We’re approaching the one-year anniversary of our hellish relationship with COVID-19. From day one, we, as Americans, were forced to provide answers to difficult questions, such as: When it comes to COVID-19 information, who do we trust? Should I wear a mask or not? Is 6 feet of separation enough to keep me safe? Is it safe to send my kids to school? Do I need to wash my groceries before bringing them into my home? Many of us are still searching for answers and, thus, carry insecurities on these topics and countless others. And, while it may take years to achieve a scientific consensus on how and why the coronavirus exists, we can say with a level of certainty that the virus is spread through the air. Numerous reputable organizations — including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ASHRAE — have proclaimed that COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Further, these organizations firmly believe ventilation and filtration provided by HVAC systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air. The culmination of this guidance insists that HVAC systems may be the strongest shield in our arsenal in the fight against this pandemic. As a mechanical engineer, the individual yielding that shield is staring back at you in the mirror.