Actions and Recommendations
While conducting our research on information from the recent pandemic, we found that on both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) websites mention that “current guidelines appear to be to reduce disease transmission of airborne particles by primarily increasing outdoor air ventilation and filtration efficiency.” All CDC and ASHRAE suggestions, strategies and guidelines are based on what they learned from the 2003 SARS-CoV-2 virus. Preliminary research has been recently released, due to the urgent need for this information from the most recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, but it is likely to take years to reach scientific consensus.
Winchester Mechanical has developed recommendations based on CDC and ASHARE guidelines that we recommend you consider when looking into repairs, upgrades, and overall improving your building ventilation system and indoor air quality (IAQ). Of course, every system is different, but that’s why we are here to help you figure out what is best for you!
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
1st: Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase ventilation rates
Make sure that not only are you getting adequate amounts of fresh, clean outdoor air circulated into your building, but also that old and stale air is properly being recycled from your building.
2nd: Improve central air and other HVAC filtration to MERV
This can be accomplished by replacing existing air filters in all air handling units (AHUs) with new MERV filters.
NOTE: The MERV filters should be replaced twice a year at a minimum due to the dense nature of the filter. The service life of the filter diminishes the more debris the filter collects.
3rd: Clean and disinfect surrounding surfaces where filters are installed
Clean and disinfect coils using evaporative coil cleaner and EPA registered anti-microbial products.
SECONDARY ACTIONS
Add air-handling, unit-mounted, upper room, and/or portable UVGI devices in connection to in-room fans
This can be accomplished by installing the appropriate iWave Technology device; a self-cleaning air purification system to each AHU(s).
Click our iWave Technology tab under Indoor Air Quality to learn more what an iWave device can do for you and your IAQ!
FUTURE ACTIONS
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase ventilation rates
Install new energy recovery ventilation units (ERV) with complete ducted systems.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Add portable room air cleaners with HEPA or high-MERV filters
Add a free-standing Room Air Purifier to office or home space. This creates an immediate sense of air movement and filtration.
NOTE: Removes up to 99.5% of airborne impurities 0.3 microns and larger passing through the HEPA-type filter including dust, pollen, mold spores, germs and other pollutants that settle on surfaces, floorings, and furniture. Reduces common office odors passing through the activated carbon filter. Easy to install, just requires an electrical outlet to plug into.
Please note that Winchester Mechanical does not make any claim to the cure or prevention of Coronavirus (Covid-19) or any other virus, but we will continue to do our research to follow CDC and ASHRAE guidelines and will do our best to keep you breathing the freshest, cleanest and highest quality of air possible.
References
CDC - Interim Guidance for Business and Employers
CDC - Indoor Environmental Quality
ASHRAE - Coronavirus Preparedness and Resources
