Panasonic Corporation - Experts & Thought Leaders

Panasonic, a globally renowned provider of ventilation and sustainable indoor living solutions to the building industry, announced the launch of its Intelli-Balance Elite and Elite Plus+ Series of energy recovery ventilators (ERV). Designed to deliver superior performance throughout the climate spectrum, from extreme cold to hot, humid conditions, these innovative models are engineered to address modern building standards and cater to a diverse range of consumer needs. Engineered for resilience and efficiency “Panasonic carries a legacy of delivering trusted, high-performance ventilation solutions, and the Intelli-Balance Elite series is no exception,” said Leon Van Oostende, Group Sales Manager at Panasonic Eco Systems. He adds, “Engineered for resilience and efficiency, this series offers professionals a reliable, easy-to-install, and code-compliant solution that performs regardless of climate.” New Intelli-Balance Elite series The Intelli-Balance Elite series continuously exchanges stale indoor air with fresh, filtered air Newly designed to deliver year-round performance, the Intelli-Balance Elite series continuously exchanges stale indoor air with fresh, filtered air, recovering energy from the outgoing air to maximize energy efficiency. Now with the ability to function effectively in temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit, the new models achieve an impressive 90 percent sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) rating and reduced cubic feet per minute (CFM) loss at static pressure. Each unit meets the latest building standards With compliance in mind, each unit meets the latest building standards, including American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.2, while helping to create healthier indoor environments and support long-term energy savings. The new Intelli-Balance series excels where older ERVs previously struggled, effectively exchanging heat while prioritizing efficiency during dramatic outdoor temperature changes, no matter the conditions. Promote optimal air circulation and filtration Ken Nelson, Ventilation Group Sales Manager at Panasonic Eco Systems, said, “The Intelli-Balance Elite series expands our portfolio with advanced, adaptable solutions that promote optimal air circulation and filtration.” He adds, “This new product series reflects our continued commitment to delivering energy-efficient, reliable ventilation that helps create healthier, more comfortable dwelling spaces.” Newly engineered for building professionals The Intelli-Balance Elite series is newly engineered for building professionals seeking a smart investment for single-family homes, multi-family homes, and buildings with code compliance and reliable performance in tight-envelope structures. Builders can enjoy the following features and benefits such as: Flexible Performance Options: Choose from four models with CFM ratings of 110, 120, 140, and 150 cubic feet per minute to suit different project sizes and needs.​ Outstanding Cold Climate Performance: Delivers superior energy recovery even at -13°F, ensuring optimal performance even in harsh conditions all while lowering energy loads and boosting Home Energy Rating System (HERS) scores. ​ Exceptional Static Pressure Management: Experience minimal CFM loss under static pressure. This means better airflow and energy efficiency leading to satisfied clients and fewer callbacks.​ Remarkable Water Vapor Rejection: In hot, humid climates Panasonic’s patented Cross-Flow membrane core can reduce inbound moisture loads by as much as 40 percent depending on airflow. Versatile Installation Options: Simplify workflows with one SKU for both regular and mirror installations. Save time and reduce inventory complexity with flexible solutions.​ Advanced Connectivity: Offer the modern convenience of remote operation with optional Wi-Fi controller and enhance the user experience.​ Code-Ready Compliance: Advance modern ASHRAE Standard 62.2 while addressing ventilation and moisture management concerns and providing homeowners with filter replacement or system-maintenance notifications. ​​ Energy-Smart Homes: Boost building value with high SRE ratings, recovering significant conditioned air to lower HVAC usage and deliver long-term energy savings.

