General Recommendations from the Eurovent Association for HVAC Equipment Maintenance During the Coronavirus Pandemic
GEN - 1105.00. In this general document, Eurovent presents common and fundamental recommendations regarding the operation of ventilation systems during the coronavirus pandemic. The document also provides additional sources of information on COVID-19.
Current knowledge about the transmission of coronavirus:
So far, the scientific community knows that the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spreads through microdroplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets do not remain suspended indefinitely but typically fall to the ground or nearby surfaces within a short distance from the infected person. This is why social and physical distancing are effective measures to prevent transmission. This information comes from Johns Hopkins University, widely recognized and cited as an authoritative source on coronavirus expertise.
Currently, there is no evidence that the coronavirus can be transmitted through ventilation or air conditioning systems. According to Eurovent, none of the official health authorities have yet issued guidelines on the proper operation of (mechanical) ventilation systems.
Recommendations
There is no doubt that the concentration of smaller airborne droplets, which may contain viruses including viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, should be kept as low as possible.
This can be achieved most effectively through properly functioning mechanical ventilation systems.
Precautionary measures
In this regard, Eurovent's general recommendation is to maintain and clean ventilation systems properly in accordance with the instructions and applicable hygiene standards.
As a precautionary measure during the pandemic risk period, the following actions may be helpful:
- Increase the air ventilation rate and raise the percentage of fresh air in the system.
- Extend the operating time of the ventilation system.
- Check whether the ventilation air supply units are properly adjusted and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Consider maintaining the relative humidity in indoor spaces above 30% (where possible).
As soon as new reliable information about the disease and its transmission becomes available, the recommendations will be updated.
Reliable sources of information
On the following websites, you can find additional information about the coronavirus:
- Johns Hopkins University: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/
- REHVA: https://www.rehva.eu/activities/covid-19-guidance
- ASHRAE: https://www.ashrae.org/techniki-resources/resources
You can find the applicable hygiene guidelines in the recommendations and manuals provided by Eurovent:
- Eurovent Air Filter Guide: https://eurovent.eu/?q=content/eurovent-%D1%80%D1%8A%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE-%E2%80%93-%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%88%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B0-%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F
- Eurovent Guide for Air Handling Units and Ventilation Chambers: https://eurovent.eu/?q=content/eurovent-%D1%80%D1%8A%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE-%E2%80%93-%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8-ahu
- Eurovent REC 6/14 - 2000: Hygienic Aspects in Ventilation and Air Handling Units: https://eurovent.eu/?q=content/eurovent-614-2000-hygienic-aspects-air-handling-units
