Since December 2019, COVID-19 has created a havoc on Earth. Spreading throughout the world, COVID-19, also known as the novel Coronavirus, has affected millions of people and claimed thousands of lives. In the US only, there are more than 890,000 confirmed cases with more than 50,000 deaths, and the numbers are just increasing.
This highly contagious virus has spread panic and despair around the world. The virus typically spreads through droplets, which result from sneezing, coughing, or simply breathing of the infected person. Since these liquid droplets are too heavy to stay stagnant in the air, they very quickly settle down to the surface. Now, this can be any surface. Whether its floor, table, or an air conditioner duct, an infectious droplet can survive and spread through these surfaces.
Since it is easier for most of us to wipe the floor, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces, cleaning an air conditioner duct is something an ordinary person cannot do, and we need to hire professional services for that.
But why is air conditioner maintenance critical at this time, and what role can it play in curtailing the spread of the virus?
According to the experts, air quality is essential when it comes to the transmission of the virus. Too many people breathing in stagnant air can multiple the risk of infection. And to promote the flow of high-quality air, only professional maintenance can help.
Air conditioner maintenance was under a lot of debate and controversy during the recent lockdown. But considering the importance of air conditioner maintenance during this pandemic, the Department of US Security has deemed “HVAC maintenance workers” as essential service providers. This means that HVAC maintenance professionals can perform their emergency tasks without any restrictions.
Though there are various ways to curtail the spread of the virus, air conditioner maintenance is just one of them. Below you can find out about some of the air conditioner maintenance measures which can slow down the spread of the virus not only in commercial buildings but also in residential units.
Functioning Exhaust Systems
One of the best ways to slow down the spread of this highly contagious virus, especially in commercial buildings, is to bring in the fresh air. As you run the exhaust fans, this creates negative pressure, and thus it promotes the inflow of outside air.
As mentioned earlier, breathing in stagnant air can multiple the risk of infection. Therefore bringing in fresh air from the outdoor minimizes the risk of viruses staying in one place. As the fresh air enters and circulates, this facilitates the flow of air particles, and there are more chances of the virus flushing out of the building.
Flushing of Air
Again, this is more relevant to a commercial facility but is also applicable to residential units. As you flush the air of the commercial facility or residential unit, this facilitates optimal airflow and is considered to be an important step in getting rid of the COVID-19 virus.
However, like most air conditioner maintenance tasks, this is not a DIY task. You will have to call in a professional who can flush the air of the facility or your home. Based on the recommendations from the manufacturer, an HVAC professional will open the dampers of the air conditioner. Also, before opening them, they will take a note of outside humidity and temperature.
When flushing the air, make sure you ask the repair professional to adjust the humidity of your air conditioner. Setting slightly higher humidity (between 40 & 60%) causes air particles, including viruses fall on the ground. This, in turn, makes it easier to clean the virus when it is on the surface. On the other hand, drier air allows air particles to hang in the air for longer. So setting higher humidity is a recommendation.
Internal Cleaning of the Air Conditioner
An integral part of the air conditioner maintenance is the internal cleaning of coils and grills. Since this is not a DIY task, you will be required to call in maintenance professional. Make sure there is proper sanitation of the entire air conditioner. In case, the virus is present in your HVAC system or air conditioner, these measures will help curtail the spread of the virus.
It is particularly important to clean the evaporator coil because this is the part of the air conditioner through which the air enters the room. Another important area to clean is the air conditioning cabinet. This allows for efficient filtration and circulation of the air.
Replace Filters
Always remember that a COVID-19 virus cannot be caught in the air filter. Even the most efficient filters are not designed to capture the tiny virus. However, a filter will definitely help in case the virus is present on a particle of dust. Therefore, we recommend that you change your air filters frequently. Though the average time before you need to replace filters is at least three months, in these times of uncertainty, it is a good idea to change the filter once every 4 weeks.
As the virus continues to spread and take lives, air conditioner maintenance is one of the possible ways to slow down the spread of the virus. Spending a little on maintenance will definitely save your life and the lives of your loved one.
If you are someone who needs air conditioner maintenance, contact Mesa Plumbing. Our trained and experienced professionals are there to repair and maintain your air conditioner. We work to ensure that you and your family stay safe in these difficult times. To know more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call now at 418-832-1660.