{"id":520,"date":"2020-06-16T20:52:14","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T20:52:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.njairquality.com\/?p=520"},"modified":"2020-06-16T21:18:17","modified_gmt":"2020-06-16T21:18:17","slug":"building-reopening-hvac-system-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/njairquality.com\/building-reopening-hvac-system-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Reopening HVAC System Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On July 15, 2020, New Jerseyans entered stage two of reopening. It is a step in the right direction for our local economy but some of those businesses will unfortunately not be reopening. COVID-19 impacted the New Jersey economy greatly and those businesses will sorely be missed. As per those facilities that will be opening, we are excited for them and wish them all the luck in the world. Be an NJ ambassador and shop at your local stores instead of shopping online. If you can hack it, stop by a local cafe and grab a coffee and pastry. These small businesses are desperate and they can use lots of moral support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Upgrading to a HEPA Filter <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As per the businesses that have begun to open it is important to make sure that your HVAC system is fully functioning and filtering the air properly. Many shops and commercial facilities are upgrading their filtration system to HEPA filters and increasing the replacement rate. The air which passes through the HVAC system will now remove 99.7% of airborne particles. Some of these particles include  pollen, smoke, pet hair, dander, dust, mold spores, and dust mites. Pretty much anything which is 0.3 microns or higher will be filtered out of your air cooling system. This is great for customers who are sensitive to dust and allergens. Removing a sneezing stimulant from the air will mean one less sneeze, and less germs spread around your store or facility.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a HEPA Filter prevent the spread of COVID-19?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately even the most advanced HEPA filtration system won\u2019t be able to prevent coronavirus from being spread through your HVAC system. It is not just COIVD-19 that can’t get filtered, but it’s pretty much any virus that’s 0.3 microns or less. To put things into perspective, scientists have attempted to measure the size of conranvirus<\/a> and its size can vary, anywhere from the largest being 0.14 microns, to the smallest being 0.06 microns. That falls well short from what HEPA filters can handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UV lighting<\/a> is a trending topic when it comes to HVAC systems which can potentially zap the coronavirus before it leaves your system. Though it has not been proven 100%, the technology is slowly being implemented within international transit systems. New York City is currently testing UV lights on  its trains and buses<\/a>, and will determine if to install across the board. No one is certain but it does sound promising. We will have to wait and see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning On Your Commercial Air Cooling System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that nonessential businesses are back to work in the midst of summer, you will want to crank up the AC. Ever since Governor Murphy ordered all of the nonessential businesses to close<\/a> on March 21st, these heating and cooling systems were turned off or set to a very high temperature. This meant less air flow, which allowed dust and mold to build up within the air ducts. Three months later we are excited to open up our shops and turn on the cooling systems. But what about all the debris that\u2019s accumulated in the ductwork? Chances are it will get blown into the air space of your shop and land somewhere. This could impact customers who are sensitive to dust and mold and increase germ spread when they cough or sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check To See If There Is a Buildup Of Dust By The Air Vents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before your turn on your HVAC system check for signs of dust and mold build up by the vents. Though it does not necessarily tell us what’s going on inside your ductwork it can signal that it might be time to get your air ducts cleaned. A local NJ air duct cleaning specialist <\/a>can determine if it makes sense to get the air ducts clean. This will depend on the age of the system and signs of dust and mold build up within the ducts. Whether you choose to hire someone or not, you’re going to want to make sure that the outside venting is clean<\/a>, without any dust buildup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Have My Air Cooling System Sanitized or Disinfected To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA<\/a>), there is no data suggesting that sanitizing ventilation systems will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Numerous antimicrobials on the market have been approved for use in HVAC systems and in HVAC ductwork. These could be helpful to NADCA members in treating HVAC systems if these products are used in accordance with the law and the instructions on the label and if these products are specifically stated by the manufacturer to be effective against COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to Consider Before Turning On Your HVAC System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Due to the HVAC system not being in use for 90+ days there is a good chance that it may have accumulated things inside that you don’t want to be disbursed into the air of your shop or facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n