COVID-19 and your AC
We aren’t doctors, but can help you understand the physics of the air conditioning process/.
With almost 200,000 coronavirus cases in Arizona, there are many questions regarding how people can protect themselves. Moreover, there's a lot of confusion about air-conditioners and if they help spread the virus.
Two new studies show that COVID-19 particles could be blown around by ACs, but it should be noted that the infections were under specific conditions: using a mini-split AC unit, and those in very close proximity (cruise ship, jails). The potential for transmission doesn't mean that an AC should be turned off during the summer! Taking what we know about the circulation of air in your home, a threat only occurs if there is a COVID-19 positive person in your home. That said, there are things to consider before using your AC if someone in your home is infected.
If someone in your home has COVID-19
The kind of central air conditioner found in most American homes can't use outside air. If someone in the household has coronavirus, this is a potentially dangerous scenario under certain circumstances. If the room has a mini-split AC unit, care must be taken since ductless systems have the air return vent in the same room as the mini-split. Those who are infected shouldn’t share a room with others in a room cooled by a mini-split.
Limit the AC return flow if you have COVID-19 positive person in your home
Turning off the AC is not a smart solution for many people during the summer heat. Instead, keeping the infected person away from return air vents will lower the possibility of dispersing the virus. Blocking the undercut in their quarantine room will prevent infected air from spreading through the home. Simultaneously, cracking a window open slightly in their bedroom, similar to the size (less than one inch) of the undercut of a door, will give the contaminated air a way to exit the room. Adjust the window and register as needed to keep the room comfortable without building too much pressure.
A whole room air purifier with a HEPA filter in the patient's room will also prevent droplets from spreading. Some people recommend using duct tape to cover the vents in the room where COVID-19 positive people are isolating as the most effective solution. However, when the heat is intense, no one wants the patient to suffer more than necessary. Partially closing the register, combined with cracking a window and blocking the undercut, is a better solution.
Air-conditioning can also prevent infection from spreading
Further research done by Ana Rule of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health proved that using AC prevents the spread of infection. Air-conditioners are continually removing and filtering the air containing the dangerous droplets, lowering the concentration of it. a MERV 8 filter blocks the spread of droplets. The research results also show that only social distancing is more effective at preventing the infection.
However, the room temperature shouldn't be too low. The correct approach is to set AC to warmer temperatures, as it shortens the lifespan of the virus. As Rule suggests, the temperature should not go lower than 70 degrees but doesn't need to be higher than 75. Also, changing air conditioning filters isn't advisable.
Home rule: Don't turn off your AC – use it smarter
Combined with social distancing, AC is an effective way to help your home coronavirus-free. Even if someone is sick or possibly infected, the air-conditioner can still be used while taking the necessary steps to limit the airflow and filter the air in the patient's room. We aren’t doctors, and this isn’t medical advice. But it’s practical, commonsense information that can help you understand and manage your AC during a difficult time.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
