Just as face masks are protecting humans against the novel coronavirus, air filters are the guardian angels for your HVAC system. They remove airborne contaminants from air and make it breathable for you and your family. While people might not be going crazy to get their hands on air filters the way they are for N95 masks, HVAC manufacturers and contractors have seen a surge of clients concerned about their indoor air quality (IAQ), ever since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The pandemic has increased awareness about the importance of good quality and healthy air inside our dwellings and other enclosed spaces, according to the marketing manager at General Filters, Paige Freeland.

The Risk of Contamination

Air filters with higher MERV can keep our homes safe from the potentially airborne coronavirus particles by capturing them. But it also means that there are high chances of the filters being contaminated with the virus, since the virus can live on surface for hours.

Therefore, it’s important for HVAC specialists to adopt appropriate protocols while performing replacements, repairs, maintenance of potentially contaminated air filters. HVAC contractors can be experts when it comes to indoor air, but it cannot be the same with COVID-19.

According to the executive advisor at Aprilaire, John Bloomer,

“The fact that viruses can be airborne and higher MERV filters can trap them [shows that] there is some chance that in a building that has been occupied by someone who is sick with the virus, the virus could live on the filter for a short period of time.”

Most low efficiency air filters only trap particulates that are larger than viruses and other such pathogens. It implies that filters with higher efficiency are at a higher risk of contamination, because they can capture tinier particles—other than just dirt, dust, and debris.

What You Can Do?Air Filters

Upgrading air filters in your home can increase your protection against the coronavirus. But there are certain precautions that your HVAC contractor must take before they enter your home.

  • They should wear nitrile gloves, N95 face masks, and covered shoes before entering your home.
  • They should take care of the proper disposal of the dirty filters.
  • They must disinfect the surface before and after the service has been performed.

Install Higher MERV Air Filters

Experts like Freeland and Bloomer are recommending homeowners to install air filters with higher MERV for maximum protection against the virus. It’s also important to check whether other units in the HVAC can handle high-MERV air filters. For instance, under-sized ductwork may have to be upgraded as well before installation of these filters.

If you’re looking for a top-quality air filter installation, get in touch with the best HVAC repair services 60605. At Global Heating and Cooling, our expert technicians are well-trained to take care of the precautionary measures before and after performing services because of the coronavirus outbreak. They will enter your property geared up and assess your HVAC system to ensure better filtration across your home.

Call us at (773) 801-3734 for more information about our AC repair Service 60622.