Since March 2020, the world has coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease, which still claims lives to date, has been hard to contain because it spreads when a healthy person encounters infected droplets and particles suspended in the air. Aside from COVID, other infectious airborne diseases, such as influenza, continue to hurt the masses.
As scientists continue to seek ways to contain the spread, the role of HVAC systems in cleaning the air has become increasingly important. Unfortunately, some larger infectious droplets can spread through standard HVAC systems. However, you don’t need to overhaul your entire HVAC system. Instead, you can turn your HVAC system into a lean, mean, germ-killing machine with the changes below.
Add High-Quality Air Filters
Unfortunately, most of the filters in a standard HVAC are inadequate in stopping the spread of COVID, as the virus is too small. Standard filters are designed to keep out pollen and bacteria, which are often bigger than the virus. Therefore, while your filters may be effective enough to rid you of allergies and bacterial infections, the COVID virus could slip through and spread as the air circulates.
To effectively fight the spread of COVID, fit your HVAC system with high-efficiency filters that will trap the COVID-19 virus. Once captured, the virus will become inactive in just a few hours. However, as these filters reduce the amount of air passing through a system, also install fans to increase air pressure.
Dilute Your Inside Air
Modify your HVAC system so as much air as possible flows from the outside to the inside of your home. The increased flow will maximize clean, uncontaminated air and reduce the recirculation of possibly contaminated indoor air. However, ensure that the fan motor in your HVAC system can handle the upgrade. Alternatively, you could periodically increase the airflow at pre-determined intervals.
Install Ultraviolet Lights
While UV lights are a standard feature in most air purifiers, most standard HVAC do not come equipped with this germ killer. The UV lights disrupt the composition of disease-causing germs, thus making them inert. In addition to killing the germs, UV lights also destroy mold, mildew, and allergens, thus lengthening the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Fortunately, unlike ultraviolet rays, these lights are perfectly safe. This technology has been used in many commercial buildings and offices for decades. The light will only penetrate thin skin, such as the one that covers the eyes. If sufficient shade is there, no damage to the eyes will occur. As an added precaution, avoid staring at the lights or keep the HVAC system out of sight.
Leave Your HVAC System On
You might turn off your HVAC system to save power. However, as COVID continues spreading, you may want to keep the HVAC running even when your home is empty. Even if you equip your HVAC with high-efficiency filters, the air will only be cleaned as long as it circulates. A constantly running HVAC system will ensure your home always has clean air.
Change Your Filters Regularly
HVAC filters clog when they're in use for a long time. Therefore, change your filters as often as possible to ensure your air receives sufficient cleaning. A dirty filter may reinfect the outside air and spread infectious germs within your clean home.
While the above steps will improve your air quality, ensure you thoroughly clean your home if it houses a COVID patient. If your need a professional to help you make the above upgrade or any other HVAC-related repairs or installations, do not hesitate to contact us
. Our professionals will do all it takes to make your air warm, clean, and germ-free.