At CES 2025, Panasonic unveiled an innovative new energy-efficient approach to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) that uses significantly less energy than conventional technologies. Building upon its rich history and the founder’s guiding vision of making today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today, the OASYS solution brings together two areas of focus: sustainable technology and the well-being of society. Introducing OASYS OASYS is a holistic home comfort solution created for modern, high-performance homes. As home building design has advanced with new materials and construction techniques, the standard approaches to conditioning and treating indoor air left room for innovation.  Energy efficiency and cost-saving This new approach to HVAC supports the comfort and well-being of families in their home environment OASYS combines a suite of Panasonic technologies into a complete, proprietary solution to leap forward for one of the home’s most important systems. Offering cleaner, fresher air; balanced humidity; and consistent temperature control across the house, this new approach to HVAC supports the comfort and well-being of families in their home environment with greater energy efficiency and cost-saving advantages compared to traditional systems.  Holistic air quality management solution “OASYS is more than an HVAC system. It’s a holistic air quality management solution to support your family’s comfort and peace of mind by delivering cleaner air and consistent temperatures throughout the whole house,” said Naoki Kamo, President of Panasonic Eco Systems of North America. Naoki Kamo adds, “Our homes are where our families flourish, and OASYS builds on Panasonic’s rich, 100-year history of inventing technologies to support the well-being and sustainability of people and society.” Superior performance and comfort Improving ventilation with outdoor air is one of the fundamental strategies for lowering concentrations According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend on average about 90% of their time indoors where the concentration of some pollutants is often two to five times higher than typical outdoor air. Improving ventilation with outdoor air is one of the fundamental strategies for lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants – but most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Clean indoor environment OASYS starts with ventilation: the system takes in fresh outdoor air, filters it, and tempers it to the homeowner’s temperature setting. It then circulates air constantly throughout the entire house for approximately four air changes per hour while continuously monitoring the air for comfort. The result is a more comfortable, cleaner indoor environment for the family, designed with their wellness in mind. It goes beyond what homeowners can expect from conventional systems today with: Consistent Temperature Control: Maintains consistent temperature and airflow from room to room in the home, eliminating hot spots and cold corners. Balanced Air Circulation and Filtration: Provides constant, ongoing ventilation and filtration of home air to help protect from allergens and pollutants while deodorizing the air to reduce odors. Humidity Control: Delivers ongoing humidity control throughout the whole house with constant air movement and ventilation to help prevent excess moisture and mold. Easy maintenance: Requires minimal regular maintenance of a simple-to-clean air filter with no annual system maintenance necessary, and each component of the solution can be repaired or replaced individually.  Quiet Operation: Runs with whisper-quiet operation, with minimal fan noise to promote more comfort for families. These features work together to improve the quality of the air inside the home, supporting the longevity of the home by helping protect against mold and excess humidity that can cause decay. Improved efficiency and economics OASYS can reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning by up to 53% compared to traditional HVAC According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the HVAC system demands more energy on average than any other system in a home through its energy consumption in space heating and air conditioning. OASYS can reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning by up to 53% compared to traditional HVAC systems, making it an ideal solution for those looking to reduce their home’s energy usage and lower monthly energy bills.  Cost-efficient solar systems The improved efficiency offered by OASYS makes it easier and more affordable to leverage renewable energy to power the home, such as residential solar and battery storage. Decreasing the energy needs of a home’s most demanding system means that smaller and more cost-efficient solar systems can be used to power the home, expanding solar power as an option for more houses. When powered by solar panels and battery storage, homes are better able to withstand power outages, making them more resilient to weather disturbances caused by climate impacts. Accessible zero-energy home OASYS delivers these performance and efficiency gains with a similar installation cost to existing technologies in high-performance homes. Achieving this dramatic reduction in HVAC power demand is a critical step towards achieving a more affordable and accessible zero-energy home.

