Covid solutions is an multi-step process starting with proper equipment assessment and continuing to long-term data tracking and automatic performance analysis.
Start with the obvious: outside air introduction into the occupied space. Outside air ventilation provides the first opportunity to ensure that indoor space air quality meets minimum IAQ recommendations, all while providing fresh air for occupants during occupied hours.
Verify the correct outside air ventilation rates first. Measure OA CFM. Check damper actuators. Verify operation minimally corresponds to fan operation
Free economizer cooling is available during outside air temperatures from 50/55F to 70/75F. Outside air is drawn into the HVAC system - up to 100% - to provide cooling supply air. Economizers work but need attention and maintenance. Verify changeover temperatures from outside air to mechanical cooling. Confirm damper minimum position is sufficient or necessary. Use additional indoor space sensing to auto-adjust outside air introduction.
Effective space air delivery ensures positive nuclei particle pickup and capture in filters or HVAC exhaust. Casual return air ductwork and grill sizing diminish air circulation effectiveness.
Effective air circulation takes on additional importance in keeping space conditions clean. It also minimizes space temperature differences to improve comfort.
Most HVAC systems view filtration as a way to keep the cooling coil clean.
But filtration can do more than simple coil protection. Low effectiveness filtration can be replaced with much higher small particle capture at a small additional pressure drop.
Negative Air Ions (NAI) impact both human health and indoor air quality. They help relieve symptoms of allergies to dust, mold spores, and other allergens.
NAI is also an effective method for removing particulate matter (PMs). They are especially effective with PMs diameters of less than 10 microns (PM10).
NAIs have been shown to impact individual performance in drawing, visual reaction time, and auditory response.
NAIs are also known to be effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They also have shown to be effective at treatment of chronic depression.
Reports show that NAIs attach themselves to dust, spores, and other allergens, which helps to relieve symptoms of allergies to these particles.
Ultraviolet light is widely used in hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores to minimize airborne viruses as well as mold and bacteria.
Ultraviolet light is also used to irradiate surfaces through the use of light wands where individual objects are targeted for cleanup.
UV-C is straightforward to install and effective in operation - continuously.
Confidence that HVAC equipment is performing as expected requires key temperature tracking.
Only extended data tracking can create the type of information to automatically assess system operating alerts.
Alerts provide notifications of equipment operating outside normal limits. This analysis continues 24x7 looking for conditions indicating equipment not performing properly.
Alerts report on complete equipment failures but focus on subtle operating conditions that fail to meet performance criteria by small margins.