NOCO installing iWave Technology Systems in restaurants, businesses & homes as a measure to take on COVID-19

Technology emits ions to help kill viruses, bacteria

 As colder weather quickly approaches, businesses are looking at ways to ensure customer and employee safety as activities move indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the many safety items on their lists: the installation of air filtration systems.

“We are seeing a strong demand from our commercial and residential customers regarding the utilization of air purifying technology in their workplaces and homes,” said Tom Wrate, general manager of HVAC, NOCO. “Our iWave Technology System, which are self-cleaning bipolar ionization units, is another layer of protection to prevent viruses spreading in the workplace and at home.”

Restaurants across the region, in particular, are becoming concerned about losing the ability to provide outdoor seating, which has been an important source of revenue since the pandemic hit and forced many to close their doors for several months.

The Hearth & Press on Main Street in the heart of downtown Buffalo's theater district recently had the technology installed. Peter Eid, the owner of Hearth & Press, said the restaurant is following all state guidelines for indoor dinning – mask wearing, social distancing, no parties larger than 10, and disinfecting. But now the air will be cleaner. “It gives me peace of mind, not only for my customers, but for my staff, as well as for myself,” he said.

The technology emits ions to reduce allergens, odors, germs and viruses. When the ions come in contact with viruses, bacteria or mold, they remove the hydrogen atom from the pathogens. Without hydrogen, the pathogens have no source of energy and will die.

Over the past several months, NOCO has installed dozens of self-cleaning bipolar ionization units at businesses across Western New York.

“With multiple offices across upstate New York and the nature of our business, it’s important to get people back to the office, but we want to make sure that everything is being done so they feel safe,” said Charles F. Hunt, executive vice president and chief operating officer for HUNT Real Estate Corp. “Employee safety is our No. 1 priority, and this technology is another way we can demonstrate this to our agents.”

“The utilization of this technology in our corporate offices has really been a game-changer in that our employees know they are going to be in a safe environment in their workplace,” said James S. Segarra, CPA and managing partner at Tronconi Segarra & Associates. “We still are practicing social distancing and mask wearing, but this is another tool at our disposal in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

“The iWave technology sends out negatively and positively charged ions that attack viruses and takes dust particles and clings them together,” Wrate said. “Once the unit is installed and running for a while, you’ll no longer see the small dust particles flying through the air you would typically see when sun shines through your window.”

The device is designed to work in businesses or homes with forced air or ductless systems.