Airzone Control, a provider of HVAC solutions for zoning, automation, and smart control, announces a revolutionary new integration with the full portfolio of Nest™ thermostats. The integration between the Airzone Aidoo Pro and Nest smart thermostats (Nest Thermostat™ and Nest Learning Thermostat™) enables seamless bi-directional communication between the Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC units that are soaring in popularity. Two Expanding Categories The Inverter/VRF solutions market is expected to reach $31.9 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 12.7% between 2021 and 2025. The global smart thermostat market is expanding in parallel and is expected to triple by 2028 as more users gravitate towards innovative solutions that provide control over a critical component of indoor spaces: heating and cooling. While these are two of the fastest-growing categories in the HVAC industry, there is a costly roadblock. The core problem arises from these two technologies growing and evolving in sole settings The core problem stems from these two technologies developing and evolving in isolated environments. These systems fail to communicate complex instructions effectively due to inadequate two-way communication. Without a solution in between, Inverter/VRF and mini-split solutions deployed with a smart thermostat are incompatible. The resulting communication breakdown between the two forces the HVAC system to revert back to single-speed operations, undermining the full potential and sophisticated features of the system. Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems Simplified, smart thermostats and HVAC units speak different languages. Since Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems are traditionally adjusted by means of their own communication protocol, and the output for the smart thermostat is a dry contact closure, the full picture is never effectively communicated back to the heating/cooling system and critical information is missing. Within this scenario, the smart thermostat is unable to provide information about how hard the system should be working or the deviation from the desired set point temperature. As a result, the system cannot modulate output to precisely match the temperature needs of an environment, and the air handling unit (AHU) becomes forced to operate at maximum capacity, creating inefficiency and discomfort. The Solution Backed By Expertise Airzone Aidoo Pro is an easy-to-install plan add-on that sits between HVAC system and Nest The Airzone Aidoo Pro is a simple-to-install system add-on that sits between the HVAC system and the Nest smart thermostat and serves as a conduit between the world of HVAC and IoT to preserve Inverter/VRF features, benefits, and functionality while meeting user demand for smart control. Airzone’s exclusive library of manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols enables full bi-directional communication between the Aidoo Pro, the HVAC solution, and the Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat. The Aidoo Pro receives smart thermostat data, interprets it, and then sends the appropriate commands to the Inverter/VRF or mini split unit via system-specific, manufacturer-certified protocols. Inverter/VRF solution The Inverter/VRF solution continues to function at a variable rate, preserving the superior comfort and efficiency of the system. Airzone has spent decades cultivating privileged working relationships with the industry’s pioneering HVAC Inverter/VRF and mini-split manufacturers. The Aidoo Pro has manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols from all pioneering brands The Aidoo Pro has manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols from all pioneering brands, including Daikin, Fujitsu, Hitachi, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, and Panasonic. Now, with a dedicated integration with Nest, the industry’s most popular smart thermostat solutions can be connected to and properly control Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems using the Aidoo Pro. Author's quote “Our integration with the Nest smart thermostats through Aidoo Pro represents an unprecedented leap forward for our industry,” said Antonio Mediato, founder, and CEO of Airzone. “This brings together two of the industry’s fastest-growing sectors in a way that was previously thought impossible. With Nest as our valued partner, together we are setting a new standard for the industry and redefining what is possible in the world of HVAC and IoT.” Both Airzone and Google Nest will be at the upcoming AHR Expo taking place in Chicago January 22-24, 2024. For the opportunity to learn more about the Aidoo Pro/Nest integration in person, be sure to visit Airzone at AHR Expo 2024 at booth S8659 and the Google Nest Pro team at booth N1549.

As builders and contractors strive to meet ever-higher energy efficiency standards, airtight construction has become the new norm. While tighter envelopes cut energy waste, they also reduce outdoor airflow, creating new challenges for indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort. In response, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) have quickly moved to the forefront as an essential solution. Industry professionals often underestimate the capabilities and advancements of today’s ERV systems, despite their increasing importance in both residential and commercial applications. How ERVs Enhance High-Performance Builds Unlike basic exhaust fans, ERVs are built to provide consistent, balanced ventilation in high-performance buildings. They work by exchanging stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air, using a heat-exchange core to transfer both temperature and humidity. This process tempers incoming air, helping to ensure that