While scientists continue to investigate the theory that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 disease, can be transmitted through HVAC systems, ASHRAE has stated that the “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled.”1
The latest commercial guide from ASHRAE’s Epidemic Task Force recommends different strategies to mitigate any airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 including the use of mechanical filtration, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), humidity control, and dilution through increased outdoor air (OA) ventilation.2 Some of these strategies lead to the same outcome but at widely varying costs.