Questions, answered plainly.

Aerion Systems makes AURA, a compact cold plasma air treatment unit for yachts, residences and offices. It treats the air inside the enclosed space it sits in, around the clock.

Plasma is a partially ionized gas containing ions, electrons, neutral molecules and reactive species. Lightning creates it in the atmosphere. AURA creates it at room temperature in a small chamber, which is why it is called cold, or non-thermal, plasma.

Cold plasma is an established technology used across several industries:

• Electronics: cleaning and etching surfaces in computer-chip manufacturing.
• Plastics, packaging and textiles: treating surfaces so inks, paints and adhesives bond better.
• Healthcare: low-temperature plasma sterilizers clean heat-sensitive medical instruments, and cold plasma is being studied, and in some countries used, for wound care.
• Food safety: researched for reducing bacteria and mold on fresh produce, seeds and packaging without heat or chemicals.
• Industrial odor control: treating odors and VOCs in exhaust air from facilities such as wastewater plants and commercial kitchens.

These are specialized systems built for different jobs. AURA applies the same underlying science to treating the air in enclosed spaces. It is not a medical device or a sterilizer.

They do most of the work. Reactive oxygen species (such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide) and reactive nitrogen species (such as nitric oxide) are short-lived, highly active molecules. They can damage the membranes and genetic material of certain microbes and oxidize odor molecules and VOCs. They react within microseconds to seconds, so they do not build up in the room.

A filter traps particles as air passes through it, then the media must be replaced. AURA has no filter media. It treats the air chemically, which lets it address odors and VOCs that filters do little for. Filters still handle heavy dust and allergens best, so AURA works alongside your HVAC filtration rather than replacing it.

Not quite. A basic ionizer mainly charges particles so they clump and settle. AURA does that too, and adds two further pathways: chemical oxidation of certain odors and VOCs, and inactivation of certain microbes.

Independent laboratories in Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Germany measured significant reductions of a human coronavirus, airborne bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and E. coli on surfaces under their test conditions. Results vary with space size, airflow and use. See the full results.

Labs typically use three kinds of tests, each run in a controlled room before and after a unit operates. Microbial reduction tests measure how much a unit lowers airborne bacteria and other microbes. Viral reduction tests measure how much it lowers airborne viruses. Clean air delivery rate (CADR) measures how much treated air a unit delivers per minute or hour. AURA's published results come from independent microbial, viral and surface tests, and every result depends on the conditions it was tested under.

Any cold plasma process makes a small amount of ozone as a byproduct. A catalytic control element built into every unit reduces it before air leaves the grilles. With BOOST off, AURA is designed to keep ozone below 0.01 ppm, a tenth of the OSHA 8-hour occupational limit of 0.1 ppm. Lab evaluation at the outlet found ozone non-detectable under the tested operating conditions.

BOOST raises output above normal. For everyday use it stays OFF. With BOOST on, ozone can exceed 0.5 ppm, beyond what the catalytic element handles, so it is for trained personnel only, in unoccupied spaces. Your installer confirms BOOST is off at handover.

With BOOST off, AURA is designed for continuous operation in occupied spaces. No chemicals are added from cartridges, sprays or refills. Mount it where it never blows directly into anyone's face and out of reach of children and pets. Anyone with respiratory sensitivities should check with a physician before extended use of any air treatment device.

No. AURA is an air treatment system with lab-tested performance against certain airborne and surface contaminants. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Once a yacht is closed up for air conditioning, the same air circulates through the same spaces for hours or days. Humidity brings condensation and mustiness, odors travel through shared air, and owners, guests and crew share it in close quarters. AURA adds active treatment inside each cabin.

Yes. AURA stands alone in the cabin, or a licensed installer can place it within the HVAC space. No renovation is needed. For new builds, we work with builders and HVAC partners. Contact us to discuss your vessel.

Plan one unit per enclosed space up to 376 sq ft; larger salons may call for two. Best placement is close to the odor or air quality concern, near existing airflow such as an A/C return, within Wi-Fi range if you will use the app, and not directly beneath an A/C unit or near wet areas.

Your authorized Aerion dealer handles the walkthrough, placement plan, installation and handover, and can coordinate with your captain, builder or HVAC technician. Find a dealer.

Every few weeks, unplug the unit, wipe the housing with a dry cloth, keep both grilles clear and check the catalytic element for damage or discoloration. There are no filters to replace. Never open the unit.

The power light glows blue while the unit runs, and many customers notice fewer odors within the first days. An optional AURA sensor upgrade kit for real-time air quality readings is in development.

A 1-year limited warranty covers parts and the catalytic control element. Opening the unit, using a non-original adapter, exposure to liquids or running BOOST outside controlled conditions voids it.

The manufacturer rates AURA's electronics for about four years of continuous, around-the-clock use. Units that cycle on and off can last eight to ten years, depending on operating conditions. Regular cleaning and keeping BOOST off for everyday use help it last. Every unit is backed by a 1-year limited warranty on parts and the catalytic control element.

Single units can be ordered online. For a full vessel, several rooms or a commercial space, request a consultation and we will send a placement plan and written quote.