Can Your Home’s HVAC System Contribute to the Spread of the Coronavirus?

Can Your Home’s HVAC System Contribute to the Spread of the Coronavirus?
Author

Sam Leslie

Owner | Mesa Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Table Of Content

Covid-19 cases are still rising in many parts of the country. Experts are trying to find out exactly why this is happening. However, they do have one explanation. They believe that HVAC systems can potentially spread the coronavirus.

The intense summer heat is driving many people indoors. People who are in close proximity are more likely to spread germs. Edward Nardell is a medical doctor who works for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He stated that many people are touching the surfaces that people have contaminated by talking and coughing.

Experts have also stated that the way units can work can also explain HVAC coronavirus. The fresh air from outside may mix in with the air that the air conditioner produces. It will also be circulated throughout the home. This means that if someone is shedding the coronavirus, then you may end up breathing their air.

Aerosols are the smallest virus particles. If the air is constantly circulating, then the aerosols will be circulated. Furthermore, it is important to remember that dry air is what viruses prefer.

Is the Coronavirus Airborne?

New research is constantly coming out about the coronavirus. However, experts do believe that it can be transmitted through the air. Shelly Miller, who is a mechanical engineer who works at the University of Colorado at Boulder, agrees that the virus can be airborne. She stated that it is possible that you can get the virus just by inhaling it.

The Role That the Air Conditioner Plays

There was a study done in July by a team of Chinese scientists. It investigated Covid-19 cases that were linked to restaurants. Ten people got sick after they ate at a restaurant. The tablets were spaced more than three feet apart. The researchers concluded that larger droplets probably weren’t spreading the virus. Experts believe that smaller droplets spread the virus.

A study done by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It found that it was possible for people to pick up remnants of the virus even if they were six feet away. That is why scientists believe that public health experts should tell people that it is possible for the air conditioner to transmit the virus.

How to Stay Safe While You Are Inside

You do not have to avoid using your air conditioner. However, there are several things that you will need to do to keep yourself safe. One of the best things that you can do to prevent the coronavirus from spreading indoors is to let the outdoor air in.

You can also use UV light to kill the germs. This has been done to control outbreaks in the past. Additionally, it is a good idea for you to invest in an air cleaner. You will need to use an air cleaner to protect yourself from HVAC coronavirus.

Keep in mind that ionizing cleaners do not work. If you want to know which cleaners are the best, then it is a good idea for you to check the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers website.