Clean ducts fight the spread of Covid

Clean ducts fight the spread of covid? Is this even possible?   According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was recently updated this past week in regards to the transmission of the virus through aerosol transmission.nThis was after other countries and international health organizations acknowledge this airborne threat.

What was updated this past week was the mention that the risk of covid-19 through microscopic airborne particles can be transferred through the ventilation system. This transfer through respiratory droplets is created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts or talks. As the droplets are different in size, the largest drop to the ground within minutes/seconds, and smaller droplets referenced as “aerosols” linger in the air.

This is a major change from what was prepared in the past, and as commented by Linsey Marr who is one of the top aerosol scientists in the world with an expert understanding of airborne transmission. The answer is that masks are to be worn for both parties. People infected with covid-19 and those that are not.  The aerosol droplets can be stopped by either party simply by wearing a mask.

New studies come up every day with how this virus is transmitted, primarily through superspreading events such call centre, restaurants, and choir practice.   In fact, in Montreal a nursing home had an outbreak of the corona virus in Montreal in May due to a faulty ventilation system, where it infected 226 residents and 148 employees.  

A gym in Hamilton had an outbreak of over 85 people and forced the city to announce new, enhanced guidelines for all fitness operations including mandatory masking.  The gym followed all the rules including distancing themselves from each other, wearing before and after masks and it wasn’t sufficient enough…  meaning it was shown that the virus was able to transfer through the ventilation system.

As of October 2020, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) updated their OFFICE BUILDINGS notice with 2 key notes;

• Ensure that ventilation systems in your facility operate properly. For building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that have been shut down or on setback, review new construction startup guidance provided in ASHRAE Standard 180-2018, Standard Practice for the Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems

• Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors if possible, and using fans. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk for occupants, including children (e.g., a risk of falling or of breathing outdoor environmental contaminants such as carbon monoxide, molds, or pollens).

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) released a statement that encourages the cleaning of ventilations and changing the filtration to help with reducing the spread of the covid infection.  

In summary it’s important by all Ontario Duct Cleaning standards that you consider changing your filters regularly, if not monthly. Cleaning your ducts should be done after renovations, or when you move into your new home. If you have pets, light candles or in general have allergies (pollen, dust mites, bacteria) it’s a good idea to have your furnace and ducts cleaned.

In a recent article it was shared that air ventilation and air filters for hvac systems can help clean the air in your home but there is a theory that mechanical ventilation with a proper air filter could reduce the spread of the virus. It’s been proven that the furnace air filter replaced a few things.

Research is still to be developed but according to this article it was stated that air purifiers along with a new air filter could possibly assist with removing some of the virus that could be floating in the house.   This combined with a duct cleaning company cleaning your furnace and ducts will increase your chances of having less circulation of the virus.

The duct system is different in each home.  Meaning that as fresh air enters the house, it circulates through the house ventilation ducts, in both the heat and cooling systems.  The indoor air quality is critical to ensure that it’s clean and removes those dust, hair particles and further debris that falls into the vents. The cold air return is where the air gets sucked into the furnace…this is just as critical to have cleaned as much as the registers where the heat comes out.   

You want to make sure that you also clean the exhaust fans or the blower fan in the furnace.  There are many companies that do clean the air ducts but do not clean the furnace.  One company that cleans the exhaust fans is Vacu-Man. Having this done not only cleans the exhaust air but further increases the ventilation rate throughout the home.   It’s also going to be energy efficient as the fan will not need to work as hard.   

Help prevent the spread of covid-19 by washing hands, keeping your distance and further changing your air filter in your ventilation system. It’s a good time to have your air ducts cleaned and you can feel confident in calling the experts… 905.333.5454.

Vacu-Man has been cleaning furnaces and air ducts for over 45 years