The novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has caused a global pandemic that has changed the way we live and work. As the virus continues to spread, it is important to understand how to reduce the risk of transmission and improve indoor air quality. HVAC systems, air filters, and other measures can help reduce the risk of surface transmission and airborne transmission of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends social distancing, frequent handwashing, and wearing masks or respirators to reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, they recommend improving indoor air quality by using air filters with higher MERV ratings. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is a rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is at trapping particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and viruses.
What is a MERV Rating?
MERV ratings range from 1-16, with 1-4 being the lowest ratings and 13-16 being the highest.Filters with MERV ratings of 1-4 are typically used in residential settings and are not effective at trapping smaller particles like viruses. Filters with MERV ratings of 8-12 are more effective at trapping smaller particles like dust mites, pet dander, and some bacteria. Filters with MERV ratings of 13-16 are considered “high efficiency” filters and are most effective at trapping smaller particles like viruses. Nordic Pure makes a variety of air filters with MERV ratings ranging from 1-16.Their MERV 13 filters are designed to trap up to 95% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
This includes viruses like SARS-CoV-2 that are 0.125 microns in size. Nordic Pure also makes a variety of other air filters with different MERV ratings for different applications.
How Can HVAC Systems Help Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission?
HVAC systems can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by improving indoor air quality. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends using high efficiency filters with MERV 13 or higher ratings in HVAC systems to reduce airborne transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.Additionally, they recommend increasing ventilation rates to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of surface transmission.HVAC systems can also help reduce the risk of cross-contamination by controlling home occupancy levels. By limiting the number of people in a home at any given time, it reduces the risk of surface transmission by reducing contact between people who may be infected with the virus but not showing symptoms yet. Additionally, it reduces the risk of airborne transmission by reducing the number of people in an enclosed space.
What Other Measures Can Be Taken to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission?
In addition to improving indoor air quality and controlling home occupancy levels, there are other measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as well as using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.They also recommend avoiding close contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing food or drinks.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding raw animal products such as meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products as they may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illnesses. They also recommend avoiding cross-contamination by washing hands before and after handling food as well as using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.Finally, they recommend following CDC guidelines for isolation guidance if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you have tested positive yourself.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through both surface transmission and airborne transmission. To reduce the risk of infection it is important to practice good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks or respirators when in public spaces. Additionally, improving indoor air quality by using high efficiency filters with MERV 13 or higher ratings can help reduce airborne transmission of the virus.Controlling home occupancy levels can also help reduce surface transmission by limiting contact between people who may be infected but not showing symptoms yet.Finally, following CDC guidelines for isolation guidance if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you have tested positive yourself is essential for preventing further spread of the virus.
