The value of air purifiers amid shortages

Unfortunately, high levels of COVID-19 cases among students and staff are causing ongoing disruption in schools. That said, with the…

Simon Hemsley
Author
Simon Hemsley
Published: February 9, 2022

Unfortunately, high levels of COVID-19 cases among students and staff are causing ongoing disruption in schools. That said, with the government removing guidance on mask-wearing in secondary schools, further restrictions in education settings seem unlikely. 

Air purifiers are an effective, disruption-free solution for lowering Covid transmission in schools. They’re brilliant pieces of virus-fighting tech – but they can be difficult for schools to access. 

In this blog, we’re discussing how SteraSpace air purifiers can help keep classrooms safe in these uncertain times. We’ll also discuss how our affordable leases can help you access them!

How air purifiers beat airborne viruses

SteraSpace air purifiers use advanced technologies which emit a flow of plasma that disinfects the air and surfaces. These devices have been proven to kill 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface microorganisms.

The germicidal ultraviolet (UV) mechanism is one of the key technologies inside these air purifiers. The UV lamp is surrounded by a plasma chamber, and this is where the air becomes ‘clean’ – or free of microorganisms.

Ultimately, this germicidal UV light changes viruses’ RNA (the stuff that copies their DNA) so that they can’t reproduce. It’s an advanced technology, and one that might be a little tough to wrap our heads around. However, one thing is clear – air purifiers tackle airborne and surface micro-organisms very effectively!

The availability of air purifiers

Unfortunately, the Government’s provision of air purifiers for classrooms has fallen short. Although the Department for Education (DfE) has widely provided CO2 monitors for classrooms, schools currently lack the equipment to improve air quality. Of the nine in 10 schools with these monitors, 53% of them found that their classrooms had poor air quality – despite taking action to improve ventilation following red COreadings. 

In January, the DfE announced its plans to provide 7,000 air purifiers for schools. Applications to receive these free devices ended that same month, with schools expecting to hear whether their bids were successful in February. 

With over 300,000 classrooms across the country, it’s safe to say that most schools won’t receive enough air purifiers from the state. This is frustrating, as these devices offer a simple solution to keeping schools safes in the absence of masks and school bubbles. Thankfully, your school can still access this essential equipment – and much more affordably than you’d expect!

Why leasing is your best bet

Our compliant operating leases make it easy for schools to access air purifiers immediately – even on a tight budget. 

Utility Rentals can work directly with your school to create leasing arrangements to suit your needs. We’ll spread the cost across fixed payments, so you won’t find your school budget drained – which might happen if you bought dozens of purifiers outright. 

Contact our helpful team of rental experts today to find out more about our inexpensive, no-nonsense leases! 

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