Improving indoor air quality reduces the spread of COVID and flu. This is crucial now that winter is almost here, and more people will be spending time indoors. In addition, it’s predicted that the 2022-2023 flu season is going to be worse that the last several years.
Seattle & King County created a guide business owners and operators of public buildings can use to improve their IAQ during the ongoing pandemic. The guidelines can also be followed to reduce the spread of flu, colds and other viruses.
Safety guidelines benefit all
Since the start of the pandemic, it has been a priority for K & D Mechanical, Inc. to follow all COVID guidelines as set forth by state and local officials. It is our goal to safely install, service and maintain our customers’ HVAC equipment.
Our clients and their customers directly benefit too. When you improve air quality, employees feel safer and hopefully won’t get sick as often, which usually results in missing work.
Reducing spread of viruses
We know COVID, flu and the common cold are spread through the air so the key to stopping transmission is cleaning the viral particles out of the air. Depending on your business and the type of building, one of these 3 or a combination of them will improve your air quality.
- Better HVAC units
- Portable HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air cleaners
- Upper room UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) disinfection
These solutions can be used with other common-sense practices (wearing masks, regular cleaning) to further reduce spread.
Increasing air flow is key
HVAC systems work by bringing in outdoor air to mix with recirculated indoor air. To reduce the spread of viruses, your system’s setting should be adjusted to take in the maximum amount of outdoor air (100% is optimal).
This allows for the fastest replacement of inside air with clean outdoor air. It’s especially helpful to flush the space with the maximum amount of outside air between work shifts and large groups.
Upgrading air filters
Air filters are another area that can make a significant difference. MERV 8 filters are standard, but they are not as effective at removing COVID-19 and other infectious particles. MERV 13 (or higher) filters are recommended for commercial use if your HVAC system can handle them.
Note: There are other brands of filters that are the equivalent of MERV 13, such as the ISO (3M brand) or FPR (Home Depot brand). These are equally good and just as effective. If your HVAC system can’t handle MERV 13 filters, you may want to think about upgrading your equipment.
Maintenance is key
Air filters need to be changed on a regular basis since clogged filters are not as effective at keeping out harmful particles. Filters should be looked at monthly and be replaced before they are thickly coated with dust.
Keep in mind that you may be replacing them a little more frequently and not necessarily at the same intervals. For example, smoke from wildfires can quickly clog your filters and cause you to replace them more often.
Questions to ask your HVAC specialist
- What type of filters does by HVAC system use?
- Can my HVAC system handle MERV 13 or higher filters?
- How often do I need to change out my filters?
- How often should my HVAC system be cleaned and/or inspected?
- Does airflow in my space move in the direction of clean to less-clean air?
- How can I tell if my HVAC system is working well?
We’ve already addressed the answers to some of these questions. If you don’t have a service or maintenance agreement with a HVAC company, we recommend you get one.
At K & D, we tailor our maintenance service to your specific equipment to ensure maximum performance. Any concerns can be discussed during routine checks along with things to look out for between our visits.
HEPA air cleaners
Viruses are spread through the air and when people are talking and/or moving around, they expel more respiratory droplets. These droplets circulate through the air, but HEPA air cleaners are designed to trap up to 99.97% of these particles down to 0.3 microns in size.
These air cleaners can be used alone or as a supplement to your main HVAC system. Depending on the size of your facility, you may need more than one. You need to have a CADR (clean air delivery rate) adequate for the size of the space.
What CADR do I need?
The EPA recommends a minimum CADR of 65 for an area of 100 square ft. Higher CADRs (above 200 cfm) remove more particles and can be used in larger spaces. For example, a 500 square foot room could have 1 HEPA cleaner with a CADR of 325 (or higher) or two cleaners that have a CADR of 175 each.
It’s recommended to get a unit that has a higher CADR that needed so that you can put it on a lower, quieter setting rather than having it on full blast. Lastly, have a filter replacement schedule that you will follow (and not forget) which is based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tips for using your HEPA air cleaner
- Place it where people spend the most time.
- Increase the amount of filtered air by putting it on a higher fan speed and leaving it on for longer periods.
- Avoid placing it so that air blows from one person to another.
- Do not place air cleaners where walls, furniture or other things block the unit’s air intake and outlet.
- Since they usually plug into an outlet, secure the cord so it’s not a tripping hazard.
UVGI best for specific facilities
UVGI systems are used to kill viruses and other microbes in indoor air using low-wavelength ultraviolet light. It’s important to note that the particles are not removed from the air. In comparison, a HEPA air cleaner has a filter that traps and therefore, removes harmful particles.
Not right for all areas, UV light fixtures kill or inactivate germs in the air in the upper part of the room. Ceiling heights must be at least 7 to 10 feet and are best used where there is no ventilation and air filtration or where it’s minimal.
The type of facility or business you have dictates what other considerations you may want to take or guidelines you’re required to follow. For example, schools and childcare settings likely have different requirements than an industrial or office setting.
There are many options for improving indoor air quality during the upcoming cold and flu season. Contact K & D Mechanical to learn which option is best for your Seattle or Tacoma area facility.
