With summer arriving, most of us are beginning to start up our air conditioners to beat the heat. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to our health and safety, there are concerns about the spread of the virus due to air conditioning systems. There are debates over whether air conditioners spread virus as we are still trying to understand the disease and how it works. The information we have found so far is not absolute, but we’d like to share some information on how to operate air conditioners while being conscious of the pandemic.
When possible, avoid using air conditioning in facilities with many COVID-19 patients. Disinfect the facility thoroughly and always wear a mask.
Avoid direct airflow from air conditioners.
Reduce the spread of infectious aerosol by lowering the power of the air conditioner fan.
Avoid using an air conditioner and fan at the same time.
Ventilate often to keep air from recirculating. Simply opening a window is best, but using ventilators to draw fresh air in from outdoors is also effective!
Clean or change air conditioner filters regularly. Be sure to wear masks and gloves. And don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
*LG does not claim that these tips are absolutely effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 or any other viruses
As we adopt and evolve methods and practices in the HVAC industry to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we can also adapt how we use our air conditioners in our facilities. Remember these simple tips to keep occupants comfortable this summer while still maintaining sensible practice concerning COVID-19.
*References
1. ASHRAE, “ASHRAE Position Document on Infectious Aerosols,” 14 April 2020, https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/position%20documents/pd_infectiousaerosols_2020.pdf
2. Korea Times, “Can AC Spread Coronavirus? A Thorny Question That Emerges With School Reopening,” 7 May 2020, https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/05/119_289141.html
3. Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, “COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Briefing,” 27 May 2020, http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/upload/viewer/skin/doc.html?fn=1590545363041_20200527110923.pdf&rs=/upload/viewer/result/202006/
*Products and solutions may vary according to country and operating conditions.
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