Last time, we discussed 4 FAQs about COVID-19 and HVAC systems. This is the part 2 and the continuation of that FAQ blog. In this article, I’ll discuss a few more FAQs about COVID-19 and the HVAC system.
4 More FAQs about COVID-19 & HVAC System
1. What Safety Precautions Should I Take While Replacing My AC Air Filter during COVID-19 Pandemic?
The AC air filter’s main function is to block dust and small particles from entering your home. So, when you replace the AC air filter, you’ll be exposed to these tiny particles and dust. That’s why it’s better to take safety measurements while replacing your air conditioner air filter, especially in this pandemic.
Again, if you live in a building where other residents have been tested COVID-19 positive, you should be more careful while replacing your AC air filter because COVID-19 droplets can be present in the air filter. If you don’t take necessary safety precautions, you can be exposed to the COVID-19 droplets and get yourself infected.
So, while replacing your AC air filter, at first, turn off your air conditioner. Then wear gloves and, if possible, use an FFP3 respirator. These safety gear will protect you from the possible COVID-19 droplets and other diseases.
2. Should I Use Disinfectants to Clean My Air Ducts?
This isn’t necessary, but if you want, you can use disinfectants to clean the air ducts of your air conditioner. According to recent studies, COVID-19 droplets are viable for only 2 to 3 days on plastic or stainless-steel structures. However, this period is less for air ducts, which is about 3 hours. That means after 3 hours, COVID-19 droplets become ineffective, and you cannot be infected with those droplets. That’s why it’s not mandatory to use disinfectants to clean the air ducts of your air conditioner.
However, if you feel like cleaning, you shouldn’t use disinfectants that damage the body of the air ducts of your air conditioner. Also, while cleaning, make sure that you follow all the procedures and guidelines.
The bottom line is that you can use disinfectants to clean the air ducts, but it’s not mandatory.
3. Can HVAC High Temperature Kill the Virus?
A common misconception about the COVID-19 virus is that it gets ineffective at high temperatures (100 degrees Fahrenheit). If it really did then there won’t be any infected people in the high-temperature regions like Africa and some parts of Asia.
If you look at the statistics, you’ll see that people are getting infected regardless of the temperature. This proves that the high temperature (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit) has no impact on the virus. However, in labs, scientists have managed to kill the virus in extremely high temperatures (158 degrees Fahrenheit), and unfortunately, you cannot raise your air conditioner thermostat to that level. Besides, if you could, you won’t be able to survive in that extremely high temperature (above 160 degrees Fahrenheit) environment.
If you really want your HVAC system to fight against the COVID-19 virus, you can try changing your HVAC air filter more frequently. By doing this, you can reduce the chances of getting infected by the virus.
4. Is There Any Effect of Humidity on the COVID-19 Virus?
COVID-19 is a highly stable virus (RH 65%). It means that humidity has no impact on the virus. No matter what the humidity level you set in your HVAC system, it’ll have no impact on the COVID-19 droplets. According to a recent study, COVID-19 droplet can stay effective for 2 days when the humidity level is more than 80% or less than 20%. But this humidity level is quite uncomfortable to stay in. For example, if you set the humidity level to more than 80% in your HVAC system, you’ll start sweating and feel uncomfortable. Again, at a lower humidity level (less than 20%), your skin will become dry, and if you have a skin problem, you’ll have itchiness and other skin related problems.
That’s why it’s recommended that you should keep the humidity level at your comfort level. The best way to fight this COVID-19 virus is to stay at home and wear a mask when you go outside.
See the summary of this content here – 4 More FAQs about HVAC & COVID-19 – Part 2 [Infographic]
See the 1st part of this HAVC & COVID-19 FAQs here – FAQs About HVAC System & COVID-19
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