For any Tampa homeowner, the last thing you want happening during a cold winter night is your heater starting to smell like it’s burning. Tampa, Florida’s coldest month is January, according to Weather Spark.  It is alarming to smell burning dust on a cold night in January or any other winter night. 

Fortunately, there are a few reasons your heater might be emitting that unpleasant burning odor and some straightforward solutions.

So, if your heater smells like it’s burning? Possible causes and fixes are listed below. Read on to learn more.

Dust in the Heater

With the muggy and hot summer days in Tampa, your air conditioner worked overtime while your heater sat idle. Dust may have accumulated in your heater during those off months.

Dust is usually the number one reason your heater smells like it’s burning when first turned on. However, inspecting your heating unit thoroughly before turning it on for the first time in the winter is a good idea.

How to Fix 

You may not have to call an HVAC technician just yet. Allow your heating system to burn off the dust. The burning odor should dissipate shortly. Depending on how much dust your home can accumulate, an annual cleaning might help.

Old Furnace Filter or Dirty Vents

As a homeowner, consider your home’s indoor air quality when you encounter a musty smell. This musty smell indicates that mildew may have grown in your air ducts.

Unfortunately, a new furnace filter or cleaning a dirty vent may not resolve this musty smell.

Common causes of mildew and mold are hot and muggy summers. Mildew and mold thrive in moisture. The musty smell can be harmful to the health of your loved ones. Mildew and mold can cause respiratory issues and allergies.

How to Fix 

This is an easy fix by simply changing the furnace filter. The furnace odor might disappear. Once you replace the old filter,  recycle the old furnace filter. 

If the smell doesn’t go away, calling 3H AC to inspect your HVAC system is your best option. 

Electrical Issues

Buildup and a dirty filter are one thing, but electrical smells are signs of a serious problem brewing in your heating system.  Immediately turn off your heating unit if you suspect an electrical issue.

Your HVAC system takes a beating as it works hard to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, normal wear and tear or improper installation can cause wires within the unit to malfunction – increasing the risk of disastrous overheating.

How to Fix 

An electrical problem is a dangerous repair for a homeowner. An HVAC technician is the best choice to handle an electrical burning smell. Electrical components may need replacement, and the experts at 3H AC can handle all your heating repairs.

Debris Trapped in the Heating System

Debris, such as small household items and toys that cause the heater to smell like burning plastic, can destroy your heating unit.  Foreign objects will speed up the need for a furnace repair or replacement.

If you encounter a rotten egg smell, this is not a case of debris stuck in your heating unit. Call the fire department and the gas company immediately.  That rotten egg smell is a gas leak.

How to Fix  

Removing a foreign object, cleaning, and replacing air filters can be a simple fix. However, if you can’t reach the foreign object or can’t locate it, call an HVAC technician. 

Burning Smells: Non-Central Heat Sources

One vital thing to remember when using non-central heat sources is to recognize if you’re getting a burning smell. Burning smells can come from a space heater, baseboard heater, or radiator heater.

The following non-central heating sources do not require heat exchangers or heat pumps, but they need repair or replacement if there is a burning odor.

Space Heaters

Heater smells from your space heater can occur for multiple reasons. Frequently it can be dust or the extension cord is getting too much electricity. If the space heater is malfunctioning, turn it off immediately, and replace it. 

Baseboard Heaters

The burning smell from a baseboard heater can be due to dust or a foreign object inside the baseboard heater. Similar to a central heating unit, an electrical issue might also lead to burning odors.

 If the smell sticks around after a few minutes, it’s probably time to call an HVAC technician for a professional inspection – you don’t want any electrical issues going unchecked! 

Radiator Heat

Radiators are not immune to debris and dust. A burning odor can have an easy fix of cleaning or removing a foreign object. However, mildew or mold could also be the reason behind the heater smells. Calling an HVAC professional is recommended.

Can You Avoid a Burning Smell From Your Heater? 

If you do encounter a burning smell from your heater, pay attention.  It could signal a need for a furnace repair or electrical work.  If the smell doesn’t dissipate after a short period of time, or if it becomes stronger, turn the unit off and call for service immediately.

