Improve Home Air Quality and Reduce Contamination With HVAC Equipment

3 Ways HVAC Equipment Can Protect Against Coronavirus

COVID-19 or Coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets exchanged from person to person or by making contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Many jurisdictions have issued orders to shelter in place that require people to spend most of their time indoors. The right HVAC equipment can improve home air quality by reducing the presence of viruses, bacteria and respiratory irritants.

​1. Maintain Better Home Air Quality

Managing exposure to dust, dander, pollen and pollutants can support overall health and make spending time indoors more comfortable. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.
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It may be possible to improve the quality of indoor air through regular maintenance such as cleaning or sealing ducts and replacing filters. Specialized HVAC equipment such as whole-house in-duct air purifiers or filtration systems can significantly enhance air quality. You may also want to consider an Energy Recovery Ventilator for circulating out stale air.

2. Filter Out Microbial Contaminants

There are two types of UV lights designed for use in HVAC systems. A UV air sterilization light installed near a return air duct that turns on with the air handler blower can disinfect moving air. Installing a stick light near the air handler coil prevents mold growth, but does not sterilize airflow.
 
Equipping a central air system with an ultraviolet air sterilization lamp reduces the presence of biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and mold spores in indoor air. This specialized lamp can be costly, but it may eliminate potential causes of illness and respiratory irritation. Consult with a trained HVAC contractor to determine the right UV solution for the central air system in your home.

3. Reduce Respiratory Irritants

Preliminary research on COVID-19 indicates that infection with this virus is more likely to cause severe symptoms in individuals who have other respiratory conditions. If you or anyone else in your household suffers from asthma or any other breathing issues, you may benefit from filtering out as many irritants as possible from indoor air. These improvements can help to reduce strain on your system that could make you more prone to experience severe symptoms due to these conditions or a coronavirus infection.
 
An in-duct air purifier lowers levels of dust, pollen and dander in indoor air. A filtration system is also an option for trapping these particles and some microbes and pollutants. A UV air sterilization light is the best option for eliminating microbes from the air flow to discourage the spread of viruses and bacteria in your home.
 
All of these approaches to improving air quality can increase your comfort and safety at home. If you must leave the house, follow the safety recommendations of the World Health Organization. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth until your hands are clean. Disinfect surfaces such as door handles and light switches to stop the spread of viruses. Contact us to determine the best approach to improving air quality in your home.