Talk to An Expert

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Future of Disinfection is in the air

Contact us to learn more

About Big Ass Fans' Clean Air System

Verified through independent third-party laboratory tests, Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System pairs proven ion disinfection technology with powerful airflow to deliver up to 95% reduced risk of infection in occupied manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and gyms. Fans with UV-C technology are proven to reduce the risk of infection in occupied restaurants, classrooms, gyms, offices, and homes.

Innovative Bioanalysis Testing Results for Ion and UV-C Technology

Big Ass Fans has commissioned Innovative Bioanalysis, a Bio Safety Level 3 facility to conduct viral testing against SARS-CoV-2 on Clean Air System products utilizing integrated UV-C and Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization. Both tests successfully decreased the overall concentrations of SARS-CoV-2. This summary is intended for overall general results reporting and the full test reports should be referenced for more specific details on the experiments and testing procedures. Please contact Big Ass Fans for more information on test results and purchasing.

Ion and Haiku UV-C Testing Summary

Intertek’s Haiku with UV-C Efficacy Reports

Third-party tested by Intertek Group. 60″ Haiku with UV-C technology was placed in a sealed test chamber. A microbial suspension of Phi X174 was aspirated into the chamber with fan on and tested individually at different speeds. 99.9% microbial reduction achieved after 10 minutes at multiple speed settings.

Intertek’s Efficacy Results on the 60″ Haiku with Fan Reversed on Speed 3

Intertek’s Efficacy Results on the 60″ Haiku with Fan on Speed 7

Intertek’s Efficacy Results on the 60″ Haiku with Fan on Speed 3

CAS Protects Automotive Manufacturing Team Members

During the public health conditions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and workplaces have implemented new procedures and safety measures in an effort to mitigate infection risk for their workforce. In this case study, BAF engineers installed three 30-inch AirEye fans with CAS ion technology in a work cell where approximately 10 team members assemble vehicle components, for results and summary see full case study.

CAS Reduces Airborne Disease Transmission Infection Risk in Fitness Facilities

During the public health conditions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and workplaces have implemented new procedures and safety measures in an effort to mitigate infection risk for their workforce. In this case study, BAF engineers installed two 14’ Powerfoil X3.0 fans with CAS ion technology at one major fitness chain location, for results and summary see full case study.

CAS Reduces Airborne Disease Transmission Infection Risk in Office Spaces

During the public health conditions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and workplaces have implemented new procedures and safety measures in an effort to mitigate infection risk for their workforce. In this case study, BAF engineers installed CAS ion technology to a 12’ Powerfoil X3.0 fan at BAF’s office HQ in Lexington, Kentucky, for results and summary see full case study.

Mitigating Infection Risk in Large, High Deck Applications with CAS

During the public health conditions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, public and workspaces have seen significant changes to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. In this case study BAF engineers installed three 18’ Powerfoil X3.0 fans with CAS ion technology in a 21,500 sqft, 35 ft tall maintenance hangar, for results and summary see full case study.

Ion Levels and Clean Air System Explained

Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System (CAS) products generate ions using needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NBPI) modules. Using air ions from CAS has been proven in a third-party laboratory to rapidly reduce the effective concentration of a wide variety of microbes. To learn more about how CAS works with Ion, see our Ion Levels Explained White Paper.

Big Ass Fans’ innovative Clean Air System is a full-service, facility-wide air quality solution that kills airborne pathogens in your space. Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System operates under three key features:

  1. Powerful Airflow – Why bother disinfecting the air if it never actually reaches your people? Our fans’ superior airflow is the key to delivering clean, comfortable air to the spaces where we live, work, and breathe.
  2. Proven Technology – Air disinfection methods have existed for decades, but seamless integration into our industry-leading products makes this technology more practical and more effective than ever before.
  3. Unmatched Expertise – We’re the airflow experts. With our custom specification, commercial/industrial installation, and a lifetime of system support and maintenance, you’ll keep your people protected for the long haul.

Big Ass Fans offers the following products with Clean Air System:

Both technologies have their relevant advantages, depending on application, which is why Big Ass Fans has implemented both into specific products.

For Smaller Spaces (Ex. Residential, Commercial, and Office Settings):

Speaking to Haiku with UV-C technology, UV-C has over one hundred years of proven performance (source) and is recommended for pathogen inactivation by ASHRAE (source), the Centers for Disease Control (source), the World Health Organization (source), and the Illuminating Engineering Society (source). Haiku with UV-C technology works best in applications where there is a ceiling covering the space, particularly in residential and commercial office settings.

For Larger Spaces (Ex. Commercial, Industrial and Warehouse Settings):

Combining ion and UV-C technologies with the airflow management and power of a Big Ass fan will dramatically affect the efficiency of the solution.

