Covid-19: Govt issues guidelines on the use of ACs, Coolers and Fans

Central government has issued guidelines compiled by the Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioner Engineers (ISHRAE) on regulating the temperature of AC’s, coolers and ventilation at home, offices, healthcare facilities in order to tackle the virus.

The Centre issued an 18-page guideline advising the temperature of AC and coolers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Air Conditioners

The temperature of the air conditioner (AC) at home should be between 24-30 degrees Celsius and the humidity should be between 40-70 per cent.

The statement read “Too much humidity leads to higher levels of dust mites and fungi, two of the worst culprits for indoor allergy sufferers. Mold and fungi are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma,”

The panel suggests that the rooms should be kept ventilated even when ACs are not running.

For commercial and industrial facilities, ventilation with outdoor air as much as possible is recommended. Th temperature should be between 24-25 degrees Celsius.

“The mechanical exhaust air shall be 70-80 percent of the fresh air quantity to maintain necessary positive pressure in the space” the statement said

Coolers

Coolers must be kept clean and disinfected and windows must be kept open to release humid air.

Also, portable coolers that do not draw outdoor air are not recommended since their cooling reduces with humidity rising.

Fans

Ceiling fans must be operated with windows kept partly open and also if an exhaust fan is located at a nearby location then it must be kept running to exhaust air for better ventilation