One of the best ways to prevent a burning smell from your heating unit is to change your air filter. But how often should you change the air filter in your heating unit?

You should change your heating unit’s air filter every 90 days or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Schedule Your Heater Maintenance Today

Don’t ignore a burning smell in the hope that it will go away on its own. The sooner you address the burning odors or musty smells, the better off you’ll be. 

Annual heating system maintenance will ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter. Schedule an appointment today!

The post Heater Smells Like It’s Burning? Possible Causes & Fixes appeared first on 3HAC.

A solar attic fan, also known as an attic ventilator, is a good investment. Many have considered installing it in their homes for better attic ventilation.

Still, homeowners likely don’t have enough information about what it is or how it works.

A solar-powered attic fan is an energy-efficient mechanical HVAC unit powered by the sun, typically through roof-mounted solar panels. It can keep your attic cool and comfortable year-round.

Furthermore, a solar attic fan can help reduce electricity usage in the hottest months.

Do Solar Attic Fans Really Work? 

Absolutely! Your space can be well-ventilated with fresh air all year long through a solar attic fan, as long as it is high quality and in good working condition.

It is one of the most efficient options for proper attic ventilation. In addition, they typically last for several years, so the investment is worth it. 

How Do Solar Attic Fans Work? 

For solar attic fans to function properly, the fan must absorb cold air from the soffits through the lower parts of the roof. Hot air that has gathered at the top of the attic must be released with the help of solar power.

Typically, this is how air should move – cold air is at the bottom, and hot air is at the top of the airflow.

The attic fan helps enable more air movement, producing cooler air circulation.

Generally, installing a solar attic fan unit is a simple process, regardless of whether you’re installing it on a shingle, stainless steel, or tile roof.

Additionally, solar attic fans have a built-in, pre-rated thermostat integrated into them to monitor attic temperatures and control when to turn them on and off.

The Benefits of Solar Attic Fans

Solar attic fans have several advantages for you and your house:

Keep Your Attic Cooler in Summer

In warmer places like Texas and Florida, heat in your attic can radiate into the living area below. This heat can weaken the effectiveness of your house’s insulation, reducing your quality of living.

Installing an attic vent source with a built-in thermostat, such as a solar attic fan, is beneficial to homeowners for better airflow and well-being.

It also helps prevent your air conditioner from being overworked, avoiding faults and damage to your AC equipment.

Reduce Moisture in Your Attic

As hot air cools on contact with your roof, it condenses, causing rot, fungus, mildew, and mold – all of which may weaken your roof, wreaking havoc on the structural stability of your home.

Homeowners who reduce their attic temperature by using solar-powered ventilation can avoid these problems.

Go Green

Solar-powered fans are eco-friendly and sustainable, meaning they do not harm the environment. This sustainability results from getting their energy from the sun through solar panels, compared to generic fans, which get their energy from electricity.

The solar attic fan may also help you cut costs through this renewable energy source to lessen your carbon footprint.

Energy-Conscious Solar Power

The solar energy generated by the solar panel, sometimes referred to as photovoltaic power, is free and can lower electricity usage by removing hot air from your attic.

In addition to being energy-efficient, these fans are easy to install and do not require extensive maintenance.

Since you do not have to run an attic ventilation fan in cloudy or rainy weather, solar attic fans allow you to use only the energy required on the year’s hottest days without incurring additional costs.

An Excellent Investment

Since there are more sunny days each year in states like Florida, a solar attic fan is a wise investment that will increase comfort in your house and cut down on energy bills.

In addition to providing curb appeal and quiet operation, solar attic fans also have a low profile, seamless design that speaks to environmental awareness and energy efficiency.

Improved Air Quality

By removing hot and humid air buildup from attics and bringing in cooler outdoor air, solar attic fans, like other exhaust fans, can help you and other home occupants improve air quality.

Improved air quality means improved health, too, and everybody should consider this.

