Frequently asked questions
How does AIRPHX technology work?
AIRPHX devices produce a variety of oxidizing molecules that are generated when ambient air is drawn through the plasma cell. These are molecules that occur naturally in most environments, but AIRPHX produces them in a unique mixture and at levels that are extremely effective in killing germs and viruses. Only trace levels of gas phase hydrogen peroxide molecules exit the unit at levels that are completely safe and typically do not exceed even 1/50th of the levels established by health regulations. Because it requires no chemicals or liquid additives, the AIRPHX process is safe and certified to comply with Federal organic standards
Is use of AIRPHX technology more effective than increases in air exchanges?
Yes. AIRPHX is the better solution. The philosophy behind increasing the number of air exchanges in a building is that airborne bacteria and viruses created by humans will be exhausted more quickly from a building if the air is exchanged more frequently. While the benefits of increased air exchanges are speculative (no testing confirms a reduction of human created airborne bacteria and viruses), there are at least three definite drawbacks: (1) dramatically increased heating and air conditioning costs; (2) increased capital and maintenance costs associated with more robust HVAC systems; and (3) increased indoor levels of mold spores and fungi resulting from drawing in outdoor air, which typically has much higher mold and fungi levels than treated indoor air. AIRPHX is proven to reduce bacteria, viruses, mold spores and fungi without any of the drawbacks of increasing air exchanges.
What size area does an AIRPHX unit treat?
A single AIRPHX PA2400 device will generally treat 250,000 cubic feet of air (25,000 square feet with a 10 foot ceiling) and all the exposed surfaces in the treatment space.
A single AIRPHX CID 75k device will generally treat 75,000 cubic feet of air (7,500 square feet with a 10 foot ceiling) and all the exposed surfaces in the treatment space.
The coverage for a single IDU 250k will depend on the CFM and linear flow rate of the duct where the unit is installed. The range of coverage is 80,000 to 400,000 cubic feet, with typical coverage being 250,000 cubic feet.
Each installation location is different in size, layout, type of HVAC system, composition of ambient air due to, among other things, other cleaning protocols, humidity level, etc. As a result, coverage areas may vary and it may be appropriate in some instances to operate AIRPHX units less than 24 hours a day using the seven-day timer function to reduce the levels of oxidizing molecules released into the treatment space.
Will AIRPHX eliminate the risk of contracting viruses?
AIRPHX is an important part of your system for providing a safe environment for tenants, customers, clients and staff. In real world occupied spaces, it is impossible to eliminate all germs that could harm people. By reducing air and surface pathogens, AIRPHX units substantially mitigate (but by no means completely eliminate) risks associated with microorganisms and other pathogens.
Do AIRPHX units create any smells?
Close to the unit or in spaces smaller than recommended in the User Guide you may detect the smell of the disinfecting molecules before they have had an opportunity to dissipate into the treatment space. Even very close to the units, the disinfecting molecules are safe and far below regulatory limits.
How do I know AIRPHX is working?
Once installed, AIRPHX technology begins to eliminate bioburden and disinfect the environment as a whole. The Active LED on the front panel or annunciator (for IDU 250k) indicates that the unit is disinfecting. After installation, you will begin to notice a fresh smell as mold, bacteria and viruses are eliminated. Ask clients or staff with severe allergies if they notice a difference in how easily they breathe. Over time, you may even note a trend of fewer sick days among employees.
Please note: If the “Active” LED turns red, the filter may need to be changed and the “Filter” LED needs to be reset by pressing and holding the “Filter” LED for at least 15 seconds for the PA2400 (it does not need to be held for 15 seconds for the CID 75k). If the condition is not cleared by resetting the Filter LED, contact service@airphx.com.
How do I register my AIRPHX for warranty purposes?
Register your unit here.
Is AIRPHX made in America?
Yes.
How can I buy an AIRPHX unit?
Contact AIRPHX directly at info@airphx.com.
Is there an extended warranty available?
