YES! As of October, 2021, Fellowes AeraMax Pro AM3 & AM4 air purifiers demonstrated, through independent laboratory testing, to be effective in eliminating aerosolized concentration of SARS-CoV-2 by 99.9999% through a single air pass test of the purifier.

It is believed that the majority of cases are contracted by person-to-person spread. That means a person who is infected can infect another person in close contact (about 6 feet or less) by sneezing or coughing. Respiratory droplets can then travel through the air and land on the mouths and/or noses of uninfected people close by.

AeraMax® Pro air purifiers are ideal at removing allergens, bacteria, germs and other viruses, as well as volatile organic compounds that exacerbate compromised respiratory systems.

In addition, AeraMax Pro air purifiers:

• Are certified to be effective in reducing airborne concentrations of influenza A (H1N1) aerosol in a test chamber, reaching 99.9% airborne virus reduction within the first 35 minutes of operation
• Are certified to capture 99.97% of pollutants at 0.3 microns
• Can capture more than 97.8% of pollutants at 0.1-0.15 microns, via IBR Laboratories test data.

Even the cleanest facilities can have multiple areas that are sources of constant contamination. Anywhere that people gather, airborne contaminants can be generated—and, unfortunately, shared. These areas include restrooms, classrooms, waiting areas, ambulatory care, day care and nursery facilities, cafeterias/break-rooms, common rooms, and crowded office cubicle areas.

Many of these areas, such as restrooms and cafeterias, can also be constant sources of odor.

Assuming the systems will run for 10 hours per day, 365 days a year (it is likely actual run-time will be less), the estimated annual power consumption for each unit is as follows:

• AMIII average estimated annual power consumption is 120.82 kWh. Using a $0.10 cost per kWh, the estimated annual cost for power, per unit, is $12.08.
• AMIV average estimated annual power consumption is 138.9 kWh. Using a $0.10 cost per kWh, the estimated annual cost for power, per unit, is $13.89.
• Actual cost of power consumption will vary based on usage and actual cost per kWh.

Also, the units are “intelligent” in that they use sensors to self-regulate their settings based on the room’s occupancy and condition. This helps optimize air cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

Both the AMIII and AMIV have 4 settings. The sound levels (dB) vary at each setting. For the AMIII the levels are 39, 46, 51 and 64. The AMIV sound levels (dB) are 49, 56, 61, and 74.

As a reference, many hand dryers’ sound pressure levels exceed 100 (dB), with averages around 80+ (dB). AeraMax Professional can be set to “quiet mode” and will run at or below the ambient sound level of the room in which it is installed.

The replacement filter indicators will signal when to replace the HEPA filter(s) and/or carbon filters(s). The replacement period will vary depending on the hours of use and air quality. However, under normal operating conditions, filter life is estimated to be the following:

• 2” HEPA filter: 2 years
• Carbon filter with pre-filter: 6 months
• 2” carbon filter: 12 – 18 months
• Hybrid filter: 12 months

Please note that the original HEPA filter shipped with the units should be replaced after 12 months.

No, the EnviroSmart™ sensor technology in an AeraMax Professional takes into consideration the type of filters loaded into the unit to optimize performance. Only certified AeraMax Professional filters can be read by the sensor technology. The unit will not run if its sensors do not detect the information located in certified AeraMax Professional filters.

The PlasmaTRUE™ bipolar ionizer produces clusters of positive and negative (bipolar) ions. These charged ions are dispersed into the air, and electrically charge airborne particles so that they attach to nearby surfaces and to one another, and settle faster. Charging and clustering airborne particles, enhances removal by filtration. Also, the ions react with oxygen and water vapor present in the air to create free radicals. The free radicals, in turn, can create chemical changes.

For example, they damage microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and molds) and break down odors and VOCs.

