • Hinged cover to improve serviceability and installation - no loose parts
  • Pre-installed gasket material 
  • UV Lamp/PCO module shipped uninstalled - less damage incurred during installation
  • UV Lamp/PCO module cross-section decreased - 2-3/4 dia hole saw large enough for placement into airspace or can still use tinsnips
  • Steel components replaced by aluminum - save shipping costs

These upgrades have been well received, as our customers have been able to advertise reduced installation times and a durable looking design that differs from our competitors.  Our redesign kept all replacement parts exactly the same as the original design, so SKU's of wholesalers and dealers were not affected either.  

The decision as to which model from the 2000 Series you should consider purchasing depends on a small set of questions.  Try this an see what results comes up for you.
2018: (1) HO lamp with PCO odor control system
2000: (2) HO lamps with double the PCO of 2018
2000-230: same as 2000, but provided for 240V power supply
2181: smaller lamp design (9" long) for shallow ducting, 240V power supply

Input Voltage 
120V use model 2000 or 2018
 240V use model 2000-230 or 2181

Duct Cross Section 
Less than 17" across longest part of duct: use 2181
Greater than 17" across longest part of duct: 2000, 2018 or 2000-230

Square Footage of Facility
Less than 1700 sq ft: use 2018 if answer is 'no' to below

Breathing problemsAllergy/Asthma Sufferer or Strong Odor Issues in Home 
If yes: use 2000 or 2000-230
If no: 2018 if square footage of facility meets criteria

Remember - you can never have too much UV intensity in your HVAC system, but you can have too little. 

If you wish to only sell one model of air purifier, the 2000 is our best seller in the family as it addresses the broadest spectrum of needs.  It is our recommendation to use this device for your 'plug-in' & duct-mounted weapon of choice.  Please comment here or email for any support information at  any time!