In the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety are top priority. Uncertainties about the new virus make it hard to say exactly what safe practices work the best. Because of The Center for Disease Controls (CDC) conducted research studies, they are able to give us some suggested protocols to slow the spread of the virus. What can you do to keep your building safe during COVID-19?
Proper Airflow
Tracking the virus and its transmission from person-to-person is how researchers can understand its behavior. A study conducted in China tracks one initial transmission of the virus to have come from inside of a restaurant. It suggests that because the restaurant was a 5-floor building without any windows, the virus traveled in the air due to the flow of the air conditioner.
Making sure that your building has proper airflow and ventilation is important to keep you, your employees, and your customers healthy. This could be as simple as opening a window. It might also mean checking to make sure you have a balanced ventilation system that is running properly.
Clean Filters
There are many benefits to keeping clean air filters in your HVAC system. For one, it ensures you will have proper air flow. Clean filters also reduce airborne bacteria. A new filter combined with proper government protocols will help keep your building safe and stop the spread of the virus.
Maintain Optimal Humidity
If you want to keep your building safe, maintaining absolute humidity can help. A study done on a non-pharmaceutical intervention of influenza shows evidence that when humidity was increased in classrooms during the flu season, those students experienced less cases of the flu. Because air is heavier when humid, the idea is that the virus can’t stay airborne.
Although COVID-19 is still new and somewhat uncertain, experts believe it will follow the same pattern as the flu. Ensuring your building maintains optimal humidity can prevent the virus from being airborne.
Get A Maintenance Check
A routine maintenance check can assure you that your building’s HVAC system is up-to-date and running properly. An HVAC professional can inspect your system and ductwork. Contact A. Borrelli Mechanical today.
