Businesses across the country are reopening at part or full capacity. Whether you are welcoming all customers with open arms or limiting seating and/or occupancy to ensure social distancing, there are some measures you can take that can help — measures beyond frequent hand washing and social distancing. Namely, pay attention to your oval ductwork, spiral ductwork, and round ductwork as well as your entire indoor and outdoor air ventilation systems.
“There is no evidence to suggest that a well-maintained air conditioning, ventilation, or other types of climate control system will contribute to the transmission of COVID-19,” The Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) writes. If you read between the lines, GHHIN is saying it is important to keep these systems well-maintained and in optimal working condition to do your part.
Here are a few ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious ailments, like the flu, by carefully considering air ventilation.
Increase Air Flow
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “An important approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants or contaminants including any viruses that may be in the air is to increase ventilation — the amount of outdoor air coming indoors.”
Whenever possible, work with HVAC and oval duct services to increase airflow and ensure that there is as much fresh air in a given room as possible. How much ventilation or airflow is enough? That depends on the size of a space or room and how many people typically occupy it. Make sure to increase ventilation in heavily trafficked areas in particular. When that is not possible, limit the number of people in the room at one time.
Cut Down On Leaks
Now more than ever, it is important to make certain your ductwork and HVAC system is in tip-top shape. It is especially important to prevent leaks. When they are properly placed and properly functioning, ducts move cool air from one place to another. They ensure that old, stale air goes out and fresh air comes in. Round, oval, and spiral ducts are especially effective at preventing leaks. Their seamless, air-tight design keeps the air inside the ducts, exactly where it should be. Round or oval ducts also have the added perk of reducing noise pollution.
Talk to one of the professionals at oval duct services about the most efficient ducts for your building. Don’t forget to ask about the advantages of oval ductwork!
Prioritize Inspections And Maintenance
Increasing airflow and choosing the most efficient ductwork isn’t enough. From there, you also need to make certain your HVAC system and ductwork is operating at its best.
Don’t skip routine inspections. Call oval duct services to inspect units whenever you have a concern and an absolute minimum of once every three to five years. Make sure to get an inspection as part of your reopening process! Further, clean ducts frequently and replace HVAC filters often. Use high-quality filters to catch as many particles and allergens as possible. If you notice accumulating dust or any other signs of dirty ductwork, address it immediately. Ducts that need cleaning are not only unsanitary but also do not work as well as clean systems. These systems will work harder while being less effective.
Keep windows and doors open for long stretches of time to help further circulate fresh air around the room.
For businesses who have recently reopened or are about to reopen, sanitizing is an important and obvious step. Think outside of the box, and take a second look at your duct and HVAC systems to make sure they are working as safely and as efficiently as possible.