The Challenges of Solar Attic Fans

Solar attic fans do have a few considerations to take into account for you and your home:

Initial Investment Costs

Solar attic fans are more expensive upfront than conventional attic fans. Minus the cost of buying the attic fan, installation most likely costs more in cities than in rural areas.

Still, the benefits of sufficient airflow and energy savings over time outweigh the purchase and installation price. Also, some solar attic fan units qualify for the federal tax credit.

Most Homes Need Two

In most residences, two solar-powered attic fans may be required to move the air, which may increase purchase and installation expenses. However, the number of solar-powered fans you need is still dependent on factors like the size of the attic space.

For instance, a 1000-square-foot attic won’t have the same ventilation requirements as a 2000-square-foot attic.

Solar Attic Fans Require Direct Sunlight

Solar attic fans need direct sunlight to function because the sun is their energy source. Yes, this can be a disadvantage, especially in “cloudy seasons” like winter and spring.

Also, because the solar panel requires direct sunlight for the fan to function, things like shady trees, cloud cover, and even dust can affect sun exposure, negatively affecting its performance.

Install Your Solar Attic Fan Today

A solar-powered attic fan can impact your attic ventilation significantly and improve your home’s air quality, particularly in the Florida heat. It can also lower energy expenses that heavy-duty electricity-powered fans could incur during the warmest months.

3H AC: The Leader in AC design, installation, and repair services in the Tampa area

3H AC can answer all of your questions about the benefits of a solar-power attic fan for your property.

Our consults are always free of charge! We can provide a speedy quote and answer all your questions with no high-pressure sales tactics, just service. 

Schedule a complimentary appointment with us to learn more about solar attic fans, such as:

• Installation costs – and whether or not to “DIY”
• Product durability and warranty details
• Why solar power may be better for you than air conditioning

The post Solar Attic Fans: A Complete Guide appeared first on 3HAC.

Even though most have the luxury of flipping a switch to change the indoor air temperature, it’s common for homeowners (and even builders) to confuse the two main systems used for cooling: HVAC units and air conditioners. You may even be guilty of throwing around the acronyms HVAC and AC, thinking they mean the same thing.

We’re here to explain the differences and clear up any confusion.

An HVAC system has several functions, such as heating and cooling. But an AC unit only cools your home.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the differences between HVAC vs AC, continue reading.

What Is an HVAC Unit?

HVAC stands for:

• Heating (H)
• Ventilation (V)
• Air Conditioning (AC)

HVAC refers to ventilation which includes kitchen exhaust, dryer exhaust, bath exhausts, and commercial ventilation. While heating and cooling are essential functions of your HVAC system, it also provides ventilation, which allows moisture to escape. This is especially important for hot, humid climates (like Tampa) because humid heat can be more dangerous for your health than dry heat. 

An HVAC unit includes the following components:

• Air conditioning unit
• Furnace
• Air ducts and other ductwork

So while sometimes the acronym HVAC can refer to an air conditioning unit, not all AC units are HVAC units.

Let’s explore the components of an HVAC system further.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps exchange warm air with cool air. There are two varieties to choose from.

The first is an air-source heat pump, which is typical for residential HVAC systems. These pumps are installed outside your home. They pull warm air, or heat, from the outside air and transfer it to your home.

The second type of heat pump is a ground-source or geothermal heat pump. They transfer heat between the ground and the air inside your home.

Although geothermal heat pumps have better energy efficiency and lower operating expenses, they are costly to install.

In the summer months, heat pumps pull warm air out from the inside of your home to cool the space.

Furnace

The furnace is the heating component of your HVAC unit. But don’t confuse furnaces with central heating.

While furnaces may be part of a central heating system, this isn’t always the case. Central heating systems require a heat source, and furnaces are the most common heating option.

Furnaces generate and distribute warm or hot air throughout your home. You can power your furnace with a variety of energy sources, including

• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Oil
• Propane

Gas furnaces are the most common, as nearly half of the homes in the U.S. use them. They are also highly economical.