Yes. The AIRPHX Extended Service Plan is available for model PA2400 (Black) – Series 6.0 and Model CID 75K.
What does the Extended Service Plan cover?
To see the terms of the Extended Service Plan, click here.
How do I sign up for the Extended Service Plan?
Please contact an AIRPHX representative at info@airphx.com for pricing and purchase of the Extended Service Plan.
Does the AIRPHX unit install in the HVAC system?
IDU 250k units are installed in the ductwork. The PA2400 and CID 75k units are self-contained and are wall mounted.
What if I have rooms that often have closed doors like group exercise, cycling studios, offices or child care? Do I need separate units for each of those areas.
No, not if you have properly sized the number of units for your location. The disinfecting oxygen stays active for up to 10 hours or more and will treat those spaces through ordinary air circulation including opening and closing of doors, overhead fans and HVAC supplies. To facilitate treatment, we recommend propping those doors open when such spaces are not in use including after hours.
Do I need an AIRPHX unit for every HVAC zone?
Not necessarily. The key factors affecting coverage of an AIRPHX unit at your specific location are layout, square footage and ceiling height. For assistance determining your needs, contact info@airphx.com and provide specifics on your location.
Do I need an AIRPHX unit for every floor of my location?
That depends on your specific location, For assistance sizing your location, contact info@airphx.com and provide specifics on your location.
What if my unit needs servicing?
If service is needed, you can reach our Service Department by filling out the form on the AIRPHX Service page or by calling 1-888-263-3882.
What does it mean if the glass or mirrors in the treatment space fog up (generally close to where the unit is mounted)?
One of the additional benefits of running AIRPHX technology is that it eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the treatment space. Harmful VOCs are frequently caused by the off-gassing of new furnishings and carpeting. In some instances, the VOCs neutralized by AIRPHX oxidizing molecules stick to glass and/or mirrors due to static electricity. Over time, customers have noted that the fogging dissipates (likely as a result of AIRPHX neutralizing the harmful VOCs).
What does it mean if the “Active” LED turns red?
That means the unit is not working. One common reason for the light to turn red is that the filter needs to be changed and the “Filter” LED needs to be reset by pressing and holding the “Filter” LED for at least 15 seconds. If the condition is not cleared by resetting the “Filter” LED, contact service@airphx.com.
What does it mean if my unit is making a crackling noise like a bug zapper?
As noted above, a plasma chamber may make a crackling noise if chemicals are run through the unit.
Crackling may also occur if the treatment space has high levels of airborne particulates or high humidity levels.
To mitigate the challenges posed by harsher treatment spaces, AIRPHX has available for purchase in the AIRPHX Store a two stage filter that addresses many of these issues.
How does AIRPHX work with electrostatic sprayers?
Electrostatic spraying is a more significant challenge for wall-mounted AIRPHX units than a regular cleaning process due to the extreme amounts of chemicals emitted into the air and the fact that the spray is more likely to stick to the plasma chamber.
The same protocols as are used for regular cleaning should be employed if electrostatic spraying is part of your disinfection strategy.
Why is there a sticker on the unit indicating not to spray liquids near by?
Use of cleaning products sprayed near the unit will result in a shorter life for your plasma cell, as the chemicals will limit the ability of the plasma cell to create oxidizing molecules.
Chemicals getting into the plasma chamber is often accompanied by a crackling sound like a bug zapper.
If use of chemicals near the unit is part of your standard cleaning protocols, you need to turn off the AIRPHX unit prior to the use of chemicals and wait until 30 minutes after the cleaning process before turning the unit back on.
The timer function may be used during times when your facility is being cleaned if the cleaning schedule is consistent.
Are AIRPHX units loud?
No. For specifications including decibel levels, click here for the AIRPHX PA2400 or here for the AIRPHX CID 75k. Because the IDU 250k is installed in the ductwork, it operates whenever there is HVAC airflow. the unit operates silently (0 additional decibels to HVAC decibel levels).
How do I purchase replacement filters or plasma cells?
Purchases can be made at airphx.com/shop.
