Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, many homeowners are concerned about their HVAC system and how to maintain or operate their HVAC system. This is a good sign for all of us because it shows how concerned we are about our wellbeing and health. However, as the virus is spreading so fast and changing its nature continuously, we don’t have much sufficient data about the nature of the virus, and scientists are still researching its nature, and how it spreads. Fortunately, scientists haven’t found any evidence that tells about the virus spreading through HVAC air ducts or other parts of it. However, as the virus is new to us, we shouldn’t take any risk about our health and should take all the precautions.
In this article, I will answer some FAQs related to HVAC and COVID-19.
FAQs about HVAC System and COVID-19
1. Should We Add a Higher Efficiency Air Filters in the HVAC System?
High-efficiency air filters can block small particles from entering your home. That’s why some homeowners are thinking of installing a higher efficiency HVAC air filters in their HVAC system. But before installing a higher efficiency HVAC air filter in your system, you’ll have to consider a few things.
First of all, when you install a high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system, it’ll have a dense layer on its body to block the small particles. As a result, there will be less air penetration. So, if you’ve already air penetration problems in your house, you’ll have to think twice about this.
Secondly, your HVAC system will have to run longer as your HVAC system will require more time to reach the desired temperature. This can be a big problem for those homeowners who are struggling with their cooling bills.
Finally, you’ll have to change the high-efficiency air filter quite often as it blocks more dust and debris than a regular air filter. For this, you’ll have to go out more often in order to buy a new air filter. But in this situation, it’s better to stay at home as much as possible.
Besides these three factors, you’ll have to consider to cost of a high-efficiency air filter as it’s expensive than a regular air filter. Also, scientists haven’t found any proof that the virus is airborne. Considering all these factors, it’s wise to say that alone a high-efficiency air filter cannot stop the virus. However, if you still want to add a high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system, you should discuss it with an HVAC professional.
2. Is Ultraviolet Technology Effective in Fighting the Coronavirus?
Ultraviolet or UV technology is proven to kill most of the viruses and bacteria that can enter your house. However, there’s no proven study that ultraviolet technology will kill the Coronavirus. Besides, you’ll have to consider the installation cost of installing UV technology in your HVAC system. There’s no guarantee that the ultraviolet or UV technology will kill the Coronavirus.
3. Can the Coronavirus Transmit Through the Air Ducts of the HVAC System?
As I mentioned earlier there’s no proven study that shows Coronavirus is airborne. However, it requires more research to reach a decision about the airborne nature of the virus. But for now, the virus cannot transmit through the air ducts of your HVAC system.
4. Should I Clean My HVAC Often to Fight the Virus?
Health professionals around the world and organizations like WHO and CDC have emphasized on cleaning your hands regularly to protect you from the virus. So, it’s normal that some homeowners will think cleaning their HVAC system regularly will protect them from the virus. This is partially true as we still don’t have sufficient data and information on this topic. However, if you clean the condenser coil, air ducts of your HVAC system regularly, you’ll get clean air, and maybe protect yourself from the virus – there’s nothing to lose cleaning your HVAC system, is what I wanted to say.
FAQs About HVAC System & COVID-19 [Infographic]
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Conclusion
These are the most common questions asked by the homeowners and it’s understandable that you’re concerned about your health in this difficult time. The best way to fight this virus is to wash our hands regularly, and use masks when we go out. However, you can install new HVAC Technologies in your HVAC system in order to have clean air inside your home.
