How to manage HVAC during random and uncertain occupancy

Following the announcement of a second lockdown in England, many people have readopted remote working practices, and several properties are required to remain in operation. In either circumstance, discussions are turning toward the role of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and the spread of the virus.

Appropriately managing the buildings’ HVAC is especially important at this time. Although the extent of airborne transmission is still not fully understood, there is reason to believe that Covid-19 can be transmitted in inadequately ventilated spaces with poor internal air quality (IAQ).

Read further to discover how to manage HVAC during random and uncertain occupancy.

Managing your HVAC during Covid-19

The Health and Safety Executive states that the transmission of coronavirus is extremely low providing there is an adequate flow of fresh air. Both facilities managers and property managers should focus on improving the circulation of clean air by opening windows and doors, where possible. In areas that don’t have this ability; good ventilation (fresh air), the use of a ceiling or desk fan is recommended.

The management of indoor air flows must be considered. The dilution of internal air can help to minimise the risk of infection, by reducing the time for the virus to spread and contaminate surfaces.

In July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) provided several points to consider with regards to air conditioning:

• Configured HVAC systems should provide fresh outside air, rather than recirculating air from within the building. During winter, there may be a temptation to switch this external air conditioning off, however, this would compromise the reduced risk of infection for building users.
  
• Increase the level of air filtration to the highest possible efficiency to purify the quality of air in the property. This should be done in a way that doesn’t diminish the design airflow.
  
• Consider running the HVAC system to the maximum level 2 hours before and after occupancy of the building.

Taking such actions aren’t just imperative from a Health and Safety perspective; it can help employees to feel more secure that their buildings are actively preventing the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, the lack of operational visibility of HVAC can result in it being near impossible to confirm that the above measures are actually taking place. Building analytics provides the ability to continually monitor HVAC operation and make sure that your building is following this guidance.

Maintenance and cleaning of HVAC

While occupancy of buildings may be lower than normal, it might be the perfect time to re-evaluate your current HVAC settings and perform a deep clean of mechanisms. Doing so can improve the air quality within buildings allowing systems to run more efficiently, whilst reducing the risk of infection.

In April, the NAADUK (National Association of Air Duct Specialists UK) released guidance for cleaning HVAC systems during the pandemic, as the virus can live up to 3 hours in indoor air and can stay active for 2-3 days in normal temperatures. The NAADUK guide provides a step by step guide in how to manage the fan coil operation to lower the transmission of Covid-19.

All equipment used to clean ducts and surfaces must be efficiently cleaned with industry guidance. Whilst cleaning is in operation, all workers should wear the appropriate PPE, maintain social distancing and washing hands where appropriate.

Understanding the power of data

Building Management System (BMS) optimisation plays a key role in the management of HVAC and the improvement of its performance. Harnessing the operational data locked inside a BMS has uses other than managing a building during a pandemic.

Building analytics enables engineers to reduce operational carbon emissions and running costs by identifying inefficiencies that would otherwise be near invisible without it. Building analytics can also use BMS data to monitor the effectiveness of systems, assets and even components, facilitating a data-driven maintenance programme going forward.

For those who are working remotely, it’s still possible to monitor and manage your HVAC systems. Demand Logic’s software allows users to collaborate online, harnessing the power of live data. The software allows property and facilities managers to take a deep dive into their buildings’ performance, identifying short and long term issues with their properties to help provide actions to treat these inefficiencies.

If you would like to speak to us about how we can help with the management of your HVAC system, get in touch today on +44 20 71933 4212 or email info@demandlogic.co.uk