SOURCE: “Indoor Air Purification Technologies that Allow Reduced Outdoor Air Intake Rates While Maintaining Acceptable Levels of Indoor Air Quality” Cecilia Arzbaecher and Patricia Hurtado, Global Energy Partners, LLC Ammi Amarnath, Electric Power Research Institute

Air purifiers, like many other products (computers, monitors, copiers, ceiling fans, and more) have a normal “ozone byproduct.” An acceptable level for ozone byproduct has been set in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at a maximum 50 parts per billion (ppb). All air purifying devices must pass Underwriter Laboratories (UL) 867*.

In July 2013, Underwriter Laboratories conducted UL 867 testing procedures to determine the level of ozone byproduct generation by the PlasmaTRUE™ bipolar ionizer used in AeraMax Professional purifiers. The highest level of ozone generation observed during testing was 4.0 ppb (acceptable level for ozone is up to 50.0 ppb).

For reference, the Environmental Protection Agency developed the Air Quality Index for Ozone to give guidance to state and local air quality forecasters to assist in issuing Air Quality Index forecasts. The levels are:

0 – 50 ppb:              Good

51 – 100 ppb:          Moderate

101 – 150 ppb:        Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

151 – 200 ppb:        Unhealthy

201 – 300 ppb:        Very unhealthy

Cities like Houston, TX and Los Angeles, CA can have indexes of 80 to 100 ppb at different times of the year.

The PlasmaTRUE™ feature can be turned off.

* This standard for acceptable levels of ozone byproduct is found in section 21:801.415 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard 867.

Systems have intelligent sensors that automatically adjust unit settings to optimize performance and energy efficiency. You can simply select from two primary modes and the units will monitor themselves:

Normal Mode:

• Rapid purification is initiated when room is occupied and/or strong odors are present. Unit then lowers to energy-saving mode until sensors detect occupancy and/or odor.
• For use in bathrooms, cafeterias, break areas, and locker rooms where rapid purification and odor adsorption are desired when room is occupied.

Quiet Mode:

• Unit runs at or below ambient sound level when room is occupied. When empty, rapid purification is initiated then lowers into energy-saving mode until sensors detect occupancy and/or odor.
• This mode is recommended for systems installed in class rooms, work/common areas, conference rooms, offices, and other meeting areas where rapid purification is desired when room is not occupied.

Override settings are also available. Please consult your owner’s manual for further information.

AeraMax Professional has patented sensor technology that automatically adjusts the unit based on conditions in the room to optimize purification and energy efficiency. No monitoring by staff is required.

Systems also have a vandal resistant design. Controls and filters cannot be accessed without unlocking the unit. The purifier filters, housing, motor, and balanced fan are all commercial-grade to hold up to the rigors of public and shared spaces.

While the activated carbon filter in the unit can adsorb numerous gases, air quality control systems are not designed for, or intended for use in, mitigation of radon in a facility. Contact a radon mitigation specialist. The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) maintains lists of certified radon contractors, radon measurement service providers, and analytical laboratories.

Not with the source of the mold. Consult a mold remediator. For more information, contact The National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors. However, AeraMax Professional utilizes a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which captures airborne germs and allergens including mold spores that are drawn into the system.

No. However, Fellowes is pursuing multiple means of demonstrating the efficacy of AeraMax Professional. Laboratory and clinical studies are options being explored.

Absorption is the process in which a fluid is dissolved by a liquid or a solid (absorbent). Adsorption is the process in which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance (gas, liquid or dissolved solid) adhere to a surface of the adsorbent. When using “absorb,” one can say that something moves inside an object. But in the case of “adsorb,” something forms a layer on the surface of an object.

Activated carbon filters adsorb odor and volatile organic compounds.

Read more at: Difference Between Adsorb and Absorb

If installing an AeraMax Professional within a circulation path:

For rooms with at least 9’ ceilings:

• High Installation: make sure the top of the unit is located 8” down from the ceiling.
  In this position, airflow circulates efficiently, filters can be changed, and the unit is above 80” clear headroom required for ADA compliance.
• Low Installation: make sure the bottom of the unit (leading edge) is at or below 27” from the finished floor.

