HVAC Modifications in Response to COVID-19

Many of our clients have, or are preparing to, re-occupy their office spaces as they return to “normal” business operations.  They are also sensitive to potential concerns staff may have as they re-enter the workplace.  C.T. Male Associates can assist as you address these concerns.

CDC issued guidance on April 7, 2021, “COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings”. This guidance includes recommendations and guidance for determining if your building is ready for occupancy. Building system evaluations that can be performed include the following items:

• Review of HVAC systems and maintenance based on ASHRAE Standard 180-2018.
• Check for prolonged facility shutdown hazards such as mold growth, rodents or pests, and stagnant water issues.
• Ensure ventilation systems are in compliance with applicable codes.
• Increase ventilation as outlined in CDC guidance.
• Increase air filtration as outlined in CDC guidance.

C.T. Male Associates is actively assisting building/facility owners of private businesses and educational campuses with the following:

• Mold remediation & HVAC system operation to reduce or mitigate mold.
• Evaluation and recommendation of Building Management System (BMS) settings to improve building ventilation.

Building Management Systems can be adjusted to improve ventilation by increasing the percentage of outdoor air (e.g. using economizer modes of HVAC operations), increasing air supply flow of occupied spaces, and disabling demand-control ventilation. Increasing outdoor airflow will require verification that existing HVAC systems can maintain desired building setpoints (temperature/humidity).

Ventilation quality can be improved by increasing air filtration to the highest extent possible without significantly diminishing design airflow. In higher-risk areas, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be considered as recommended by federal and state health officials.

C.T. Male Associates’ Building Systems staff are ready to assist you in completing your building system evaluation. Call us at 518.786.7400.