There have been many concerns over the Air Conditioner usage amid the coronavirus pandemic. But as the temperature rising and hot summer is approaching, the usage of air conditioners may not be avoidable for much longer. As the temperature rises to 40s, people would need to use AC and coolers to get some relief from the scorching heat. Thinking about the mechanics of an air conditioner, individuals are worried about the possibility that the virus may enter into their home through an AC or a Cooler and get hold of them. Though people are aware of the fact to avoid the usage of the centralized cooling system amid coronavirus, still many people are not familiar with the proper guidelines issued by the center advising about the optimum temperature of air conditioners and coolers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In order to provide a solution to
all such confusion, the center released an 18-page guideline advising all about
the usage of air conditioners, coolers, fans ad centralized AC.
Centre’s latest advisory:
In an 18 page guideline, the Center has recommended what the optimum temperature of the air conditioner and coolers should be in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak in the world.
According to the advisory- “Recirculation of cool air by room air conditioners must be accompanied by outdoor air intake through slightly open windows and exhaust by natural exfiltration.” The guideline states that the temperature of the air conditioner (AC) at home should be between 24-30 degrees Celcius. The humidity should be between 40-70 percent, the center says. It also suggests that as an extra precaution the rooms should be kept well ventilated even when ACs are not running.
According to a study,- “the SARS-CoV-2 can live for 14 days on a surface at 4 degrees Celsius, one day at 37 degrees Celsius and will die in 30 minutes at 56 degrees Celsius.”
The advisory for cooler states that to prevent dust entry and maintain hygiene cooler air filters must be installed in the cooler before using. Also, evaporative cooler tanks must be dirt free, kept clean, sanitized and the water drained & refilled frequently. Often the coolers may not have air filters initially fitted, so they may be mounted during or after Installation.
According to the document, Portable evaporative coolers that do not draw outside air are not recommended. It says “evaporative coolers must draw air from outside to ensure good ventilation”.
Also, the windows of the room must be kept open to let go of humid and damp air.
While using electric fans, just be sure to partly open the window- the advisory says, it also adds “If an exhaust fan is located nearby, then, it can also be switched on to exhaust air for better ventilation”.
Cover image source- trak.in
