As we enter the colder months, we need to place an emphasis on controlling indoor air quality, temperature and humidity in order to maintain safe and healthy facilities for our built environments. With coronavirus rates at an all-time high in the United States, it’s imperative to look at a detailed assessment of your comprehensive ventilation systems, review contamination sources, and look at your disinfecting strategies within your building.
Viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19) and influenza thrive in building environments with poor ventilation, very low and very high humidity levels, on surfaces and even ductwork. Increased outdoor air ventilation, limited occupancy levels, and disablement of demand controlled ventilation have been recommended by ASHRAE. As we get further into the winter months, building management systems and controls will play a bigger role in a facility’s efforts to maintain a healthy space.
Detailed assessments for indoor air quality, facility wellness, and security may be a good first step in understanding risk.
Maintaining more precise ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels will provide for a healthy building environment. Building operators are encouraged to trend and monitor ventilation, temperature and humidity levels, as the data will provide valuable information on the risk to spreading pathogens through the ventilation systems.
In addition, as boilers operate, steam distribution systems should be checked for piping leaks, and assurance that steam traps and condensate return units are operating properly. Some steam systems may provide humidification for buildings, therefore checking the operations of these humidifiers is important in the fight against viral transmission – whether it’s flu or Covid.
Reducing transmission rates is clearly a top priority for every occupied building in every application. Improving air filtration measures and disinfecting protocols consistently should be prioritized in building operations. Disinfecting Filtration System Technology can capture microns as small as 0.007, helping to reduce the risk of viruses circulating the air.
Stark Tech and its affiliates in the northeastern part of the United States – U&S Services, Kistler, TP Woodside, Buckpitt, and MC2 and Shaw Mechanical in the southeast, are ready to help implement the appropriate measures and procedures to keep your buildings healthy and your occupants safe, healthy and comfortable this winter season.
Stark Tech specializes in turnkey solutions with capabilities and expertise in building controls & automation, equipment, and facility data intelligence.
