The world is quickly becoming aware that COVID-19 infections are spread via airborne aerosols in addition to the point to point contact and large droplet methods that have been the focus since the beginning of the pandemic. This has placed a spotlight directly on the HVAC systems in buildings and how they can be used to reduce the spread of the virus. It also has created a dialog about what is the best way to use these systems, and how they can be upgraded to perform this role.

One of the most important things to realize when considering the impact of the HVAC system is that nearly all of these systems were designed for climate control, not infection control. The job of keeping an occupied space is typically geared toward temperature and humidity control. The idea of removing particulate and distributing clean air was secondary, or not even considered. Asking those systems now to perform a critical task that they were not designed for, may be too much to ask.

Dedicated systems to provide additional outside air and standalone HEPA air scrubbing equipment is quickly becoming the most practical l way to address the airborne pathogen concern. These solutions allow for positive impact to be seen while not having the negative impact on performance of the climate control systems.

Below are some of the latest press that these topics have been getting.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/07/health/covid-19-air-conditioning-ventilation-wellness-scn/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/health/coronavirus-airborne-aerosols.html

Click on the Step-By-Step Guides on the menu bar for more information how these solutions can help address concerns in your building.