This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
As the temperatures soar, many of us rely on air-conditioning to stay cool and comfortable. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's essential to consider the potential risks associated with air-conditioning, especially when sharing a cooled space with others.
Understanding Your Air-Conditioning System ¶
There are three main categories of air-conditioning systems: those that cool both indoor and outdoor air, those that cool and recirculate indoor air, and those that rely entirely on pulling in outdoor air.
Centralized-air systems, such as those found in office buildings and large apartment complexes, often fall into the first category. Dr. Jimenez and other building scientists recommend adjusting the ratio to pull in more outdoor air, which can be costly.
However, few of us have the ability to adjust our air-conditioning in this way. Most window units, for example, fall into the second category, dumping heat from the room outdoors.
According to Dr. Jimenez, if you live alone or with people you're sure aren't infectious, those units are fine. But if you have guests over, it's worth remembering that 'any virus that's present will be mixed in' to the recirculating indoor air.
So, if you have to have people over, it may be preferable to revert to rule one: When in doubt, open the windows. Or better yet, go outside.
The Importance of Filters ¶
But what do you do if you're stuck with a unit that primarily recirculates indoor air and it's unrealistic to open the window? This is where filters come in.
According to Dr. Edward A. Nardell, a professor at Harvard Medical School, a good filter can be just as effective as pulling in outside air.
