The CDC published guidance on improving building ventilation to protect people from respiratory infections.
Deploying multiple infection prevention and control strategies can increase effectiveness of ventilation interventions, the CDC said. The improvements can increase clean air, reduce potential contaminants in indoor spaces and reduce the number of viral particles in the air.
The guidelines provide 10 strategies for improving ventilation.
Basic strategies:
- Maintain the HVAC system regularly and according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Change HVAC system filters regularly.
- Ensure filters fit properly into the filter rack to prevent air from leaking around the edges.
Enhanced strategies:
- Aim to deliver five or more air changes per hour of clean air.
- Use filters rated MERV-13 or higher when possible.
- Set your ventilation system to circulate more air when people are in the building by setting the fan control to "On" instead of "Auto."
- Open windows and doors and use exhaust fans to bring clean outdoor air in.
- Use air cleaners or air purifiers to filter air.
- Use UV air treatment systems. They provide a high level of effective air change while using little energy.
- Use a portable CO2 monitor to determine how stale the air is. Readings above 800 parts per million suggest that you may need more fresh air.