COVID-19 and Mini Splits
Around the world, life has been permanently altered by an airborne virus known as COVID-19 or the coronavirus. You were likely spending more time outdoors all summer to mitigate the spread, but now that the colder weather is here, you wonder if your current ventilation system is sufficient enough.
In this informative post, we’ll answer your most pressing questions on whether switching to a ductless mini split system in light of COVID-19 is a wise idea.
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease spread by SARS-CoV-2, a type of coronavirus. Since being discovered in late 2019, COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic, with such parts of the planet as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India leading the spread.
COVID-19 can cause such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, lack of smell or taste, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, fever, and breathing issues. Not everyone who has COVID-19 necessarily exhibits these or any symptoms. If symptoms do manifest, that can happen anywhere from two days to two weeks after being exposed to someone with the virus.
As of current, there is no COVID-19 vaccine, although that’s expected to change.
How Is COVID-19 Spread?
Given that COVID-19 is an airborne disease, any dispersal of infected droplets by a symptomatic person can lead to the spread of the virus. This includes the infected person speaking, shouting, singing, sneezing, coughing, breathing deeply, and clearing their throat. By wearing face masks, your chances of breathing in these infected droplets through your nose and/or mouth are reduced.
Is a Ductless Mini Split System More Efficient for Reducing COVID-19 Spread Than Traditional Air Conditioning?
When in an indoor environment, the dispelled droplets from a person infected with COVID-19 can linger in the air longer than outdoors. Experts at Harvard believe the droplets can remain in the air for upwards of three hours if they’re aerosolized, which is quite a long time.
Ventilation has been recommended to keep the droplets moving and possibly reduce infection. You may rely on an air conditioner in your home, but you’re concerned about the risk of the AC unit spreading infection. Is switching to a ductless mini split system the way to go?
According to guidance from the CDC, yes, it is. That piece cites a study done in Guangzhou, China in 2020 about the effectiveness of air conditioning on reducing COVID spread. CDC states the following: “A wall-mounted ductless system blows air directly onto those closest to it, potentially disseminating infectious droplets or aerosols along the airflow.”
The CDC piece also mentions that “ductless units…have little ability to filter or remove airborne contaminants,” but the units are effective in getting those infectious droplets to move so they may cause less disease.
Ready to Order Your Ductless Mini Split Today? Call PowerSave AC
If this post has inspired you to buy a ductless mini split system for your home or commercial building, give us a call at PowerSave AC today to discuss your options. You can reach us at 1-877-297-6594.
Sources:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/9/20-1749_article
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
