As we continue to fight COVID-19, many are frightened of the potential spread inside healthcare facilities. One important area that needs extra attention during the pandemic are your HVAC systems. Houston healthcare facilities services can help you address any HVAC issues that may put healthcare professionals, facility staff, patients, and visitors at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Houston Healthcare Facilities Services Help Keep Your HVAC Filtering Air Potentially Contaminated by COVID-19
Keep your HVAC system in good shape with Houston healthcare facilities services to help reduce the risk of spreading pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Current research suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from one person to another. Because it is an airborne illness, many have wondered what the risks are for the virus entering ventilation systems. Several studies have found traces of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in ventilation systems, including in air ducts and other areas of HVAC systems.
Therefore, it’s more important than ever to schedule regular Houston healthcare facilities services to help maintain HVAC systems. Generally speaking, most hospitals contain several different components in an effort to keep the environment free of pathogens. For example, most healthcare HVAC systems include HEPA filters, MERV filters, and dedicated outdoor air systems to pipe in clean air from outside.
However, dirty filters, contaminated air ducts, and malfunctioning Houston commercial HVAC systems can all put staff, patients, and visitors at risk from a wide range of illnesses, potentially including COVID-19.
Regular maintenance and predictive service can help prevent issues inside your hospital’s HVAC system during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes things like changing air filters as needed as well as inspecting mechanical components. You want your system operating at peak efficiency. In addition, regular inspections of conditions, particularly inside airborne infection isolation rooms, can help you maintain a safe environment for those vulnerable to the virus.
Houston Commercial HVAC Considerations that May Help Reduce the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
There’s still a lot we don’t know about the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, there are some key considerations for your HVAC system and reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.
- Sunlight can kill SARS-CoV-2: Because sunlight kills the virus, increasing fresh air wherever possible is important, which means using dedicated outdoor air systems in your Houston commercial HVAC system or increasing indoor air dilution with outdoor air.
- Bathrooms may have high airborne levels: Studies have found that the virus may be present in stool of infected patients. When the patient flushes, it may aerosolize the virus. Many experts recommend increasing ventilation in restrooms infected patients may use.
- Viruses don’t like humidity: Several studies show that humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce survivability for viruses. Current recommendations include keeping humidity levels in that ideal range to help reduce the risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2.
Changes in HVAC operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic may require more output from your current system. Houston healthcare facilities services include inspections and maintenance of these vital systems. This may help reduce the risk of contamination and uncomfortable interiors.
Specialized Maintenance Services from MIR
When you need Houston healthcare facilities services, our maintenance team at MIR Enterprises is here to help. We’re available 24 hours a day to provide you with the specialized services your facility needs. Whether you need maintenance for ventilation systems or Houston commercial lighting services, our highly trained professionals are here to serve you. Call us today at (281) 469-2140 to request service or create a routine maintenance plan for your building.
