Ozone. Ultraviolet. Molecular Reactions. Amid virus fears, HVAC goes high-tech | Local business

“People weren’t taking major vacations, they weren’t making their normal expenses, and they decided this was the year their air conditioning was replaced,” Heimann said.

Welsch does not cut jobs. The company has hired some of its 90 employees since the beginning of the pandemic.

Even the industrial and commercial HVAC folks – in a little slack – are promoting the benefits of a good system. “Several new technologies are being developed to make buildings safer for viruses to spread,” said Paul Klaus, vice president of Lyon Sheet Metal in the Bevo Mill neighborhood of St. Louis. “But right now, a well-maintained HVAC system is the best tool we can use.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air purifiers are not a one-stop solution. With masks, social distancing, hand washing, and surface disinfection, “filtration can be part of a plan to reduce the potential for indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19,” according to the agency.

Anton’s air conditioning and heating in Affton had its biggest June and July in the 40 years it was open. In September it became a dealer for an Israeli air purification device. In October Anton added four technicians – and is still recruiting. Business increased by more than a third compared to the previous year.