what enters the living space is close to ideal conditions, regardless of the outdoor climate. ERVs contribute to lower energy bills, longer gear life, and more even comfort throughout the home In practice, this means that during winter, ERVs can pre-warm and humidify cold, dry air before it enters, reducing both discomfort and energy demand. In summer, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air, maintaining comfortable conditions and reducing air-conditioner system strain. By offloading some of the work from primary HVAC systems, ERVs contribute to lower energy bills, longer equipment life, and more consistent comfort throughout the home. From Code Compliance to Real-World Applications As building codes and standards such as ASHRAE 62.2 and Title 24 become stricter and evolve nationwide, ERVs have played a critical role in helping projects achieve code-mandated ventilation. Increasingly, these codes are moving beyond minimum airflow rates to address factors like energy recovery, humidity control, and occupant well-being, reflecting a broader understanding of indoor environmental quality. However, code compliance is only one part of the equation. ERVs have played a critical role in helping projects achieve code-mandated ventilation Today’s homeowners are more informed than ever about the health impacts of IAQ. They want ventilation systems that actively reduce allergens, pollutants, and excess humidity, helping to prevent issues like mold growth, respiratory irritation, and other health concerns. At the same time, they expect these systems to operate reliably throughout the year without driving up energy use, whether during heatwaves, deep freezes, or everyday seasonal shifts. This dual focus on health and efficiency is prompting a move away from lab-only performance metrics. Home building and construction industry professionals must seek ERVs that deliver on their promises in real-world conditions: fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and varying occupancy levels. The latest generation of ERVs is designed and tested for precisely this kind of robust, year-round operation. Why ERVs Are Gaining Ground in Modern Construction The adoption of ERVs is accelerating in today’s construction market, and for good reason. Modern ERVs feature flexible, space-savings designs that make it easier than ever to integrate into both renovations and new builds – even when mechanical space is limited. This adaptability is a significant advantage for builders and contractors working within tight building constraints. ERVs deliver improved efficiency that leads to tangible drops in energy use and operating costs Beyond ease of installation, today’s ERVs deliver improved efficiency that leads to tangible reductions in energy use and operating costs. As energy codes become more stringent and utility bills climb, products that support energy conservation without sacrificing comfort are in high demand. At the same time, a growing body of research and field data demonstrates the positive impact ERVs have on indoor air quality, reinforcing their value in promoting occupant health and well-being alongside comfort. The future of ERVs isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about health. Recent research, including findings from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, underscores the urgency of addressing IAQ in modern airtight homes. Rising pollutant levels, excess humidity, and a proliferation of synthetic materials can create health risks ranging from respiratory issues to cognitive impacts. ERVs can play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by continuously removing contaminants and controlling humidity, all while optimizing building energy use. A New Generation of ERVs When evaluating next-generation ERVs, professionals should prioritize systems that perform reliably across diverse climates, integrate seamlessly with existing HVAC and building automation platforms, and streamline both installation and ongoing maintenance. ERVs should be designed to meet the rising demand for robust, climate-ready solutions. ERVs should be designed to meet the rising demand for robust, climate-ready solutions They must deliver dependable ventilation performance in extreme conditions, as well as feature adaptable ducting and intuitive controls that help simplify installation. ERVs must also evolve to meet the latest building codes and real-world expectations, supporting healthy, resilient homes without adding unnecessary complexity for builders or contractors. This evolution of product requirements reflects a wider movement in the industry toward ERVs that address real-world installation challenges and changing code requirements. Features such as minimal airflow loss under static pressure, advanced moisture management for humid climates, and compatibility with smart controls are becoming increasingly important. As more manufacturers prioritize these attributes, professionals now have greater flexibility to select ERVs, like the Panasonic Intelli-Balance Elite and Elite+ Series, that meet the unique demands of each project, ultimately supporting healthier and more energy-efficient indoor environments. A Call to Action for Building Pros As codes tighten and consumer expectations rise, integrating ERVs into every project is a smart, future-ready move. By specifying advanced, climate-adaptable solutions contractors and builders can deliver spaces that are not only energy efficient but also healthier and more resilient. The bottom line: ERVs are no longer a niche add-on. They are essential for the next generation of high-performance, healthy homes. Those who embrace this technology now will be best positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market and deliver lasting benefits for their clients.

