10/1/2023
Discovering The Smith Center / Inside the Theater
The Smith Center took numerous steps to enhance the core elements of its indoor facilities to protect the health and safety of its guests as much as possible.
“Our air-quality systems were always state-of-the-art, but our improvements now accommodate the top CDC guidelines and hospital standards,” says Smith Center COO Glenn Medas.
Air quality systems, including those in entertainment venues, have become increasingly critical.
The Smith Center’s stringent air quality standards deliver an abundant supply of fresh outdoor air, maintain optimal air circulation, and eliminate potential pollutants, Medas says.
“All patrons who attend performances at The Smith Center can feel confident that our indoor building spaces are as healthy as possible,” he says.
Proven Solutions for Healthy Air
The Smith Center team began retooling air-quality systems by enhancing the building’s airflow system, to increase the rate of fresh air intake into the building.
“At any given time, the percentage of fresh outside air that can be inside The Smith Center’s venues can now be as much as 70 percent,” says Medas, adding that each restroom also has an exhaust system that runs continuously to ensure that air there is always being exchanged.
To optimize the intake of fresh air, The Smith Center team added HVAC ultraviolet light sanitization into each of its system air handlers.
“Ultraviolet light radiation is a known disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces — and, in fact, has been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria,” says Medas.
To further eliminate pollutants, The Smith Center upgraded to the recommended combination of MERV 13 cartridge filters and MERV 8 prefilters, which together significantly reduce the spread of any airborne particulates.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system is used internationally as a standard means of evaluating the efficiency of an air filter, explains Medas.
“The higher the MERV rating, the more protection you and your HVAC system will get from micro-particles that carry allergens, viruses and bacteria throughout your building,” he says.
Preparing to Go Inside
When patrons come to The Smith Center for performances, Medas says they can also expect the same comfortable temperature and appropriate humidity level.
And while most guests won’t notice any of the changes to The Smith Center’s air-quality systems, Medas says they can be sure that all the right HVAC-related measures have been taken to reduce the spread of pathogens, such as COVID-19.
“Good air quality doesn’t replace good hygiene practices or frequent cleaning and sanitation, but it does go a long way toward helping to keep everyone safe,” he says.