COVID-19 Spotlight Falls on HVAC Systems

One mitigation strategy involves ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces


Much of the focus of stopping the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has fallen on research laboratories and hospital emergency rooms and ICUs, and that’s understandable. Those areas of facilities are the front lines of the battle. Further behind the scenes, though, are components and equipment that are essential to the new phase of the effort — HVAC systems.

With multiple vaccines now being rolled out, real hope exists that the world will gain the upper hand on the pandemic in 2021. To make that happen, the HVAC industry will play a key role, according to Hydrocarbons 21. In particular, it will provide the fridges needed to keep some of the vaccines at their required ultra-low temperatures. 

While vaccines are being distributed, mitigation measures to limit COVID-19 infections will continue to be needed in 2021. One of those is ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces, such as adjusting centralized HVAC systems to pull in more outdoor air, and inserting MERV (13 and above) or HEPA air filters into HVAC units, or using standalone HEPA units. Another strategy is to keep the relative humidity in a room at 40-60 percent, particularly during the winter when indoor humidity drops.

 

Click here to read the article.



January 7, 2021


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


HSHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Partner on New Inpatient Rehab Hospital in Green Bay

The 40-bed hospital will be named the Hospital Sisters Health System | Rehabilitation Hospital.


Turning Facility Data Into ROI: Where Healthcare Leaders Should Start

Better data, smarter tools and small facility upgrades can drive measurable returns, guide ambulatory strategy and improve patient experience.


Sutter Health Breaks Ground on Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex

The new center, located on Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center campus, will feature four stories and 165,000 square feet of modernized, patient-centered space.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.