Every year, as children return to school and adults go back to the office, the first waves of respiratory viral infections begin to appear. Medical statistics show that, with the onset of autumn, cases of colds and flu rise by up to 30–40 per cent amongst children, and the effect spreads rapidly to families and workplaces. This is not a new phenomenon; parents know it all too well, teachers experience it first-hand in their classrooms, and companies feel the impact through staff absences.
The explanation seems simple: wherever people spend a lot of time together, the risk of airborne virus transmission is higher. Schools, open-plan offices, waiting rooms in clinics or even crowded shopping centres quickly become hotspots for seasonal colds.
But what do all these places have in common? Stagnant, recirculated air that is often of poor quality. When spaces are not properly ventilated and the air is not treated appropriately, the risk of viruses and bacteria spreading increases exponentially.
The question is: can anything be done to reduce this risk? The answer is yes, and we’re not talking about temporary fixes, but scientifically tested and validated technologies – solutions that can transform the air from a potential vector for disease transmission into an ally for our day-to-day health.
Why does autumn equate to cold and flu season in all indoor spaces?
Beyond mere coincidence, there are a number of specific factors that turn this season into cold and flu season. All these mechanisms are well documented and help you understand why indoor air quality plays a much more important role than you might think.
Seasonal transition and its effects on health
Sudden changes in temperature between day and night place a heavy strain on the body. It’s cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon, which constantly exposes the human body to temperature fluctuations, and the body needs extra resources to adapt. At the same time, in autumn we spend much more time indoors, where the air is often recirculated and lacking in humidity.
Dry air directly affects the respiratory mucous membranes, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. This is exacerbated by reduced exposure to vitamin D, leading to a general decline in immunity. All these factors create an ideal environment for viruses to proliferate.
Risk factors common to all premises
Whether we are talking about schools, offices or medical clinics, there are recurring risk factors. After the summer holidays, social contact increases sharply: children returning to school, adults returning to the office, meetings, conferences and events. High occupancy in relatively small spaces creates the ideal environment for the spread of infections.
Ventilation is often inadequate. Either the windows cannot be opened, or the ventilation systems are overwhelmed by the number of people. Furthermore, once the heating systems are switched on, the air becomes even drier and is recirculated, which not only helps viruses and bacteria to survive but also causes respiratory discomfort.
In schools, the risk factors multiply: children’s immune systems are still developing, the stress of adapting to a school environment lowers their resistance, and classrooms are often overcrowded. In offices, post-holiday stress and mental fatigue combine with the use of shared equipment (keyboards, printers, lift buttons), and meetings in enclosed rooms quickly become sources of viral transmission.
In the healthcare sector, the problem becomes even more critical. It is an environment where vulnerable people with weakened immune systems work, and the risk of nosocomial infections is ever-present. In retail and hospitality premises, where the high flow of people is impossible to control completely, ventilation plays an essential role. Unfortunately, air-conditioning systems are often set solely for thermal comfort, not for microbiological control of the air.
The role of air quality
International studies (WHO, REHVA) show that low humidity significantly increases the rate of virus transmission. At the same time, pollutants, allergens and airborne particles exacerbate symptoms and increase susceptibility to infections.
It has been demonstrated that indoor air maintained at an optimal relative humidity of between 40–60 per cent reduces the risk of virus transmission by up to 40 per cent. When this humidity is combined with effective filtration and sterilisation systems, air quality becomes an active protective factor, not merely an indicator of comfort.
Solutions for cleaner air in any indoor space
Modern solutions for clean air should be viewed as an investment in health and productivity, not merely a luxury. Texco distributes and installs a comprehensive range of professional equipment manufactured by VEIT (Germany), which tackles the problem in three ways: humidification, steam disinfection and air sterilisation.
Optimal humidity: a natural safeguard for respiratory health
The first step in creating a healthy indoor climate is ensuring the correct level of humidity. Dry air, which is very common in autumn once heating systems are switched on, dehydrates the respiratory mucous membranes, which act as the body’s defence against viruses and bacteria.
