Air Filters

Whether you run a restaurant, manage a retail store, or own an industrial warehouse, your indoor air quality should be a top priority for the sake of your staff and customers as well as for the life of your HVAC system. 

Although various factors contribute to your air quality, one of the most important is your air filter. Your filters are designed to capture mold spores, bacteria, dust, pollen, dander, viruses, and other pollutants so they don’t circulate through your building. But don’t get lulled into a false sense of security. Your air filters should be replaced regularly to improve your air quality and ensure your system runs efficiently. If it’s full of pollutants, it has to work that much harder to heat or cool your space. 

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filters?

How often you replace your air filters comes down to the type of filter you use. Generally, air filters should be replaced about every 30 days or every 6 months. You should check with your HVAC manufacturer to be certain. An HVAC technician will also be able to inspect your unit and any questions you may have.

ASHRAE Standard 180-2018

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed a task force and extensive set of recommendations for property owners in response to the current global COVID-19 pandemic that’s in guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To learn more about inspection, maintenance tasks, and more read this Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems guide. 

Is Your Business ready to reopen during COVID-19?

The CDC is recommending building owners, managers, and employers take proper steps when reopening their buildings to help stop the spread of COVID-19. They suggest;

• Evaluating the building to ensure it’s ready to be occupied, inspecting for pests, mold, plumbing issues, and other hazards
• Ensuring ventilation systems are working properly. You can review more guidance on starting up your HVAC system in Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems
• Increase the air circulation in your building by opening windows and doors and running fans only if it’s safe
• Ensure faucets have been run and are working properly. Stagnant water in plumbing has been linked to Legionnaires’ disease among other diseases

Are your current air filters going to work during COVID-19 ? 

There’s no simple answer to this question as there are so many unknowns about COVID-19. There’s also no direct scientific evidence about the effectiveness of air filters against the virus. However, if your building has been minimally occupied or unoccupied during the pandemic, it’s recommended that you have your HVAC system serviced. This should also be the case even if we weren’t in a pandemic crisis. When HVAC systems aren’t tended to, filters and duct linings can become dirty and contaminated affecting the longevity and efficiency of your system. 

After your HVAC system has received maintenance from a professional HVAC contractor, we recommend you run your system at maximum outside airflow for at least two hours before and two hours after your building has been occupied. 

COVID-19 Air Filters

Your commercial air filters help improve your air quality by capturing pollen, dander, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the air. Whether your commercial building has been minimally occupied or not occupied at all, it’s important that you replace your commercial air filters and have your system serviced to ensure your staff, employees are safe and to improve the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. 

COVID-19 Air Purifiers

HVAC systems are used in a variety of settings from industrial buildings to retail spaces. They not only keep you comfortable by providing you with cool and warm air, but they also help improve your indoor air quality by utilizing air filters. 

If you’re in need of a new air filter or air purifier for your space, contact Vanport Mechanical Fire & Sprinkler Inc. We specialize in HVAC equipment in both commercial and residential settings.