GineersNow HVAC June2020, COVID-19, Coronavirus, aircon, air conditioning, chillers, compressors, controls, ducting, heaters, insulation, MEP, pumps, pipes, refrigeration, ventilation 3

Whether one believes so or not, air-conditioning
systems have always had the ability to influence
and even encourage viral output: infectious
particles from any respiratory virus can potentially
be circulated by HVAC systems anywhere, at any
time. But the concern for this virus is emphasized
and made more extreme because there is currently
no vaccine available for COVID-19. Because the
vaccine has yet to be made, immunity is largely
at risk even with everyone practicing social
distancing measures as best as they can.
In the same study, there were 73 other individuals
who ate at the five-story restaurant that day, but
none ended up testing positive for COVID-19 aside
from the previously mentioned. It is speculated
that the restaurant’s high ceilings were the reason
that more people were not infected. As Lednicky
explains, viral particles tend to drift upwards
towards the ceiling as they circulate. On the flip
side, it also could have been potentially worse:
air flow and how many vents are in the room
can magnify the risk of coming into contact with
droplets carrying COVID-19. Obviously, the more
people in the room, the more likely air conditioning
can play a negative role.
In conclusion, while air-conditioners are there to
comfort us in the hottest of days, there are clear
benefits of sacrificing a day or two of cold air. But,
more effective than turning on the AC, is once
again to distance oneself from everyone else.
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