Is AIRPHX expensive to operate?
No, AIRPHX units are very energy efficient. The technology runs with the same power requirements as a 60-Watt light bulb and requires minimal maintenance. Each unit consumes only 600 kilowatts annually when running 24/7.
Annual maintenance for PA2400’s involves monthly filter changes and annual plasma cell replacement, which costs in the aggregate about $450. Annual maintenance for CID 75k’s involves monthly filter changes and annual plasma cell replacement, which costs in the aggregate about $375. Annual maintenance for IDU 250k’s involves annual plasma cell replacement, which costs in the aggregate about $500.
Has AIRPHX technology been tested in laboratories and real world settings?
Yes, AIRPHX devices have been thoroughly tested in laboratory settings, where four log reductions (99.99%) of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens typically occur within 30 minutes and six log reductions (99.9999%) typically occur within 2 hours.
And more importantly, AIRPHX devices have been tested in dozens of real world occupied spaces, where on average 90% reduction of airborne organisms and 95% reduction of surface pathogens are typically achieved on a continuous basis.
Click here for a summary of our testing results.
Can I run the AIRPHX unit in occupied spaces?
Yes. AIRPHX is safe to run in occupied spaces in accordance with the User Guide. Click here for our safety data sheets.
Does AIRPHX create or destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Independent third party testing confirms AIRPHX is effective at significantly reducing VOCs and does not create any VOCs. See AIRPHX Independent Testing.
Do AIRPHX units emit ozone?
Ozone levels are regulated by OSHA, which has generally established limits of 0.100 ppm. Ozone levels are also regulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which has established more stringent limits of 0.050 ppm. International product testing company Intertek has confirmed that the current version of AIRPHX’s CID 75k generates levels of ozone that pass CARB’s stringent several ozone emission standards (UL 867). See the Intertek CID 75k report here. The IDU 250k has also been tested by Intertek, which confirmed that AIRPHX in-duct units satisfy CARB’s stringent general ozone emission standard (UL 867), as well as the UL 2998 standard – certifying AIRPHX in-duct units as “ozone free”. See the Intertek IDU report here.
Is AIRPHX safe for people?
Yes, the disinfecting agent for AIRPHX units is gas phase hydrogen peroxide, which is emitted from the units at very low levels. The gas has a long half life measured in hours, allowing these molecules to be extremely effective at addressing pathogen concerns such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, including mold spores. When operated in accordance with the User Guide, the gaseous hydrogen peroxide typically are undetectable (much less than 0.01 ppm of hydrogen peroxide). Click here to see the impact hydrogen peroxide created by AIRPHX has on pathogen levels.
How does AIRPHX technology compare to other products in the disinfection area?
No other technology can provide comparable complete air and surface disinfection in large, occupied spaces. Click here for a chart summarizing how AIRPHX compares to other products and technologies.
How does AIRPHX compare to photocatalytic oxidation devices?
Click here for a chart showing how AIRPHX compares to photocatalytic oxidation devices.
How does AIRPHX compare to bi-polar ionization?
Click here for a chart showing how AIRPHX compares to bi-polar ionization.
How does AIRPHX compare to UV-C devices?
Click here for a chart showing how AIRPHX compares to induct UV-C devices.
How does AIRPHX compare to Increased Air Exchanges
For a comparison of how AIRPHX units compare to Increased Air Exchanges, click here.
How does AIRPHX compare to electrostatic sprayers?
Click here for a chart showing how AIRPHX compares to electrostatic sprayers.
Don’t MERV-13 and HEPA filters eliminate germs?
Air filters such as MERV-13 and HEPA filtration devices can catch harmful particulates that enter ductwork and remove them from the air, but they typically have limited ability to capture bacteria or viruses. And obviously filters have no effect on surface pathogens or airborne pathogens that do not happen to go through the ductwork because they may be too heavy to travel far enough to reach the HVAC return vent. Click here for a chart showing how AIRPHX compares to MERV-13 filters.
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