When the respiratory mucous membranes are well hydrated, they trap pathogens, neutralise them and prevent them from entering the body. When the air is too dry (below 30–35% RH), the effectiveness of this natural barrier drops dramatically. This is why seasonal viral infections occur.
Numerous studies (including those by the WHO and REHVA) have shown that maintaining a relative humidity of between 40–60 per cent has two major benefits:
- it significantly reduces the transmission rate of respiratory viruses (by up to 40 per cent);
- it improves people’s comfort, boosting productivity and reducing symptoms such as fatigue, eye irritation or headaches.
The humidifiers in the Texco range (steam or evaporative models) are designed to operate continuously, either integrated into HVAC systems or functioning independently, depending on the size and type of space.
Air sterilisation and filtration
Even when the humidity level is correct, indoor air may contain fine particles, allergens and pathogens. This is where air filtration and sterilisation come into play.
✅ UV-C technology is one of the safest methods of disinfection. It works by destroying the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, making it impossible for them to multiply. Unlike chemical solutions, UV-C leaves no residue, causes no unpleasant odours and poses no risk to people, as the radiation is completely contained within the equipment.
✅At the same time, HEPA filters remove up to 99.97 per cent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including aerosols carrying viruses or bacteria. In practice, the air recirculated within a room is purified before being breathed in by those present.
✅The Veit AC 10 air steriliser is ideal for smaller rooms (up to 30 m²), such as classrooms, management offices or doctors’ surgeries.
✅The Veit AC 20 is the optimal solution, covering areas of up to 160 m², with continuous 24/7 operation and proven efficiency of over 99% in eliminating pathogens. Its effectiveness is also confirmed by testing carried out by the “Dr I. Cantacuzino” National Institute for Medical-Military Research and Development, which guarantees the highest level of safety for hospitals, clinics and other critical environments.
Professional solutions, tailored to every type of space
One of the major advantages of working with Texco is the flexibility we can offer. Our portfolio includes equipment that can be configured for schools, offices, hospitals or HoReCa premises, each with its own specific needs.
✅ In educational settings, where children have weaker immune systems and classrooms are often overcrowded, the ideal solutions are automatically controlled humidifiers and compact sterilisers such as the Veit AC 10. These operate quietly, do not disrupt activities and can be adapted to the school timetable.
✅ In offices and corporate premises, where open-plan layouts mean high occupancy, the recommendation is to integrate humidifiers into HVAC systems and to use mobile or fixed sterilisers for meeting rooms. The Veit AC 20 offers the best balance between efficiency and coverage here, ensuring clean air for dozens of employees at the same time.
✅ In the healthcare sector, where patient safety is vital, Texco recommends humidification systems using sterile vapour and high-capacity UV-C sterilisers, tested in accredited laboratories. This is where the VEIT SG 67/SG 66 MF, which allows critical surfaces (tables, instruments, door handles, laboratory equipment) to be cleaned and disinfected without the use of chemicals, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
✅In commercial and HoReCa premises, where customer footfall is high and constant, the focus is on robust equipment with a discreet design and aesthetic integration. VEIT air purifiers and sterilisers are built to operate round the clock with minimal maintenance costs, making them suitable for restaurants, hotels, shops and waiting areas.
Maintaining an optimal level of indoor humidity (usually between 40–60 per cent) is not just a matter of comfort, but also of health. Air that is too dry can irritate the respiratory tract, skin and eyes, whilst excess humidity encourages the growth of mould and bacteria.
Texco offers a complete range of professional Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers, which can be adapted to any type of space: offices, schools, hospitals, laboratories, the hospitality sector or industrial premises.
- Condair CP3-Mini
- A compact and hygienic humidifier, ideal for small spaces such as children’s bedrooms, laboratories or for protecting valuable instruments.
- The water is heated using electrodes, and the steam is distributed either internally or via pipework.
- Advantages: easy installation, low costs, sterile steam, quiet operation, wireless control and ergonomic design.
- Condair RS (with electric heating elements)
- The RS range includes models for various applications: Visual (scale management), VE (demineralised water), Process (critical applications, ±1% RH) and OC (outdoor installation).