In addition, there are several types of furnaces, including

• Natural-draft
• Forced-air
• Induced-draft
• Condensing

Older homes may even have a boiler system, which distributes heat by pumping hot water through small pipes.

Condensing furnaces are the most common today. They incorporate forced-air technology for better energy efficiency.

Ductless Systems

Although many HVAC systems use ductwork to distribute warm and cool air, installing a ductless system is possible too.

A ductless split system uses small air handlers to heat or cool a specific space. They are ideal for an individual room, such as a garage or sunroom, but not an entire house.

What Is an AC Unit?

An air conditioning system, or AC unit, cools your home. However, some builders may call anything that conditions the air (hot or cold) an AC unit, causing further confusion. To keep it straight in your mind, remember that an AC unit is a cooling system. 

There are two basic types of air conditioners: window units and central AC. You may use a window AC unit to cool a single room since it’s less powerful than central air. The window AC installation process is also easier and takes less time than installing a central system.

Central Air Conditioning

A central air conditioner uses forced air to cool your home, and circulates cool air throughout your home using a system of air ducts. It’s a closed loop of refrigerants and cycled air. The condenser, compressor, and evaporator coils work in a loop to cycle the refrigerant.

The supply ducts and registers carry cool air from the AC unit to the home. Registers are openings covered by grills in the:

• Ceilings
• Floors
• Walls

As the air warms, it flows back to the central air conditioning unit through the return ducts and registers.

Because central air uses a system, it can be easy to confuse with your HVAC system. However, to keep central AC vs HVAC separate, remember that central air refers only to your cooling system and is different from your furnace.

Central air conditioners come in two styles: a split-system unit or a packaged unit.

HVAC vs. AC: Know the Difference

Now that you better understand what an HVAC system and AC unit are, let’s summarize your knowledge by looking at their components and functional differences.

Component Differences

To simplify the component differences of the AC unit vss HVAC system, think of it this way; your HVAC is the entire system, whereas your AC is just your air conditioner.

It can be confusing because sometimes people use the term HVAC when they mean to say furnace or heat pump.

For example, if you already have an air conditioner, you don’t need an entirely new HVAC system. Instead, you only need to add the heating components to complete your HVAC system, so it provides both heating and cooling.

Functional Differences

The functional differences between AC v. HVAC are straightforward. Your AC system regulates the air inside the home. It can radiate hot air from the house, but it also uses a condenser to cool hot air from outside.

Conversely, your HVAC system is a piece of comprehensive equipment that can perform several tasks. While it can include your AC unit, when you say HVAC, you reference the system as a whole.

Tampa HVAC Experts

In the Tampa weather, you may think you don’t need an HVAC system, and that an AC unit will suffice. But leaving all that moisture in your home can make you feel muggy and wet.

When considering an HVAC vs AC unit, we suggest going for an HVAC system.

Contact us at 3H AC and schedule an appointment today for all your HVAC needs. With more than 46 years of experience, we’ll offer you the highest quality HVAC services and equipment in the Tampa area.

The post What’s the Difference Between HVAC and AC? appeared first on 3HAC.

If you need reliable HVAC contractors, come to 3H AC, and we’ll help you explore the available green HVAC options.

Going Greener & Increasing Energy Efficiency

The global transition to clean energy use experienced a massive blow in 2018 when Americans hit the highest-ever recorded energy consumption in 70 years. But many Americans agree that renewable energy technologies should be prioritized following rising concerns over global warming and the carbon footprint. We are also increasingly aware of the adverse health effects caused by burning fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, our renewable energy production is still a mere drop in the ocean despite increased efforts to cut reliance on fossil fuels. Only about one-third of the total energy production comes from renewable sources. But here’s what you could do with your heating and ventilation systems to reverse the effects:

What Does Green Really Mean?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green power sources as those that provide the highest environmental benefits like:

• Greenhouse gas reduction
• Reduced air pollution

Qualifying sources of renewable energy include:

• Wind power
• Solar energy
• Geothermal power
• Biomass
• Low-impact small hydropower
• Landfill gas

Energy-efficient electronics and HVAC systems are embedded into the green practice movement to promote environmental sustainability. Green practices include purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment made from repurposed materials using low-emission processes.

