Preparing HVAC systems before reoccupying a building

As states across the U.S. roll out new phases of reopening and ease social distancing restrictions instituted to flatten the curve of infection from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), commercial building owners and facility managers are seeking direction in preparing their spaces to a return to near-normal levels of occupancy. World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations have focused on de-densifying spaces and disinfection of surfaces, while the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force’s comprehensive Building Readiness guidance addresses strategies for preparing HVAC systems for buildings reopening after COVID-19 closures.1 Still, facility engineers have been wondering whether disinfecting their facility’s HVAC system is a further protective step to take to prepare for reopening—and about what else they should do. © 2021 Amer. Soc. Heating, Ref. Air-Conditoning Eng. Inc.. All rights reserved.