As business owners, building managers, and property owners know, the COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of building management practices. From enhancing cleaning methods, sanitation stations, and social distancing, we learned new ways to reduce the spread of viral diseases and bacteria as a society. So, while the threat of COVID-19 may not be as prevalent as it once was, it’s still a genuine concern for many business owners and building managers.
In an editorial from the Washington Post editorial board, one of the most critical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted: the importance of improving indoor air quality. According to the article, many buildings in the United States were constructed to meet minimal air quality standards. However, we’ve learned through the pandemic that improvements like increased air filtration helps reduce the spread of not only COVID-19 but other airborne illnesses like influenza, RSV, asthma, and more.
In response to the pandemic’s lessons, the CDC has issued new guidance recommending at least five air exchanges per hour per room. They’ve also recommended buildings install air filters with a MERV-13 rating or higher. According to the CDC, these new targets “will not guarantee totally safe air in any space [but they can help] reduce the risk of exposure to germs and other harmful air contaminants.”
As a professional cleaning company, we support these recommendations. We know that improving indoor air quality is a great way to help reduce the spread of illness, germs, and bacteria. But increasing the cycle of your ventilation system isn’t the only tool you can use to improve the air quality in your business. You also need to make sure your ventilation system is clean too!
That’s why we offer specialized HVAC and ventilation system cleaning to remove dust, debris, and germs that accumulate over time in your air ducts and system. Using vacuums and specialized tools, we remove the dirt and debris before it’s cycled throughout your building. This cleaning service helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and improves the quality of the air being filtered throughout your building.
The Washington Post article points out that many schools are designed for only three air exchanges per room per hour and that most other buildings may have similar or even lower air exchange rates. So, now is the time to begin making changes and improvements to your HVAC system to meet the CDC’s guidelines. But before you turn up your HVAC system, ensure it’s clean with our help!