The ideal green HVAC system should control all or a combination of the following criteria:

• Affordable or within your budget
• Easily accessible and locally available
• Energy-efficient, leading to a significant reduction in your energy costs
• Provide tax rebates and incentives for a more affordable installation experience

Some technologies are still in the development stage, but here’s what you could get for energy efficient HVAC systems:

Ductless Heating and Cooling Pumps

Ductless heat pumps are an excellent solution for homeowners who lack existing HVAC ductwork or who have an inefficient system. They are also ideal for homeowners who have added new rooms or extensions to their homes, as they provide customizable heating and cooling options that can be tailored to each individual room. The installation process for a ductless heating and cooling pump is straightforward and does not require significant construction work or duct installation.

The system comprises an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor unit that are connected via a small, thin pipe. The indoor unit contains heat exchange coils, which move warm air from the room and into the exterior during summer months, while in winter, the heat pump draws air from outside and pumps it into the home, creating a comfortable indoor environment.

One of the most significant benefits of ductless heating and cooling pumps is their energy efficiency, which can result in significant energy savings for homeowners. Since ductless systems do not require ductwork, which can be a significant source of energy loss, they are more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Additionally, ductless units are visually appealing and can enhance the overall look of your home, unlike traditional ducted HVAC units, which can be unsightly and take up valuable space. In summary, ductless heating and cooling pumps are a practical, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their HVAC systems.

Solar Heaters

Solar furnaces are an innovative and eco-friendly way to generate high amounts of heat without burning fuels. These furnaces work by using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, creating a concentrated beam of heat. While solar furnaces are primarily designed for industrial and research purposes, some homeowners may be interested in their potential as an energy-efficient heating source. The use of solar technology for residential heating has become increasingly popular, and solar heaters are an excellent example of this.

Residential solar heaters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat homes, providing hot water and even space heating without the use of traditional fuel sources. These heaters work by using solar collectors to absorb and convert sunlight into heat, which is then transferred to the home’s hot water tank or radiant heating system.

Solar heaters can be used in all climates and are especially useful in sunny regions where there is an abundance of solar energy. They require very little maintenance and can significantly reduce energy bills, making them a sound investment for homeowners. With advancements in solar technology, solar heaters are becoming more efficient, affordable, and accessible, making them a viable option for residential heating.

Quiet-Duct Wrap

Quiet duct wrap is a type of insulation material designed to wrap around HVAC ductwork to reduce noise transmission. HVAC systems can be noisy, and the sound can easily travel through the ductwork and into other areas of the home. One side of the blanket has a pure aluminum barrier for heat reflection and protection against moisture, air currents, and vapors, while the other side is usually made from recycled cotton and carries a Class-A fire rating. The quiet wrap also reduces heat gain or loss when wrapped around your HVAC ductwork. It is an ideal solution for homeowners who want to enjoy a peaceful and quiet living space.

In addition to reducing noise, quiet duct wrap also helps to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain in the ductwork. HVAC systems that are not properly insulated can lose some of  their heating or cooling output due to leaks and uninsulated ductwork. This can result in higher energy consumption and costs for homeowners. By wrapping ductwork with quiet duct wrap, the heat loss or gain is reduced, resulting in improved energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Quiet duct wrap is a cost-effective solution for reducing noise and improving energy efficiency in the home, making it a valuable investment for homeowners.

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is a type of heating system that uses tubing or electric heating elements installed beneath the floor to radiate heat upwards, warming the room from the ground up. This type of heating is highly efficient because it does not rely on air circulation to distribute heat, thus reducing heat loss and improving indoor air quality. Additionally, radiant floor heating can be used in conjunction with various heat sources, including solar, geothermal, or waste heat recovery systems, making it a highly versatile option for homeowners.

