News & Updates
COVID-19 HVAC Best Practices
Currently there is no evidence that COVID-19 is an airborne virus. It appears to be transmitted via droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. That said, small particles can remain airborne for a period of time. Any well designed and well-maintained HVAC system incorporates the following:
- Clean air supply;
- Containment and exhaust of contaminated air;
- Dilution of air in a space via supply of exterior fresh air;
- Maintaining proper pressure differentials to control air movement;
- Air cleaning and filtration.
Therefore, it is important that you understand the design of your HVAC system and ensure it is maintained and operating as intended to foster a healthy interior building environment.
Taking the following steps can improve the overall performance of your HVAC system and help maintain a healthy building:
- Clean/replace air filters regularly and ensure the proper filter is utilized as this can affect airflow and performance;
- Ensure all portions of the HVAC system are in operation as intended. Do not shut down fresh air
- intakes or pressurization fans;
- Verify proper functionality of all exhaust systems within the building including unit exhausts.
- Ensure tenants have not sealed over their exhausts;
- Maintain proper pressurization of hallways and stairwells by ensuring all portions of the HVAC system are in operation and that all stairwell doors are automatically closing. Do not prop open
- any doors.
Should anyone within your building be placed in self isolation due to any illness the most effective measure to take is to ensure that the occupant has a functional exhaust and that they are utilizing it.
Additional information can be found on the ASHRAE website HERE
ASHRAE’s Position Document on Airborne Infections Diseases can be found HERE