Homes should provide a healthy sanctuary for their occupants, and HVAC can achieve that goal by providing better air quality and a constant flow of fresh and filtered air. However, better air quality comes at a cost. “We have a lot of solutions to improve air quality, but we have to be able to communicate the value of indoor air quality (IAQ) to get people to pay the added cost,” says Panasonic’s IAQ expert, Ken Nelson. “Anything that raises the price of a house diminishes the sale.” Value of indoor air quality The value of indoor air quality is not in dispute but getting that message across is a challenge For example, a system that ensures indoor air quality would increase the price of a new house, but the builder or realtor would likely be unable to articulate the value of the system to a new homebuyer.  A system to ensure better air quality would be invisible to a potential homeowner, and the value would not be obvious unless it is carefully communicated. The value of indoor air quality is not in dispute but getting that message across is a challenge. Solution to improve air quality “The challenge is that any solution to improve air quality has to be sold, and it’s a function of understanding the balance of cost, price and value,” says Nelson. “It’s a sellable concept to the buyer, but you have to be able to explain it, bring it up, put it out there. Whose job is it to make sure everybody in the purchase chain has an understanding of air quality?” As group sales manager of ventilation at Panasonic Eco Systems, North America, Nelson has a stake in promoting a higher level of communication about the value of indoor air quality. He also sells a solution to meet the challenge, a system that can also help homebuilders stand out in the real estate market. Panasonic OASYS HVAC and indoor air system Panasonic OASYS HVAC and indoor air plan ensures a even indoor temperature throughout the home Designed for highly airtight and insulated houses, the Panasonic OASYS HVAC and indoor air system ensures consistent indoor temperature throughout the home.  The system combines a ductless mini-split air conditioner with a continuous heat exchanger and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), which exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while also transferring heat and moisture between the two air streams. The ERV reduces the load on the air conditioner and suppresses PM2.5 (fine inhalable particles). The OASYS system takes in fresh outdoor air, filters it, tempers it to the homeowner’s temperature setting, and then circulates it constantly throughout the house for approximately four air changes per hour while continuously monitoring the air for comfort. DC motor-driven ventilation fans Pushing air through six-inch ducts throughout the house are small, DC motor-driven ventilation fans, which are quieter and use less energy. Constant air flow controls humidity throughout the house with perpetual air movement and ventilation to help prevent excess moisture and mold. Smaller fans drive air throughout the house, and perhaps 25 supply fans might be used in a typical house, and each fan has its own 6-in. duct. Supply air is filtered to a MERV 13 standard in case there are PM2.5 particulates from surrounding sources. OASYS system features In contrast, a conventional home HVAC system might use a large, central fan that pushes air through a larger trunk line, typically located in the attic, and then through smaller ducts to each room. In a conventional system, fans operate intermittently based on heating or cooling cycles, while the OASYS system features continuous air flow 24/7. OASYS, which has been deployed extensively in Japan and throughout the world, recently entered the U.S. market. Worldwide, 10,000 to 15,000 houses per year are built using the system. Conventional home HVAC system might use a large, central fan that pushes air via a larger trunk line. OASYS system concept The 2,700-square-foot home is being used to exhibit the OASYS system concept and to offer an experience In January 2025, Panasonic opened the OASYS concept home in Houston, Texas. The 2,700-square-foot home is being used to exhibit the OASYS system concept and to offer firsthand experience to business-to-business customers such as builders. Panasonic seeks to expand its central air conditioning business in the U.S., leveraging a competitive strength in ventilation fans, and to promote initiatives to optimize home energy management in the future, such as linking the system to other energy-saving devices. OASYS installations The OASYS design team works with builder and design partners and energy-raters to help them understand how the system works and what is required. For example, a tight-envelope, high-performance house is needed. Globally, many OASYS installations involve residences in the 1,200-square-foot range, which highlights opportunities to use the technology in multi-tenant housing applications in the U.S. The strategy is to work with “OASYS-certified” builders to ensure the concept is deployed effectively. Negative health effects OASYS is not an easy retrofit because it requires additional pathways through and between the floors OASYS is not an easy retrofit because it requires additional pathways through and between the floors, and because existing housing may not be sufficiently airtight. During the height of the COVID pandemic, IAQ briefly became top-of-mind, but awareness has waned since then, and many lessons learned from the pandemic have been pushed aside. Today, there is less concern about how an aerosolized microbe might get into the lungs with negative health effects, for example. Greater awareness is needed, says Nelson. Superior indoor air quality Failing to provide superior indoor air quality has consequences, but they may not be obvious or immediate, he says. Rather, they will become obvious over time. For example, a single burning candle might emit a PM2.5 particulate, which would pass through a resident’s bloodstream without obvious effect. However, the consequences of 10 years of burning candles, or the equivalent of other contaminants, would likely create adverse health effects. Better ventilation is key. “Instead of heating and cooling driving the ventilation, we have ventilation driving the heating and cooling,” says Nelson.

