Coronavirus: How to avoid risks with air conditioning. Good maintenance and stay away from split units.

CORONAVIRUS: AIR CONDITIONING

We will be able to use it with peace of mindconditioned airAnd with what precautions? Or would it be better to shut down the systems and suffer the heat? These are pressing questions with rising temperatures and forecasts predicting cycles of scorching heat. And they are questions that have received a very ambiguous answer, originating in America and echoed by websites around the world. According to the magazine Emerging Infectious Diseases, the transmission of the virus through air conditioning is very likely, as these systems would produce a «aerosol effect», such as to favor the propagation of the deadly «droplets».

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AIR CONDITIONING AND COVID: RISK OF CONTAGION?

This news, which is actually quite exaggerated by the magazine's title, can be considered false, or almost. And the risk of using air conditioning, both at home and in public places, is easily manageable with a few basic but simple precautions. Let's look at them one by one.

Excellent maintenance. This rule is fundamental in any case, but it must be respected even more so in the age of coronavirus. The maintenance we're talking about, regarding household systems, must be performed annually. And it means one thing clearly: thoroughly clean the filters (with soap and water or 75% ethyl alcohol) with a damp cloth, and let them dry naturally. In the age of coronavirus, it's a good idea to also sanitize the filters in addition to washing them. About a helpful tip for purchasing filters.

In public places and offices. Consider a bar, a restaurant, or any office. They typically have dual-flow controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems (one pump for air intake, one for exhaust). These systems must be constantly turned on, in good working order, and with certain key parameters (temperature, humidity, etc.) under control. Air recycling, however, must be eliminated. As for maintenance, the filters must also be cleaned and sanitized.

At a safe distance. Avoid staying too close to any air conditioning unit for too long. Even the adjustment of the split air vents must be carefully managed, keeping in mind that the greatest risk is being in close proximity to an infected person for more than 15 minutes. And in restaurants that comply with the regulations, for example, people can speak without masks and stay in the room for more than 15 minutes.

Proper ventilation of rooms. This rule also applies to homes as well as public spaces and offices. For safety reasons, maximum air circulation is required. Common areas, where there are many people, should be ventilated, especially during the day.

The risk of ventilators. Compared to air conditioning systems, modest fans can pose a few more problems. These devices can carry volatile virus particles over 1 meters away. When using them, always keep them at a safe distance. here a great model of fan.

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