COVID-19 and Your HVAC System

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COVID-19 and Your HVAC System

• We know you have questions and concerns about the
  COVID-19 virus and operating/ maintaining your
  HVAC system. Well share the most accurate and
  up-to-date information available to help you make
  decisions.

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• The fact is, the COVID-19 crisis has developed so
  quickly that there has not yet been sufficient
  time for scientific studies to prove definitively
  whether the virus can be (or is likely to be)
  transmitted through an HVAC system. Much of the
  evidence that does exist is based on what is
  known about similar viruses.
• Lets start with the good news To date there is
  NO CONCLUSIVE PROOF THAT COVID-19 HAS BEEN
  TRANSMITTED THROUGH A DUCTED HVAC SYSTEM. The
  virus is transmitted primarily through direct
  contact with an infected person and to a lesser
  extent by touching a contaminated surface.

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• Experts say that AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION OF
  COVID-19 IS THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE, due to the
  ability of small droplets of virus particles to
  stay airborne for a period of hours under some
  conditions. It is presumed that some particles
  may stay airborne long enough to enter an air
  distribution system. However, experts believe
  that the risk of transmission this way is small.
• THERE ARE MITIGATION TACTICS that can help to
  further reduce the possibility of your HVAC
  system becoming contaminated with the COVID-19
  virus. Its important to realize that these
  tactics must be part of a more comprehensive plan
  that includes preventing the primary means of
  COVID-19 transmission person-to-person contact
  and contact with contaminated surfaces.

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Can the virus be transmitted through HVAC ducts?

• As we mentioned above, there is no definitive
  scientific conclusion yet as to the likelihood of
  COVID-19 transmission through air distribution
  systems.
• That said, there are some potential mitigation
  strategies that you may be reading about.

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• Using higher efficiency filters to trap virus
  particles.
• Installing UV light technology or
  ionization-based air cleaners to destroy virus
  particles.
• Increasing humidity levels to deactivate airborne
  particles.
• Increasing ventilation to dilute virus particles.
• Sanitizing air conditioning components before
  seasonal start up.

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Should we install higher efficiency filters to
prevent spread of the virus?

• High efficiency HVAC filters can capture small
  particles (such as viruses), and remove them from
  the airflow in your space. Thats why some are
  considering adding higher efficiency HVAC filters
  since they may reduce risk of COVID-19
  transmission. But they cant eliminate the risk
  entirely.
• The problem is, the COVID-19 virus is so tiny.
  Its possible that some particles may pass
  through even the highest efficiency filters.

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• Higher efficiency filters are more dense and
  dont allow as much air to penetrate. That leads
  to decreased air flow through your system. If you
  were already struggling with a system that wasnt
  performing well, its likely your system will
  have even more trouble cooling your space.
• Your system will also run longer as it struggles
  to achieve the set temperature, which uses more
  electricity and creates wear and tear on fans and
  other parts.
• High efficiency filters trap more dust and debris
  and must be changed more frequently.

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• Another possible limitation is the setup of your
  system
• it must be able to accommodate the size of the
  higher efficiency filters. The filters wont help
  without proper installation.
• Also, the cost of high efficiency filters can
  potentially be three times the cost, or more.

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• According to the National Air Filtration
  Association (NAFA) In order for filters to have
  any impact on infectious disease transmission,
  transmission has to occur through the airborne
  route, filters have to be properly installed and
  maintained in appropriate systems to treat
  recirculated air, and filters have to be
  appropriately designed for the building in which
  they are used. More importantly, in most
  buildings and in most situations, filters may be
  considerably less effective than other infection
  control measures including social distancing,
  isolation of known cases, and hand-washing.

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Does UV technology kill the COVID-19 virus?

• UV systems use ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill
  and deactivate microbes, including viruses, that
  may penetrate filters and get into HVAC systems.
  There are different types, including upper air
  and surface-cleaning UV disinfection systems.

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• The germicidal wavelength can kill 90 percent of
  all microorganisms living on HVAC air ducts and
  evaporator coils, depending on wavelength
  intensity and length of exposure.
• However, its important to know that although
  this technology has been shown to be effective in
  killing other types of coronaviruses, it has not
  yet been proven to be effective on COVID-19.

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Should we consider other indoor air cleaning
technologies, such as ionizers?

• We have had customers ask about installing air
  cleaning products that use ionized hydrogen
  peroxide to destroy microbes in the air that
  passes through a ducted HVAC system. These small
  units can be placed within your air distribution
  system just past the filters, to destroy any
  particles that manage to penetrate your filters.

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• There is some evidence that ionizers can destroy
  coronavirus particles, so it may be an option
  worth considering if your system can accommodate
  the equipment.

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How do humidity and ventilation affect COVID-19?

• Recent research has shown that increasing indoor
  humidity levels can help to deactivate the virus.
• During the winter months when our spaces are
  closed up and heated, humidity levels tend to
  drop to extremely low levels (between 20 and 40
  percent). Unfortunately, those are the ideal
  conditions for the COVID-19 virus to thrive and
  remain viable for longer periods.

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• According to the research, adding moisture to the
  air may damage the outer membrane of the virus,
  and also make droplets less likely to linger in
  the air. Increased humidity has the added benefit
  of moisturizing our mucous membranes, which
  increases your bodys ability to fight the virus.
• Humidification technology can boost humidity in
  your space to optimum levels. Be sure to consult
  with an HVAC expert to determine the optimum
  level for your space.
• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating,
  Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
  also recommends increasing ventilation (adding
  more outside air) to dilute any particles that
  may be present.

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Should my HVAC equipment be cleaned and sanitized?

• Some of our customers are asking us to clean and
  sanitize system components prior to starting up
  their air conditioning systems.
• We cant be sure if any COVID-19 particles have
  remained viable in your system during the
  lockdown. Yet even beyond eliminating virus
  particles, there is certainly a benefit to
  cleaning condenser coils and possibly your
  ductwork and other system components. Cleaning
  your system makes it operate more efficiently,
  consume less power, and keeps parts in good
  condition.

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• For commercial systems, the ideal time to do this
  work is BEFORE you bring your employees back to
  work in your place of business and turn on the
  air conditioning system.
• However, youll need to make sure access to your
  space and equipment is available.
• Keep in mind that sanitization of system
  components is a one-time cleaning, and does not
  provide any long term protection against future
  exposure to the virus.

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Shout Out

• Now it is time for some huge shout for our
  partner companies. Here are some highly trusted
  companies who are very popular for their HVAC
  service in their local area. So if you are in
  their service area then you can get their
  services.
• Affirmative Air Conditioning - Air Conditioning
  and Heating Installation and Repairs in Phoenix,
  AZ