The year 2020 will forever be remembered for the global pandemic that transformed almost every aspect of our lives. COVID-19 impacted the HVAC market, as it did most other business sectors. However, HVAC also rose to a new level of prominence at the center of the pandemic, both as a potential cause of virus spread and as a source of solutions to fight the virus. This article will highlight the intersection of HVAC and COVID-19 based on articles published during 2020 at HVACinformed.com. Impact Of COVID On HVAC In an HVACInformed.com Expert Roundtable Discussion, several industry experts weighed in on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the HVAC market. Contractors were either not allowed to or were reluctant to enter people’s homes for sales and installation purposes, resulting in decreased demand and, ultimately, decreased sales. However, during extraordinary times, it was encouraging to see a renewed focus on something the HVAC industry has been delivering for years – comfort. Survey By Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) A survey by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) gathered insights on the effect the coronavirus pandemic is having on the HVAC industry. The survey in March indicated 65% of respondents expected COVID-19 to translate into long-term business viability concerns; 9% were concerned their businesses may not survive. HVAC industry employees were included among “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Roles Of Ventilation HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks There was increasing awareness of the role of air ventilation in fighting the virus. There has been renewed interest in air filtration, not to mention the benefits of UV-C to mitigate to mitigate germs circulating in the air. Furthermore, HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks as they are invited into customers’ homes and businesses during the pandemic. Resources To Maximize HVAC Systems ASHRAE developed resources to help maximize how HVAC systems can have a positive impact as the coronavirus spreads. The society recommends strategies such as dilution ventilation, laminar and other in-room flow regimes, differential room pressurization, personalized ventilation, source capture ventilation, filtration (central or unitary), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) (upper room, in-room, and in the airstream). Ultraviolet Light 2020 saw an unprecedented surge in demand for germicidal solutions. UV-C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that kills germs by inactivating a microorganism’s DNA. Although UV-C is effective in killing other varieties of coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, scientists do not yet know about the impact of UV-C on COVID-19. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the power provider in the United States, is offering incentives to businesses and schools to install UV-C germicidal lights to fight germs in indoor air. Role Of HVAC In Virus Spread Whether HVAC could contribute to virus spread was a repeated topic of interest. One theory goes that air conditioning, by removing humidity from the air, may enable infectious droplets to linger longer than they would outdoors or in another space where humidity is higher. More humidity can weigh down viral droplets as they float through the air. Minimize The Spread Of The Virus ASHRAE opposes the advice and asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus Does it make sense, therefore, to turn the AC off to minimize the spread of the virus? according to ASHRAE, which officially opposes the advice not to run residential or commercial HVAC systems. In fact, ASHRAE asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus. Also related to virus spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a case under the title “COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with Air Conditioning in a Restaurant, Guangzhou, China, 2020.” Research Trends And The Future The need for more research will continue after the pandemic. Broadly speaking, we know that crowded spaces with poor ventilation and/or low humidity levels tend to promote virus spread, that filtration can help to remove the virus, and that measures such as UV-C radiation can help to disinfect indoor air. More study is needed, and more time is needed to complete those studies and expand our base of knowledge on this important subject.  Preventing COVID Panasonic has conducted research that verifies that hydroxyl radicals contained in water can inhibit the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are generated by applying a high voltage to moisture in the air. Here is a statement from the company, "While Panasonic makes a wide range of products that generate these types of free radicals, none of these products has been tested for efficacy in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces or in the air.” Innovative approaches to fighting COVID include HVAC-equipped smart, glass-paneled bus stop shelters that that help to prevent pandemic spread in the Seongdong district in northeastern Seoul, South Korea. Ventilation And Air Filtration As schools worked to reopen safely in the midst of a global pandemic, HVAC was at the center of the mission. Adequate ventilation and effective air filtration are critical elements to ensure safe indoor air quality for educational institutions. Many schools are housed in older buildings that may not have been adequately maintained. Transforming them to address the new challenges of minimizing exposure to the novel coronavirus is that much more difficult.