For rooms with ceilings lower than 9’:

• High Installation: units must be installed with at least an 8” clearance from the ceiling to assure airflow, and that filters can be changed. If in this position, the accessible route is reduced to less than 80” (nominal dimension) and a barrier to warn blind or visually impaired persons shall be provided.
• High Installation, but not in a circulation path: units can be installed at heights below 80” from the ceiling.
• Low Installation: make sure the bottom of the unit (leading edge) is at or below 27” from the finished floor.

For more information, visit ADA’s Compliance page.

Units have been designed to be wall mounted in a position where contaminated air can be drawn away from occupants and purified air can be delivered into the breathing zone. Ceiling-mounted units can actually spread concentrated contaminants by pulling them up into the breathing zone, and throughout the room.

The Filter Change Indicator light on the control panel of the unit will inform you when to replace the filters.

• Clean external housing as necessary by wiping with a dry, soft cloth
• For stains, use a warm, damp cloth
• Do not use volatile fluids such as benzene, paint thinner, or scouring powder, as they may damage the unit surface
• Clean intake and exhaust vents by wiping with a dry, soft cloth

For more information regarding maintenance, consult the owner’s manual.

When replacing filters, place the used filter(s) directly into a plastic bag and seal tightly before placing in trash receptacle.

In addition to germs, AeraMax Professional controls constant sources of odor utilizing activated carbon filtration. This makes it ideal for placement in restrooms, cafeterias, break rooms, and areas where cleaning chemicals may be stored. Systems also recirculate a room’s air, significantly diluting concentrations of any airborne contaminant. This circulation also helps balance the room’s ambient temperature.

Units should be installed as close to the source of the contaminant as possible, where contaminated air can be drawn directly into the filtering system. Also, by placing the unit up near the ceiling (always allow 8” space from ceiling and top of unit) the unit’s powerful exhaust can circulate purified air throughout the room. See computational fluid dynamic simulations for further insight.

Any device that creates a strong air flow, such as an air conditioner, hand dryer, fan and HVAC system, can alter the projection of the purified air coming from the unit, as well as air being drawn into the system. Air flow can also be altered by cubicles, partitions, stalls, furnishings, half-walls, and other physical barriers and should all be considered when determining an installation location.

Either the AM III or AM IV can effectively be used depending on the type of room. Restrooms, break areas, and rooms with higher levels of contaminants should utilize the AM IV, which provides higher flow rates. Conference rooms, lobby spaces, and other less used, less contaminated areas can be effectively maintained with lower flow rates provided by the AM III.

To estimate the coverage needed, divide the hourly air delivery rate of the unit by the total cubic feet of the room. Ideally, you will want to exchange the room’s air 5 or more times per hour.

For example, the AM III has an hourly air delivery rate of 13,200 cubic feet (220 cfm x 60), the AM IV is 26,400 (440 cfm x 60).

Finally, multiple units can be used in the same space to increase square footage coverage.

See more machine details.

We are not aware of any self-regulating air purifiers designed specifically for shared and public spaces that clean air using HEPA and activated carbon filtration, and bipolar ionization.

The EnviroSmart™ sensor technology:

• For its ability to control fan speed and regulate the system’s air-flow based on conditions in the room.
• Recognizes the type of AeraMax Professional filter that is installed in the unit and can adjust motor/fan speed accordingly to maintain consistent airflow rates.
• For ability to place unit into stand-by mode to reduce energy and extend life of filters.

Units are manufactured at Fellowes Office Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd in China, a wholly owned foreign entity (WOFE). Filters and filter media are supplied by third-party manufacturers.

AeraMax Professional is designed to complement HVAC systems by filtering air at the source of the contaminant. Also, most HVAC systems do not utilize HEPA filtration, which captures airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns including viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants. HVAC systems may not have activated carbon filters to remove odor and volatile organic compounds, or bipolar ionizers to reduce airborne contaminants.