- Benefits: precise tolerance, intuitive touchscreen, BACnet/MODBUS integration, limescale collector, minimal maintenance and hygienic humidification.
- Condair-Systems TurboFog
- High-pressure atomisation system, recommended for industrial and technological applications (cleanrooms, automotive, electronics, aerospace).
- Uses distilled water and patented nozzles for silent, drip-free distribution.
- Advantages: rapid and uniform humidity distribution, total hygiene, modularity and the option of a full service including periodic replacement of Pur containers.
- Condair EL (electric with electrodes)
- Sterile steam humidifier, ideal for offices, laboratories or commercial premises.
- Flexible control: via humidity sensor, hygrostat or BMS system.
- Advantages: affordable initial investment, wide range of models, safe and reliable operation, simple maintenance and hygienic steam.
- Condair GS (gas-fired)
- The most efficient and environmentally friendly gas-fired steam system, operating on propane or natural gas.
- Advantages: rapid response to humidification requirements, precise control, low energy consumption (60–75% lower than electric systems), thermal efficiency >90%.
- Applications: offices, schools, museums, laboratories, hospitals, factories.
- Condair EL-OC / RS-OC (outdoor installation)
- Outdoor humidifiers, resistant to extreme weather conditions (-40°C to +40°C), with IP55-rated casing.
- Advantages: simple installation, easy maintenance, compatible with centralised control systems, ergonomic design.
The benefits of optimal humidity control
- Reduced risk of respiratory infections and irritation of the airways.
- Protection of furniture, instruments and sensitive equipment.
- Enhanced thermal and health comfort for occupants.
- Efficient and hygienic operation with low running costs
Common features of the technical solutions supplied and implemented by Texco
Regardless of their intended use, all Veit and Condair equipment in Texco’s portfolio shares several common features: advanced antibacterial technology, high energy efficiency, internationally certified safety and quiet operation. Furthermore, they are easy to install and maintain, operate continuously and have a long service life.
In short, whether we’re talking about protecting children in a classroom, ensuring business continuity in an office, safeguarding patients in a hospital or building customer confidence in a restaurant, Texco and VEIT solutions guarantee cleaner, safer and healthier air.
Texco’s process for implementing technical solutions
The success of an air quality solution depends not only on the equipment, but also on how it is selected and integrated. Texco follows a clear process:
- Professional audit and measurements, assessing the actual temperature, humidity and air quality parameters in the space in question.
- Selection of the appropriate solution, depending on the size and specific characteristics of the building: compact equipment (for classrooms or small offices), medium-sized solutions (for open-plan offices or conference rooms) or centralised systems (for hospitals, large buildings and shopping centres).
- Integration with existing systems: VEIT humidifiers and sterilisers can be connected to existing HVAC installations or used as stand-alone units.
- IoT & BMS integration. Condair humidifiers (RS, EL, GS, CP3) connect to the building’s system and are controlled centrally, with automatic logging and service alerts. TurboFog/DRAABE offers digital control and remote monitoring, whilst VEIT AC 10/AC 20 sterilisers integrate easily into on/off scenarios and can be monitored for UV-C lamp operating hours and filter status.
Last but not least, indoor air quality is no longer merely a recommendation, but is becoming a requirement. Global trends show that strict regulations on ‘healthy buildings’ are increasingly being implemented in schools, offices and hospitals. These cover not only temperature and ventilation, but also parameters such as humidity, CO₂ concentration, particle levels and the microbiological safety of the air.
At the same time, technologies are evolving rapidly. Advanced UV-C technology, with a longer lifespan and increased efficiency; smart sensors that transmit real-time air quality data; and integrated BMS systems that enable centralised building control – all of these will become standards, not options, in the coming years. Choosing high-quality equipment is, in fact, about preparing for the future, not just finding a solution for the present.
Texco offers free consultancy and comprehensive solutions for humidity control and air sterilisation, tailored to every type of space: from classrooms and offices to hospitals and restaurants. Our experience and partnership with VEIT guarantee reliable, internationally certified equipment that is perfectly suited to your actual needs.
Because going back to school or the office doesn’t have to mean going back to catching colds. Clean air remains the safest investment in your health that you can make.