One of the key benefits of radiant floor heating is its ability to make the home more energy efficient. Because the heat is radiated from the floor, it warms the room evenly and avoids the temperature stratification that can occur with traditional heating systems. As a result, the thermostat can be set lower, saving energy and reducing heating costs. Additionally, because radiant floor heating does not rely on air circulation, it can improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and other airborne particles. Radiant floor heating is also a long-lasting solution, with a lifespan of up to 45 years, and requires very little maintenance, making it a sound investment for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)

Renewable energy certificates are traded instruments that provide economic incentives for eco-friendly energy generation and consumption. They are market-driven energy support schemes meant to speed up the country’s transition to green energy sources. RECs place a saleable value on the production of green energy, allowing producers to sell the energy and the related certificate.

If you’re not willing to invest in green energy production, you can buy it from a green energy producer, even if they’re not from your state. Because there’s no other way to track it on the grid, a REC acts as an accounting system, making it easy to verify renewable energy generation. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity produced, and it is canceled in the system once you claim consumption.

Solar Electricity Panels

The amount of solar energy that continuously strikes the earth is greater than what we consume each day by 10,000 times. And it would take billions of years for it to get depleted. Solar power reduces our reliance on greenhouse-gas-producing energy sources by converting sunlight into usable electricity.

Electrical solar panel installation costs have dropped significantly, with federal and state governments offering tax credits on installed systems. For example, you might be eligible for a 22% investment tax credit if you installed your solar PV system between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s ac system from a mobile application. Many of them can be controlled using compatible applications like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You could turn on the heat in your home or office while you’re halfway across the world.

Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, the current weather, or the number of occupants at home. Others employ temperature and proximity sensors to determine the heating and cooling needs for different parts of the property. The self-regulation and energy-saving ability can save you close to 10% on annual heating and cooling costs.

Build Your Energy-Efficient HVAC System With 3H AC

Green HVAC systems continue to experience a surge in demand owing to their many benefits. Many people are retrofitting their homes with modernized air conditioning units to control the rising energy costs and comply with environmental regulations. Contact 3H AC to explore energy-efficient HVAC solutions that fit your property and enjoy a hassle-free installation.

The post Updating Your Home with an Energy Efficient, Green HVAC System appeared first on 3HAC.

One major public health hurdle is controlling indoor air quality. A lot of debate and scientific studies are being carried out on the role of HVAC (or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

HVAC systems offer comfortable environment conditions such as relative humidity and temperature, and they clean the air in indoor settings. These systems provide clean air circulation through indoor and outdoor air exchange and filtering. Because of how they circulate air, their role in COVID-19 transmission risk is still being investigated. 

Can COVID spread through HVAC systems, and what can you do to keep your home or business safe from the virus?

Does COVID Spread Through HVAC Systems?

Poor air ventilation rates, especially in confined indoor spaces, are linked to increased transmission of respiratory tract infections like rhinovirus, tuberculosis, influenza, and tuberculosis infections. Equally, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) transmission risk is possible, especially in enclosed spaces, including transmission from pre-symptomatic COVID-19 cases.

However, the CDC reports that, although airflow within a specific space can spread diseases among people within the space, there is currently no definitive evidence that viable SARS-CoV-2 can survive inside the system, requiring it to be replaced. 

Understanding Coronavirus Particles and How They Travel

Coronavirus particles have a size of about 0.1 microns—1/700th the width of human hair. As a result, they are easily transmissible and challenging to regulate. 

The spread of Coronavirus from one person to another occurs through:

• Close contact or being within 2 meters of an infected person for 15 minutes or more, or through physical contact; for instance, hugging an infected person.
• Respiratory droplets from the mouth and nose when you talk, cough, sneeze, laugh, sing, or breathe.
• Aerosols, which are smaller and lighter respiratory droplets that may stay longer in the air. Infectious aerosols may also be created during some dental and medical procedures.
• Touching surfaces with the virus on them and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth before washing your hands.

The severity and rate of spread of the SARS-CoV-2 has pushed engineers to take further measures to boost indoor air quality. Most available reports show that transmission of the COVID-19 virus is possible even in instances where there is no physical contact with contaminants,  infected fomites, or people.

