Does My HVAC System Spread COVID-19?

COVID-19 has made this a very different spring and summer.  Now, as the school year approaches administrators, parents, and teachers alike are all wondering what the best course of action is.  For many of us, it seems that as time goes on, this pandemic is becoming more and more confusing.

One of the things that has had people questioning is the role that a home or building’s HVAC system plays in transmitting the coronavirus.  Stories of diners in a restaurant in Wuhan, China becoming infected via air from the air conditioning system make us wonder if it is even safe to use our air conditioner or furnace.

Should I Turn Off My HVAC System?

The American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Engineers also known as ASHRAE offers the following guidelines in regard to HVAC Systems and COVID-19:

Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air. Unconditioned spaces can cause thermal stress to people that may be directly life threatening and that may also lower resistance to infection. In general, disabling of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems is not a recommended measure to reduce the transmission of the virus.

What Should I Do?

Though we should not necessarily turn off our heating and cooling units during this pandemic, we do want to make sure that the units are operating properly with plenty of ventilation and clean filters.  Your current filter can also be upgraded to a HEPA version, and a UV Germicidal light can be installed within the ductwork to further increase the safety of a building or home.

Looking to Learn More?

Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical to schedule and air conditioning inspection or to learn more about indoor air quality options.