Sept 28, 2020 -- What are your chances of being exposed to COVID-19 through home air systems?
This is an interview we provided with info specifically about air purifiers. Our explanation comes about 60 seconds in to the clip below. More info is available below
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/continuing-coverage/coronavirus/what-are-your-chances-of-being-exposed-to-covid-19-through-home-air-systems
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESPONSE RESOURCES FROM ASHRAE AND OTHERS
HVAC and Covid-19
"ASHRAE leadership has approved the following two statements regarding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the operation of HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.
Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air. Unconditioned spaces can cause thermal stress to people that may be directly life threatening and that may also lower resistance to infection. In general, disabling of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems is not a recommended measure to reduce the transmission of the virus. "
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/resources
"ASHRAE leadership has approved the following two statements regarding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the operation of HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.
Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air. Unconditioned spaces can cause thermal stress to people that may be directly life threatening and that may also lower resistance to infection. In general, disabling of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems is not a recommended measure to reduce the transmission of the virus. "
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/resources
ASHRAE Visual Roadmap for Covid-19 / Coronavirus
https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/ashrae-covid19-infographic-.pdf
https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/ashrae-covid19-infographic-.pdf
#1 - Increasing Outdoor Air - Ventilation
This is easier and likely more important for commercial spaces where you are likely to be interacting with more than just your household but helpful in both applications. Commercial buildings typically have a make up air source by requirement so it should be a matter of ensuring it's working and increasing this fresh air to maximize air quality without overwhelming your system.
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/building-readiness#increasedvent
This is easier and likely more important for commercial spaces where you are likely to be interacting with more than just your household but helpful in both applications. Commercial buildings typically have a make up air source by requirement so it should be a matter of ensuring it's working and increasing this fresh air to maximize air quality without overwhelming your system.
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/building-readiness#increasedvent
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#2 - Filtration
Filtration: Ideally MERV 13 but the higher the filtering capability, the greater the resistance. This means the greater the MERV rating, the greater the required filter size so we maintain the minimum airflow for the equipment. This can be measured in multiple ways. https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-disinfection |
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DIY - Filter
Another creative option for increased filtration is to make a filter fan like some of our friends have posted -- this particular setup was posted by Comparetto Comfort Solutions. This can be a DIY project and made for around $100. This opens the door for better air filtration for renters, systems without filter upgrade options, or boiler systems. |
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#3 - Humidity Control
https://www.aprilaire.com/benefits/preservation/relative-humidity-chart
Properly sized, commissioned, and multi stage or ideally variable speed equipment
During the summer time the temperature and humidity are higher than is desirable. By properly sizing the cooling system to the buildings requirements you can maintain a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment by controlling both the heat and humidity removal (see dehumidifiers for when there is not a need for cooling). Next most important is commissioning the equipment, dialing in airflow for proper operation with regard to humidity control (sensible versus latent heat removal). This is done in multiple ways but is typically controlled via a higher end thermostat, blower motor, and multistage or ideally variable speed equipment to match your need to the demand.
www.americanstandardair.com/
Humidifiers:
During the winter time the humidity level is too low and a properly controlled humidifier can correct this, ideally with regard to the outdoor temperature.
www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/humidifier
https://www.americanstandardair.com/products/indoor-air-quality/platinum-humidifier/
Dehumidifiers
There are also times when humidity will creep up without a need for cooling. This is when either reheat dehumidification (all electric HVAC system with proper control) or a dehumidifier will improve comfort and air quality.
https://www.santa-fe-products.com/resources/how-home-dehumidifiers-work/
https://www.aprilaire.com/benefits/preservation/relative-humidity-chart
Properly sized, commissioned, and multi stage or ideally variable speed equipment
During the summer time the temperature and humidity are higher than is desirable. By properly sizing the cooling system to the buildings requirements you can maintain a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment by controlling both the heat and humidity removal (see dehumidifiers for when there is not a need for cooling). Next most important is commissioning the equipment, dialing in airflow for proper operation with regard to humidity control (sensible versus latent heat removal). This is done in multiple ways but is typically controlled via a higher end thermostat, blower motor, and multistage or ideally variable speed equipment to match your need to the demand.
www.americanstandardair.com/
Humidifiers:
During the winter time the humidity level is too low and a properly controlled humidifier can correct this, ideally with regard to the outdoor temperature.
www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/humidifier
https://www.americanstandardair.com/products/indoor-air-quality/platinum-humidifier/
Dehumidifiers
There are also times when humidity will creep up without a need for cooling. This is when either reheat dehumidification (all electric HVAC system with proper control) or a dehumidifier will improve comfort and air quality.
https://www.santa-fe-products.com/resources/how-home-dehumidifiers-work/
Proper control
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Humidification
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Dehumidification
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#4 - Air Purification
Adding an Ultra Violet air and/or surface treatment system can reduce the presence of bioaerosols (mold bacteria, and viruses) as well as reduce the quantity of VOC (volatile organic compounds -- chemicals) in your home or business https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/building-readiness#uvgi https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/martin.pdf Second Wind Model 2000 Brochure "BY COMBINING THE HIGHEST INTENSITY GERMICIDAL ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT WITH PHOTO-CATALYTIC OXIDATION ODOR (PCO) CONTROL, THESE MODELS PROVIDE THE SAFEST, PURIFIED AIR. " http://www.secondwindairpurifier.com/userContent/documents/Product%20Guide-2000-Series.pdf University study from the 2013 Coronavirus and how Second wind performed https://www.cgfproducts.com/fck_upload/pdfs/SW-University%20Study%20-%20Coronavirus.pdf%20NL.pdf |
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