The world is reeling under the impact of the disease COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In such times there is a big ongoing debate on the use of HVAC systems in homes. The main reason for the debate is the fact that the said virus can survive for days in a cooler environment. So, to prevent its spread further, creating an environment that is not conducive to its survival is the most viable option. Well, there are two faces to this double edge sword, and we aim to clarify why the HVAC contractors can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 without any severe impact on your comfort at home.
How COVID-19 Spreads?
Let’s begin with the basics. First, it is important to know how the SARS-CoV-2 virus actually spreads. When sick people (who already have COVID-19) cough or sneeze, they release tiny droplets of water into the air. Mostly, these droplets are invisible to the naked human eye. Attached to these droplets is the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The lighter infected droplets linger in the air while the heavier ones settle on different surfaces where they can survive anywhere between a few hours to a couple of days. A healthy person touches an infected surface and rubs his face (eyes, nose, and mouth) or inhales the air in which the infected droplets float and become ill. This is how the disease spreads.
How Can HVAC Contractors Help Reduce The Spread Of COVID-19?
HVAC contractors are experts in helping you maintain the indoor air quality of your home. They are well versed in ways that will reduce the potential for airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your house. Here are some of the things that an HVA contractor will recommend in these turbulent times.
1. Replacing The Air Filters Regularly – The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that are used nowadays can trap the bigger particles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Though it may not essentially trap all of it primarily because the said virus is as small as 0.3 microns in size. The efficiency of the HEPA air filters is 99%, but not 100%. Nonetheless, it will still reduce the coronavirus circulating in the indoor air and make your home a safer place to socially distance yourself and self-quarantine.
2. Cleaning And disinfecting Exposed Surfaces – An important advice that an HVAC contractor will give is to regularly clean and disinfect all exposed surfaces in your home. This is an added precaution, for if any virus has settled on a surface, it will be killed on cleaning and disinfecting. It includes all exposed surfaces of the HVAC as well and not just those that are there for the aesthetic appeal. You don’t have to be scared of touching things in your home. Instead, embrace frequent cleaning, it will not only make your home squeaky clean but also get rid of the illness-causing
3. Using UV Germicidal Lights – You can still enjoy cool indoors without worrying about the coronavirus by installing Ultra Violet Germicidal lights in your HVAC. These are of two types – Coil Sterilization and Air sterilization UV Lights. The coil sterilization lights disinfect the coils as well as any air that passes over it. Similarly, air sterilization UV lights disinfect all the air that goes back into the unit and is thus placed inside the return air vents. The purpose of both these UV germicidal lights is to eliminate all bacteria and viruses (including coronavirus) along with various other contaminants. An HVAC contractor can best advise you on the type that will suit your home the best.
4. Using Air Purifiers – Air purifiers are yet another way of purifying the indoor air. There are standalone air purifiers that can be used for each room, and there are air purifiers that can be installed in conjunction with your central heating and cooling system. These air purifiers have HEPA air filters that help trap numerous pollutants along with bacteria and viruses. Again the accuracy of the HEPA filters is just 99%, but it is always better to have some sort of protection rather than none. Working in tandem with the air filters of your HVAC system, the air purifier can drastically reduce the number of pathogens present in the indoor air.
HVAC A Prevention Strategy
Using the HVAC unit at home, in combination with any of the above-mentioned indoor air quality enhancers, makes for a very effective illness prevention strategy. However, the key is to make sure that your unit is well maintained, and the piece of equipment that you use to improve the air quality suits your home. To choose which option works best for you, consider asking an HVAC technician for their feedback. With years of experience and knowledge under their belt, they can guide you in the right direction.
Reducing The Spread Of COVID-19
Installing indoor air quality enhancers in your home will not suffice in stopping the spread of COVID-19 on its own. You still need to practice:
1. Social distancing.
2. Self-quarantine.
3. Frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap.
4. Taking a bath and changing clothes every time you go outside for work or buying daily essentials.
Following these precautions and letting your HVAC system do its job will make your self-quarantine period more successful and less stressful.
Final Words
Most homes in America are built with the HVAC system being an integral part of comfort in-home, in mind. Therefore, not much thought is given to adequate ventilation as it is self-understood that the central heating and cooling unit will take care of things. In such homes, one cannot live without running the AC to counter the effects of hot summers.
Not running the AC this summer is not a very feasible option. It is just a way to torture yourself. However, protection against the novel coronavirus is also essential. Together with the help of your HVAC technician, you can successfully overcome both these problems.
Aztil Air Conditioning will be glad to help you if you live in West Palm Beach, Florida, and wish to discuss the best indoor air purification option further. Our elite team of technicians is highly skilled and knowledgeable. We also adhere to the strictest safety standards to keep you and your family safe. Call us at +1-888-729-8452. We are available 24/7.
