Facility Operations during COVID-19
The airborne nature of COVID-19 puts the epidemic — and its prevention and containment — front and center for HVAC professionals.
We want our customers to be aware of what technology and solutions are available to help make their building environments incrementally safer.
For those buildings that remain open, a few actions related to HVAC systems are suggested in accordance with the CDC and ASHRAE:
- Revise HVAC programming to introduce “purge” cycles to increase outdoor ventilation prior to building occupancy, and throughout the day.
- Consider UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation), particularly in high-risk spaces such as waiting rooms.
- Increase outdoor air ventilation
- Open minimum outdoor air dampers, (as climate conditions allow), thus minimizing re-circulation
- Disable demand-controlled ventilation (DCV).
- Improve central air filtration to MERV-13 or the highest compatible with the filter rack/fan motor, and seal edges of the filter to limit bypass.
- Keep systems running longer hours, if possible, to enhance the two actions above.
BAS has been actively helping customers improve their facilities in accordance with many of the recommendations above.
If you or your team need assistance in implementing any changes specific to your building system, please reach out to us.
Stay safe.