How to Take Care Of Your HVAC System During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Covid-19 and your HVAC System
Most people rarely give their HVAC system the attention it deserves until it stops working. Currently, everyone is battling with the COVID-19 pandemic, a microscopic and airborne enemy. It’s not the time to have a HVAC system that isn’t working properly.
Evidence reveals that the coronavirus can spread easily through ventilation systems. You need a HVAC system in the best working condition if you want to protect your family or employees. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your HVAC system during the pandemic to avoid any risks.
Ventilation and Filtration – The 2 Keys To Indoor Protection ASHRAE (The American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) released a statement about the respiratory droplets and airborne transmission. The society believes that these transmission methods are possible and viable.
As a result, the society is advocating maintenance of indoor temperature control to improve the immune system function. Disabling your HVAC system, even for a temporary period will add stress to your body. Also, it will most likely weaken your body’s resistance to the coronavirus pandemic.
Well, ASHRAE advocates improving the filtration and ventilation of the indoor air in your home or business. Basically, your HVAC system should operate optimally at all times to ensure that you are completely protected.
How To Improve The Function of Your HVAC System
According to ASHRAE, you should follow the following steps to ensure that your HVAC system improve the filtration and ventilation of your indoor air and guarantee optimal protection of everyone in your home or office.
Wear the Right PPE When Working On The HVAC System
You have a good baseline protection when wearing gloves and face mask. You should also use soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently to wash off any chances of infection.
Change the Furnace Filters As Recommended
Your furnace filter should be changed regularly. According to ASHRAE, you should not change the furnace filters frequently because you will increase your risk of exposure. It’s prudent to ensure that the filter is not clogged. To guarantee ultimate protection, you should use the best MERV-rated air filter for your furnace.
Add Extra Protection to The Existing HVAC System
To improve the function of your HVAC system, you should have ultraviolet air purifiers, aftermarket HEPA filters and surface duct disinfection. Find the right fittings for your brand of HVAC system for the best results.
Most residential HVAC systems are not designed to work with HEPA filters. They are too dense and often result in failure in the motor-blower and also a huge fire risk. The most recommended approach is installing an aftermarket HEPA filtration system. It is a standalone system that works with the central ventilation. As such, there’s no additional pressure on the furnace or AC blower motor. Also, it filters the air before it gets into the duct work.
Note that, UV air purifiers have the same purpose. Currently, you can find a few various UV purifiers in the market. They can be installed to work inside or with the ductwork.
Clean the Air Ducts
HVAC systems are one of the best options to manage the risk of spreading COVID-19. However, they are not helpful if they are not well-maintained. All the appliances mentioned such as the ultraviolet purification system or the HEPA filtration system work with the ductwork in place to clean the air. If you want to sanitize the whole duct network, you need to do an indoor air duct cleaning.
With research showing that it’s likely to transmit coronavirus through the HVAC system, it’s important to ensure that the ducts are clean and properly sanitized. The treatments take less than a day to finish and can guarantee long-lasting health results.
Improve Your HVAC Ventilation with A Heat Recovery Ventilator
Over the last few decades, the same central HVAC technology has been in place. The set-up is very simple with two appliances with one for heating and the other for cooling purposes. Both appliances work with a single network of ducts to provide cold or warm air.
Note that building standards have changed considerably to meet the limited natural resources. As such, the newer airtight construction methods restrict a building’s capacity to breathe. Nowadays, workplaces and homes rely on mechanical lungs called heat recovery ventilators.
Just like an ultraviolet purification system, the heat recovery ventilator works with the duct system and the HVAC to purify and clean the indoor air. However, it works a little differently. First, it divides the indoor air into 2 air streams which are stale outgoing air and fresh incoming air.
Note that the two streams of air never mix. You don’t need to worry about re-introduction of germs or toxins or cross-contamination. It is an efficient process that ensures contaminated air is taken out and fresh air is circulated effortlessly in your home or business place. Heat recovery ventilators balance indoor humidity levels and recycle heat energy. These processes reduce your heating bills and prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Routine HVAC Maintenance Is an Important Safety Measure
In Ontario and other places globally, HVAC services are now considered essential. However, people are now finding out how strategic upgrades and maintenance of HVAC systems is essential. It’s a great way to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19.
It’s the best time to handle any HVAC routine maintenance issues. It should be a priority on your list if you want to protect your family or employees. Having a safe, clean and efficient HVAC system is a guaranteed way to protect everyone from COVID-19.
