Many business owners were met with new HVAC challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
It was a time of uncertainty. Employees were forced to work from home. Business owners had to pivot endlessly. But ultimately, workers eventually made their way back to the office. Before that, however, business owners had to make sure their offices were equipped properly to combat COVID-19.
Here’s how you can equip your office as hybrid work environments slowly become the new norm.
Cleaning and Disinfection
COVID-19 reshaped the way we approach cleaning and disinfection processes. In order to equip your office with such, it’s important to lay out a plan and divide up responsibilities amongst willing team members (or even an appropriate cleaning team!).
One really important course of action is developing a cleaning/disinfection schedule. Whether it’s Clorox wipes or other cleaning sprays, make sure that common areas and surfaces (think microwaves, refrigerators, etc.) are cleaned at least once a day. Restrooms should also be cleaned on a daily basis — even multiple times a day if need be. Avoid using the same cloth twice to clean multiple areas, as that can only spread germs even more through cross-contamination.
Make sure that your office has stocked up with extra Clorox, cleaning supplies, and hand sanitizer as well.
MERV Filters
MERV filters are not the be-all, end-all of COVID-19 protocols, but they can be a good measure to take for preventive action.
In fact, the EPA notes…
“Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter’s ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses. Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default. Upgrading to a MERV-13 rated filter, or the highest-rated filter that your HVAC system fan and filter slot can accommodate, could improve the system’s efficacy in removing viruses from circulated air. Before making any changes to the air filter in an HVAC system, users should consult their HVAC manual or an HVAC professional.”
HVAC Maintenance
Having experienced technicians and professionals examine your HVAC system is another important measure to take — not only in regards to COVID-19, but all other airborne illnesses. As your HVAC system is composed of many different moving parts, it’s crucial that each part is inspected.
Look for dust, dirt, debris, and any other water buildup that may be lingering in there. Such obstructions can lead to poor air quality and make inhabitants sick. In fact, water buildup can even lead to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease — as standing water is a breeding ground for the bacteria known as Legionella.
Encouraging Communication
As team leaders, it’s important to encourage employees to be open and transparent about any concerns they may have. It can be challenging to get employees back to the office given the convenience of at-home work, but for those in office, you’ll want to make sure they’re safe and that their voices are heard.
Fighting COVID-19 with Air Ideal
At Air Ideal, we’re committed to bringing you the safest and healthiest indoor air quality possible — especially when it comes to fighting COVID-19. To learn more about how Air Ideal can help your Long Island/New York City-based home or business, please visit our website or get in touch with us today!