Please call 855-888-6995 for more information on international purchasing or submit a request. Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System is currently only available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and within the Carribean. Australian availability in Q4 2020.

Ion Air Disinfection Technology

Ion General Questions

Air ions are formed when a molecule gains enough energy to become ionized. In nature, sources of energy that can cause this to occur include background radiation, ultraviolet light, cosmic radiation, atomization of water, movement of large masses of air and lightning. Normal, fair-weather air ion concentrations range from 200 to 800 negative and 250 to 1500 positive ions/cm3. An approaching storm can increase the positive air ion concentration to over 5,000 ions/cm3! (source)

Air ions are charged molecules that are naturally found in the air. In addition to their natural occurrence, air ions can also be generated artificially through ion technology generators or as byproducts of other industrial processes. Both positive and negative ions are formed when molecules or atoms lose or gain electrons. Common ions found in the air include H+, H3O+, O+, N+, CO4-, OH-, H2O-, and O2-.12

Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionization systems produce positively and negatively charged ions that attach to the surface of the cell membrane of airborne pathogens. The organism’s membrane is degraded, leaving genetic material exposed to oxidation, resulting in pathogen inactivation.

A jet of airflow is created by the Big Ass fan, which runs across the Clean Air System ionizers and increases the overall rate of ion generation in a space. If you can feel the breeze generated by our fans, then you are in an area of increased ion concentration.

The half-life of an air ion is dependent on its size and mobility. Negative ions tend to be smaller with half-lives of several minutes in dry, clean outdoor air while positive ions are larger and have half-lives of about 30 minutes. When indoors, the life of an ion is much shorter because of the increased probability of the ion shorting to ground by contacting a wall or surface. Therefore, in a confined space ions may only “live” for about 30 seconds. (source)

Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application. Ionization systems do not rely on recirculation of air to be effective, so semi-outdoor applications are a much better match for ionization systems. Ionization systems also offer the added benefit of surface cleaning, which may be critical in some applications.

Yes, retrofits are available for Big Ass Fans’ ion technology products. For installation pricing, please call 855-888-6995 for more information on international purchase or submit a request.

No. The Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionizer will operate once powered, and in sync with the Big Ass fan, when the fan is in continuous operation.

Is Ion Technology Safe?

Yes. Air ions are naturally occurring and form when a molecule gains enough energy to become ionized. Testing proves that high concentrations of strategically-placed ions, like those produced in Big Ass Fans Clean Air System ion products, will deactivate airborne pathogens in your space and create a safer environment for everyone occupying it.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019 Section 5.7.1 mandates that all air-cleaning ionization systems be listed and labeled to UL 2998, which provides certification that the air cleaning product has zero ozone emissions. Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air Systems ionization technology is listed and labeled to UL 2998 standard, certifying the products as ozone free.

A note for older technologies not produced by Big Ass Fans:
Ionization of air can produce ozone. If the ionization energy of greater than 12.07 eV is utilized during the ionization process, oxygen (O2) can be ionized and ozone (O3) can be created. This is common in older ionization technology that uses corona discharge tubes (also known as “crooks tubes,” “plasma tubes,” “electric discharge tubes,” or “dielectric barrier discharge tubes”) and has the potential to create ozone.

The Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionization unit is powered, and injury may result if the unit is touched while in operation. For directional fans, the ionization unit is placed behind our engineered caging. For overhead fans, the unit is placed on the fan which is out of reach of immediate personnel.

Ion Technology Installation

Our network of certified Big Ass Fans installers will complete your Clean Air System installation and certification to be sure the job is done right.

Installations will vary by location and client, but in general:
Overhead fans: Approximately 8 hours per fan with Clean Air System
Directional fans: Approximately 2 hours per fan with Clean Air System

Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System installation prices by the respective products utilized for the space. For installation pricing, please call 855-888-6995 for more information on international purchase or submit a request.

Ion Technology Operation and Maintenance

No. The Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionizer will operate at any point when your Big Ass Fan is receiving power.

No. The Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionizer will operate once powered, and in sync with the Big Ass fan, when the fan is in continuous operation.

Yes. The Clean Air System ionizer will run continuously with your normal use of your Big Ass fan.

A green LED indicator light will illuminate when power is applied to the unit and ions are being generated.

Yes. If the Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System ionizer is operating, it will produce ions into the area regardless of speed and direction.

Big Ass Fans recommends annual calibration service on its Clean Air System ion technology. The ionizing unit should not typically need to be replaced unless it directly fails during the life of service.

The best way to maintain and ensure proper function of the Clean Air System with ion technology is through our included 3-year calibration service. Please call 855-888-6995 for more information on international purchase or submit a request.

