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HVAC-Maintenance-Checklist-Help-Prevent-COVID-19-Transmission

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HVAC Maintenance Checklist:
Help Prevent COVID-19 Transmission
COVID-19 cases may have declined, but many tenants are still concerned about transmission, particularly as
new variants spread. If left unattended, these doubts could escalate and contribute to tenant turnover.
Increased ventilation and air filtration has
been proven to greatly reduce the risk of virus transmission indoors.
Measuring the ROI of Regular Preventive Maintenance
This means in CRE’s next phase, a well-managed HVAC system will be your ace in the hole.
Your specific HVAC maintenance program will depend on the system’s age, condition, size, brand, and
frequency of use. But there are a few universal tips property managers can use to optimize their HVAC systems,
without breaking the bank.
Skip Full Replacements
A report by Building Engines showed only 4 percent of tenants
requested a full HVAC upgrade in the height of the pandemic.
Given the expense, full-scale HVAC replacement is not a practical
first-choice option.
If your unit is older (the average lifespan of a commercial HVAC
unit is 15-20 years with proper maintenance), consider
replacement. Otherwise, investigate smaller-scale upgrades and
advanced maintenance.
Increase Air Duct Inspections
Regularly maintaining your ductwork is crucial to prevent dust,
mold, pollen, and pest debris. If air ducts are neglected, these
agents can accumulate to the point where they start to re-enter
your building’s air.
As a rule of thumb, air ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5
years. But property teams might want to increase this frequency
throughout the pandemic.
Use Outdoor Air
Even a slightly open window can dilute harmful particles, so open
windows and doors to increase outdoor air flow when practical.
Then, open outdoor air dampers beyond minimum settings to
reduce or eliminate HVAC air recirculation.
Do so in moderation and after consulting an HVAC professional,
since an influx of outdoor air can negatively impact the
performance of an HVAC system.
Use Fans to Increase Open Windows’
Effectiveness
When used together, your HVAC system and added fans are a
powerful one-two punch against disease transmission. At
typically less than $100 per fan, this is an easy, cost-effective
measure. But fan placement is key (review CDC guidelines on the
subject first). Incorrectly positioned fans can cause contaminated
air to flow directly from one person to another.
Improve Energy Efficiency
To reduce energy consumption, start by enlisting an HVAC
professional to conduct an HVAC energy audit, or do so in-house.
This will pinpoint where air might be escaping due to leaky air
ducts, faulty compressors, or other reasons.
Then, place unoccupied areas of the building into setback. You’ll
need to rebalance your systems to deliver increased airflow to
occupied spaces instead.
HEPA is Hot
HEPA filters are 99.97% effective at capturing air particles
associated with COVID-19. But buyers beware: these filters are
incredibly simple technology. It shouldn't be necessary to spring
for the most expensive option.
As with any HVAC filter, ensure HEPA filters are properly sized to
minimize airflows around, instead of through, the filter. HEPA
filters remove more debris from the air, so they require more
frequent changes than a standard filter.
Make Your HVAC a Competitive Advantage
With vaccines now widely available, some may want to dismiss air quality concerns.
But remember: You’re still competing against other buildings, and the safety and comfort of the home
office. If you aren’t taking clear, visible steps to alleviate ongoing tenant concerns, they may think twice
about renewing leases.
HVAC management software like Ravti, from Building Engines, can facilitate HVAC maintenance and
maximize unit performance.
Request a Demo
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