No evidence that ac is spreading coronavirus
30th March 2020
UK: The UK’s F-gas certification body Refcom insists that there is still no evidence that air conditioning or ventilation systems are contributing to the spread of the coronavirus.
In response to questions from members, head of Refcom Graeme Fox, said: “It is really important to reconfirm that, at this stage, there is still no evidence that air conditioning or ventilation systems are contributing to the spread of the virus.”
Speaking during today’s BESA webinar, Fox admitted that there were “still a lot of unknowns” but recommended putting air handling units on full fresh air, rather than recirculation as much as possible.
“Forget about heat recovery and air handling units with crossover of air,” he said. “Health is more important than energy efficiency right now.
“Higher ventilation rates do minimise the risk of moisture settling on internal surfaces. So, if the virus is in the air coming through, then you want to minimise any risk of that settling on the surface.
“So even if a building is relatively low occupied at the moment, keep up the air flows to as high rate as possible to minimise any risk.”
The latest most informed information is contained in the BESA guidance document, available for viewing or download here.
Related stories:
AC and duct cleaning has no effect on Covid-19 spread – 21 March 2020
BELGIUM: REHVA, the European Federation of HVAC associations, has advised that humidification, air conditioning and duct cleaning has no practical effect on the transmission of the coronavirus. Read more…
ASHRAE offers online hospital HVAC course – 24 March 2020
USA: ASHRAE is to offer an online course on the role of HVAC systems in infection control in hospitals. Read more…
Refcom steps in to combat coronavirus misinformation – 11 March 2020
UK: The F-gas certification body Refcom has stepped in to “allay fears” and “put the record straight” on “misinformation” regarding the coronavirus and air conditioning. Read more…
ASHRAE issues guidance to combat coronavirus – 28 February 2020
USA: ASHRAE has developed proactive guidance to help address coronavirus concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems. Read more…
