Preparing Your HVAC Systems to Address COVID-19
CCER • May 15, 2020
What you can do to help stop the spread

One of the easiest ways to do your part is by scheduling the tower and coil cleaning of your HVAC systems. ASHRAE developed the following statement on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19:
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.
ASHRAE also released this statement on the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems to reduce SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 transmission:
Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air. Unconditioned spaces can cause thermal stress to people that may be directly life-threatening and that may also lower resistance to infection. In general, disabling of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems is not a recommended measure to reduce the transmission of the virus.
Additionally, HVAC filters, along with other strategies, can help to reduce virus transmission, while removing other air contaminants that may have health effects.
According to the CDC, even individuals with no symptoms can still transmit the virus, and the virus can survive for several days on non-porous surfaces. Therefore, in addition to routine cleaning and disinfection, air filtration via your HVAC system is another area in need of attention. While high ventilation systems are optimal, the CDC stresses that all buildings should be equipped with air exchange systems, and be located in buildings with tall ceilings. Utilize the highest efficiency filters that are compatible with the existing HVAC system(s), and adopt “clean-to-dirty” directional airflows. If resources allow, ceiling fans with upward airflow rotation combined with upper-air ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) disinfection systems can be utilized.
If you are a Colorado-based business in need of HVAC coil or tower cleaning, let’s schedule your free assessment. In roughly 15 minutes, we can evaluate the units that need to be cleaned, review access to the area(s), estimate anticipated results and the required hours or days to fully clean all units, and schedule a convenient time for the work to be completed.
This method of sanitation can help to stop the spread of COVID-19, reducing your operating and energy costs, while increasing energy efficiency. Request your free assessment today!

Spring is the ideal time to tackle HVAC maintenance before demand spikes in the summer. At Common Cents Energy Recovery, we specialize in professional HVAC coil deep cleaning and system optimization, helping building owners and facility managers across Denver and the Front Range save money and prevent downtime.

Fall offers a unique window of opportunity to service your cooling systems with minimal disruption. During this time, cooling demands are lower, making it easier to schedule maintenance without affecting your building's comfort levels. By taking care of this essential upkeep now, you’ll have your systems in peak condition when warmer weather returns.