COVID-19 Spotlight Falls on HVAC Systems

One mitigation strategy involves ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces


Much of the focus of stopping the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has fallen on research laboratories and hospital emergency rooms and ICUs, and that’s understandable. Those areas of facilities are the front lines of the battle. Further behind the scenes, though, are components and equipment that are essential to the new phase of the effort — HVAC systems.

With multiple vaccines now being rolled out, real hope exists that the world will gain the upper hand on the pandemic in 2021. To make that happen, the HVAC industry will play a key role, according to Hydrocarbons 21. In particular, it will provide the fridges needed to keep some of the vaccines at their required ultra-low temperatures. 

While vaccines are being distributed, mitigation measures to limit COVID-19 infections will continue to be needed in 2021. One of those is ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces, such as adjusting centralized HVAC systems to pull in more outdoor air, and inserting MERV (13 and above) or HEPA air filters into HVAC units, or using standalone HEPA units. Another strategy is to keep the relative humidity in a room at 40-60 percent, particularly during the winter when indoor humidity drops.

 

Click here to read the article.



January 7, 2021


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

Healthcare and Resilience: A Pledge for Change

Climate resilience and reducing environmental impact drive voluntary program targeting hospitals.


Texas Health Resources Announces New Hospital for North McKinney

Expected to open in 2028, the hospital will feature 60 beds initially with plans to double in capacity to accommodate for future community growth.


Cedar Point Health Falls Victim to Data Breach

Cedar Point Health has no evidence directly linking this incident to specific incidents of financial fraud or identity theft.


Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One

Sprinklers, smoke compartments and firestopping can form an interdependent safety strategy.


Cleveland Clinic Hits Key Milestones for Palm Beach County Expansion

These include plans to begin demolition of current structure and hospital site preparation in 2026 and open the outpatient center and ambulatory surgery center in 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.