Over the last couple days we have received many calls and emails about indoor air quality and if replacing HVAC filters can help with the 2019-nCoV outbreak. We are by no means medical professionals or experts on the Coronavirus so we have gathered some information to help answer some of the concerns during this difficult time.
Air filter manufacturers are testing their consumer-grade HEPA products against COVID-19. What you have to remember though is that while HEPA filters may trap the virus, it won’t be destroyed. In some cases, this can be for as long as nine days. What does that do for homes and businesses? HEPA filters, true HEPA filters are not typically found in most systems. Most HVAC systems use pleated filters with a MERV rating; long story short the higher the MERV rating the better a filter will perform at pulling smaller particulate out of the air.
Will a filter help? A clean filter will improve air quality but unless it's a commercial HEPA grade filter you're not catching COVID-19 with a standard MERV 8 rated pleated filter. You're probably better off focusing on what other precautions can be taken;
- Stay at least 3¼ feet (1 meter) away from people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Seek medical care if you are coughing, sneezing, and running a fever.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.
RememberTheFilter.com wants to provide you with information on the current state of the threat. This is intended to serve as a reference on the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
For the most up-to-date news and updates, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or the World Health Organization website at www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.
