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
