The CDC recently released a research letter associating air conditioning units with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China. Of the 91 persons in the restaurant, 10 tested positive for COVID-19. They were in close proximity to one another during an “overlapping period” of 73 minutes. The CDC attributed the outbreak to droplet transmission, which was made possible by the air circulation caused by their HVAC units. This, of course, begs the question: Will Your Air Conditioner Spread Coronavirus?
“How can this be?” you ask. “You said that my HVAC will improve my Indoor Air Quality!” It’s true that we’ve published several blogs on the importance of your HVAC unit for your indoor air quality. We also write about the ways UV germicidal lights can sterilize bacteria. And like we say in these blogs, simply owning an HVAC system will not cleanse your indoor air of impurities. You must also have installations such as UV Lights and filters to sterilize and trap pathogens and allergens.
The Right Equipment to Purify Your Air
According to the HVAC Industry Technical Organization (ASHRAE), “The addition of highly efficient particle filtration to central ventilation systems is likely to reduce the load of infections particles.” And sources, such as the Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook, say that UVC light kills 90% of germs, bacteria, and viruses, such as the flu. Your trusted HVAC professional will properly install your new fixtures, so you can be confident they will protect your home and family. There are two primary methods of preventing the spread of germs in your home.
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Filtration:
Every HVAC unit is different. That is why it is important for a professional to evaluate your system and determine the best filter for your home and budget. Some filters catch smaller particles, and even chemical indoor air pollution, but require more maintenance. Others are only designed to catch larger particles, such as dust and other allergens. One of the newest industry filter models is the MicroPower Guard. The MicroPower Guard uses an electric charge to trap harmful particles and can reduce particle reduction down to 0.03 microns.
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UVC Sterilization Lights:
UV Lights are used to kill airborne bacteria and viruses (including the flu). They have been around since the 1930s. They can be found in facilities such as hospitals, pharmacies, and the food industry. UVC light is found in sunlight, nature’s natural killer of dangerous airborne microorganisms. When the air circulates through your HVAC system, the UV light sterilizes the pathogens when they pass through the light. That way, they cannot reproduce. Read our blog to learn more about the specifics between UV Germicidal Light and COVID-19.
While these items can drastically improve your Indoor Air Quality on their own, they work best together. When you take measures to clear your ventilation system of bacterial growth and dust, your HVAC system will work for you. It will also contribute to the health of your home by improving your Indoor Air Quality.
So Can An Air Conditioner Spread Coronavirus?
While it is true that airflow can contribute to droplet transmission, your HVAC has the potential to rid your air of harmful bacteria. With your unit regularly sterilizing bad germs and bacteria, your Indoor Air Quality will improve, protecting the health of your family. Having equipment that contributes to good airflow can also increase the efficiency of your HVAC system, which will ultimately save you money.
Contact Help!! Air Conditioning for Your Indoor Air Quality Improvement Installations!
It’s looking to be a hot, Louisiana summer! Thankfully, HVAC services are an essential business, and Help!! Air Conditioning provides safe, efficient service to our customers. To learn more about how filtration systems and UVC lights can protect your Indoor Air Quality, visit HelpServiceCo.com or call 504-733-5888.
