Beat the heat and COVID-19: Tips for safe air quality

Summer is on its way, and with it comes the dual threat of high temperatures and the COVID-19 pandemic. As job sites reopen across North America, it’s important to devote extra attention to maintaining air quality for those around you.

At Sunbelt Rentals, we’re working hard to help our customers manage airflow safely. Consider these tips as you introduce fresh air to your facility.

Boost your filter efficiency

As we head into warmer months, now is a good time to take a look at the air filters at your site. In some cases, you may be due for a replacement or upgrade.

The number of particles removed from the air varies from filter to filter. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is a metric used to illustrate just how effective your filter is. The higher the MERV, the more particles it can remove.

It’s best to strike a balance between using a filter with the highest MERV level without overly hampering the airflow your HVAC system is designed for. While not enough is known to definitively say how or whether filtration affects the spread of COVID-19, filters with higher MERV values are generally considered to reduce the spread of other contaminants.

Keep it in motion

Airflow is critical to maintaining a safe environment for employees, and it’s helpful to produce a directional airflow that moves clean air to less clean air. If necessary, experiment with ventilation design to produce this effect.

Another useful strategy is to introduce fresh air from outdoors with open windows or other ventilation. This dilutes the air indoors, but only consider this option if it is environmentally safe to do so. 

Support those efforts on the ground

When it comes to COVID-19 and other pathogens, the battle is both in the air and on the ground. Stay consistent with surface cleaning, disinfecting, and other safe practices. Incorporate social distancing into your overall capacity to minimize airborne spread, and keep plenty of cleaning products on hand.

We still have a lot to learn about the novel coronavirus and how we can contain the spread. As you reopen your facility and return to normal, be sure to keep a close eye on the latest advice from authorities and health officials.

Consider equipment options

Find the cooling equipment that’s right for your job. Download our free Cooling Equipment Guide to learn more.

Improving ventilation at a job site can be a complex undertaking, but Sunbelt Rentals makes getting help a breeze. Our climate control specialists can walk you through plenty of HVAC options from spot coolers to air scrubbers, and their comprehensive knowhow ensures each blast of cool air is a safe one. Contact us today to learn more.

Want to be sure your facility is ready for reentry? Get peace of mind from the experts with a facility readiness consultation. We’re here to support you. That’s the Power of Sunbelt.

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