Breathing Easy Again: How Enhanced PTAC Cleaning Protocols Are Revolutionizing Air Quality in NYC Commercial Buildings
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed how we think about indoor air quality, especially in commercial buildings throughout New York City. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, over 53% of US consumers say that IAQ is a greater concern than it was pre-pandemic, and over 90% believe IAQ is important in preventing the spread of infectious disease. As businesses and property managers adapt to these new expectations, enhanced sanitization protocols for PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) units have emerged as a critical component of maintaining healthy indoor environments.
The Post-Pandemic Air Quality Imperative
New York City’s commercial buildings face unique challenges when it comes to air quality management. Despite significant improvements in recent years, air pollution in New York City is still a significant environmental threat. Improving air quality is a difficult task because there are many types of air pollutants that can come from millions of sources, inside and outside city boundaries. The pandemic has heightened awareness of airborne transmission risks, making proper HVAC maintenance more crucial than ever.
Although improvements to ventilation and air cleaning cannot on their own eliminate the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, EPA recommends increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration as important components of a larger strategy that may include physical distancing, wearing face coverings or masks, surface cleaning, handwashing, and other precautions.
Enhanced PTAC Cleaning: Beyond Basic Maintenance
Traditional PTAC maintenance focused primarily on energy efficiency and equipment longevity. Today’s enhanced protocols incorporate advanced sanitization measures designed to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne contaminants. PTAC mold cleaning process involves applying appropriate sanitizing agents to eliminate bacteria, mold, and other contaminants, significantly enhancing indoor air quality.
Modern ptac cleaning services now utilize hospital-grade disinfectants and specialized equipment to address post-pandemic concerns. Hospital-grade, botanical-based sanitizer that is USDA certified… sanitizing treatment effectively prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
The Science Behind Enhanced Sanitization
Enhanced PTAC cleaning protocols involve multiple stages of decontamination. A hospital-grade disinfectant is used in conjunction with 180-200 ̊ F water. Filters are cleaned and sanitized to maximize airflow and prevent re-contamination. This approach addresses both visible contaminants and microscopic pathogens that can compromise indoor air quality.
Professional cleaning services now employ steam cleaning methods that reach temperatures high enough to eliminate most pathogens. Steam cleaning method where pressured hot water is applied to the unit to remove dirt, grime and any mold that may have grown. To avoid corrosion and environmental damage, the company says it uses an eco-friendly soap to help lift dirt from the unit’s coils, fins and surface areas.
Quantifiable Benefits for NYC Buildings
The impact of enhanced PTAC cleaning extends beyond health benefits to include significant operational improvements. Studies have shown an up to 8.5 degree temperature improvement, up to 28 percent increase in airflow, and up to 17 percent energy savings. For NYC commercial buildings facing rising energy costs, these efficiency gains represent substantial financial benefits.
Benefits include increased air flow and energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality within the guestroom, elimination of unpleasant odors, fewer breakdowns, the extension of the life of the PTACs by as much as three to five years, cost savings, and peace of mind.
Lion Enterprises: Leading NYC’s Air Quality Revolution
Companies like Lion Enterprises are at the forefront of implementing these enhanced protocols throughout the NYC metro area. Lion Enterprises is the proud parent company of three leaders in the PTAC market: Accumtemp, Lion-Aire and Spectrum. Together, our business units specialize in the service, repair and replacement of PTAC units and thru-wall equipment. Located in Long Island City, With over 50 years of expertise, Lion Enterprises is the contractor of choice for apartment owners, building owners and managers throughout the New York area. Quite simply, we are King of the New York PTAC Market.
The company’s commitment to quality aligns with post-pandemic expectations. Every AC and PTAC unit we sell and service meets and usually exceeds environmental standards. Furthermore, our commitment to providing high-quality PTAC units and top-notch systems service always exceeds your expectations.
Frequency and Compliance Considerations
Post-pandemic protocols recommend more frequent cleaning schedules than traditional maintenance programs. PTACs should be thoroughly cleaned no less than once a year. Properties located along coast lines and in desert environments should be serviced twice each year. For NYC buildings with high occupancy or vulnerable populations, quarterly deep cleaning may be appropriate.
The internal filter should be cleaned once a month and once a year the entire unit should be removed from the wall so that the coils can be cleaned. This enhanced frequency ensures continuous air quality improvement and helps prevent the accumulation of contaminants that could compromise indoor air safety.
Looking Forward: The New Standard
As NYC continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities, enhanced PTAC cleaning protocols are becoming the new standard rather than an optional upgrade. To address concerns about reentering buildings post-pandemic, 76% of US consumers stated interest in a “rating system” for IAQ to better inform them about indoor air risks… post-COVID-19, 77% of consumers say that seeing a hotel’s IAQ rating advertised would have an impact on their choice of where to stay.
The investment in enhanced PTAC cleaning protocols represents more than just compliance with health guidelines—it’s a commitment to creating safer, healthier indoor environments that meet the elevated expectations of tenants, guests, and employees in the post-pandemic world. For NYC commercial buildings, this enhanced approach to air quality management is not just beneficial; it’s essential for long-term success and occupant well-being.