Ion Technology Specifications

Your Big Ass Fans certified installers will complete 3 annual calibrations following the initial installation. This process will consist of:

  1. Visiting the customer’s site annually, for 3 years, after the initial installation and commissioning of the Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System
  2. Inspection and cleaning of the customer’s CleanAir System
  3. Testing to verify Clean Air System ion operation and levels, followed with a post-test report

UVGI (UV-C) Air Disinfection Technology

UV-C General Questions

Ultraviolet light (UV) that operates at wavelengths between 200-280 nanometers (nm) is typically described as being in the UV “C” band. The light in this type of spectrum is not visible to the human eye and can be used to inactivate pathogens in different applications.

Energetic UV-C photons (bits of light) damage the RNA and DNA molecules in a virus or bacteria to render these microbes unable to replicate, which makes them non-infectious.

Studies have shown that limited air mixing can reduce the effectiveness of air-based germicidal UV-C systems. The use of ceiling fans for air mixing has been shown to increase UV effectiveness by more than 60% (source). The CDC notes even larger increases in performance when UV-C and ceiling fans are used together. “In a room without adequate air mixing under experimental laboratory conditions, the GUV system effectiveness increased from 12% to 89% when a mixing fan was used.” (source)

Understanding airflow’s critical value in airborne pathogen mitigation with upper-room UV-C technology. Learn how and why Germicidal UV is effective for all known human airborne pathogens.

Is UV-C Technology Safe?

Ultraviolet wavelengths of 185 nm can generate ozone, but at longer wavelengths ranging from 250 to 260 nm, ozone is destroyed (source). The output of Haiku with UV-C’s LEDs peak at 265nm, with the vast majority of light output in the 255nm to 273nm range, so ozone is not generated.

Haiku UV-C utilizes LED technology and not older mercury lamps.

Yes. It is not dangerous to occupy the space while Haiku with UV-C technology (Clean Mode) is in operation. The Haiku UV-C unit will only operate and disinfect while the airfoils of the fan are in operation. Big Ass Fans conducted use testing via a third-party laboratory and there was no assessed risk to occupants below the blade level.

When operated correctly, Haiku with UV-C technology is safe for your eyes. Please call 855-888-6995 for more information on international purchase or submit a request.

Skin or eye damage may result from directly viewing the light produced by the lamp in this apparatus. Always disconnect the power before relamping or servicing. Replace LEDs with Model No. 1050-37-50, manufactured by Big Ass Fans.

UV-C Technology Installation

No special or additional effort is required to install Haiku with UV-C technology. The UV-C fixture sits atop the Haiku motor and is operated with an included remote control or via the Big Ass Fans mobile app. Please note, Haiku UV-C LED units have a rated use lifetime (9,000 hours) and require replacement when exhausted. For larger installations, Haiku with UV-C technology can also be used with BMS systems that are 0-10v ready.

Haiku models produced in 2020 with SKU codes ending in “G9” are retrofittable. All prior model Haiku ceiling fans are not retrofittable.

Current pricing is $250 USD per replacement. Please call 855-888-6995 for more information on purchasing or submit a request.

UV-C Technology Operation and Maintenance

Clean Mode is the process in which the UV-C LED fixture on the Haiku unit powers on and actively operates to disinfect and mix the air within the fan’s affected area.

Yes. Clean Mode may be operated continuously accordinging to recommended guidelines. The lifetime of the UV-C LEDs will increase if Clean Mode is not operated continuously.

Clean Mode must be triggered via remote control or via the Big Ass Fans mobile app. Voice control is not currently available, but Big Ass Fans expects to offer this functionality for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in the near future.

Ultraviolet light (UV) is not visible to the naked eye. When the Haiku with UV-C technology is in operation, a blue light will be illuminated, indicating that Clean Mode is actively operating.

No. The Clean Mode light will always be on if the UV-C lights are in operation. The Clean Mode feature can be turned off so that the fan may operate in regular use without the cleaning function.

Yes. Initiating Clean Mode will start the cleaning process. Your fan can operate normally during that time.

Yes. Haiku’s powerful motor works to mix the air in your space while the UV-C technology inactivates unwanted pathogens. It is important to leverage the powerful airflow of Haiku while operating the UV-C technology in Clean Mode. Without the airflow generating from the Haiku ceiling fan, the UV-C technology would only sanitize the air directly surrounding the UV-C fixture. Operating the ceiling fan in combination with the UV-C fixture brings sanitized air down to the occupant level.

The Haiku UV-C fixture can be replaced at any time to maintain maximum operational efficiency. The rated life for Haiku UV-C diodes is about 9,000 hours, or about 375 days of continuous use. Using the Big Ass Fans mobile app, users will be able to track Clean Mode usage to gauge the wider lifetime availability of the product and receive notification when their board needs replacement.