Furthermore, over 239 scientists from 32 countries have written an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) to confirm the airborne transmission route of SARS-CoV-2. So, it’s strongly suggested that heating and cooling systems have a role in the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

How Heating and Cooling Systems Work

To put it simply, a central heating or cooling unit controls the temperature of your home or business by moving air, typically through a system of ductwork and air vents. In the summer, warm air and humidity is moved from inside your home to the outside, and in the winter, cool air is warmed by a furnace or heat pump. There’s also the “V” in HVAC to consider—ventilation. Ventilation refers to the replacement of stale, indoor air with fresh, outdoor air. Ventilation can occur naturally through small cracks, or mechanically using your HVAC system’s ducts and fans.

Can COVID-19 Travel Through Air Vents? 

In the U.S., most homes use a forced-air heating and cooling system (also called central air). This type of HVAC system only recirculates indoor air, meaning that airborne illnesses like COVID-19 are also recirculated and travel through your home’s air vents over and over again.

That’s why it’s so important to have proper ventilation in your home or business—ventilation, as we discussed, replaces indoor air with clean outdoor air, diluting it and reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. Good ventilation also helps to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems, removes excess moisture, and keeps airborne allergens under control.

At 3H AC, we specialize in repairing and installing residential and commercial ventilation systems in the Tampa Bay area—contact us to learn how we can help improve your indoor air quality.

Of course, good ventilation is not a replacement for other COVID-19 risk reduction strategies, like social distancing, covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands frequently.  

New Technologies For Combating COVID-19 Spread Through HVAC

Effective ways of mitigating or eliminating the transmission of COVID-19 particles are essential as the world continues fighting this deadly pandemic.

According to The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, airborne transmission of coronavirus is significant and can be controlled through changing building operations—including operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems to lower airborne exposures. 

When it comes to HVAC systems and the role they play in the airborne transmission risk of the virus, here are a few technologies that can help out:

Reconfiguration of Present HVAC System

An existing HVAC system can be reconfigured to have a higher air exchange rate to lower the number of viral particles in the indoor air. Reconfiguration is achieved by introducing fresher air into the HVAC system and preventing recirculation of air already contaminated with the virus.

Airflow speed can also be reduced by incorporating fixed-speed motors to regulate how far the contaminated air will travel. A HVAC professional can help you in upgrading your existing HVAC system to improve indoor air quality.

Using HEPA Air Filters

HEPA filters or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are also a great mitigation strategy in lowering the spread of COVID-19 in the indoor environment. These portable air cleaners will filter out all particulates that are above 0.3 microns. These air filtration systems will help to eliminate the larger infectious droplets from your space. 

They also help enhance indoor air quality by lowering the number of overall viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Getting a filter system that has a MERV-13 rating or higher is great at trapping smaller particles, including viruses.

Using Ductless HVAC Systems

You can prevent the transmission of coronavirus particles by replacing a ducted HVAC unit with a ductless heat pump. Mini-split HVAC devices will still recirculate indoor air rather than bringing in fresh air from the outdoors into  buildings. However, its mechanism of action is different from the ducted systems. Usually, the air exchange will stay within the room for indoor ductless units. As a result, you have no air shared throughout the indoor space where ducts will carry them between rooms.

Good Indoor Air Quality and Adequate Ventilation Can Help Reduce The Spread of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 viral particles tend to spread more readily between people who are indoors than outdoors. A multi-layered approach should be used to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus in indoor environments that use HVAC systems.

Homes and offices require improvements in building air ventilation systems and indoor air quality to lower the spread of disease-causing pathogens and reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. In addition, wearing face masks, physical distancing, vaccination, and hand hygiene should also be encouraged. 

Protective interventions, disinfections, and ventilation practices will lower the airborne concentrations and shrink the overall viral dose that occupants are exposed to.

Contact or call 3H AC today to get more information on how we can assess and improve your indoor air quality.

The post Can COVID Spread Through HVAC Systems? appeared first on 3HAC.