COVID and Indoor Air Quality Archives

NYC Metro Area’s HVACR Blog

Michael C. Rosone • October 27, 2022

During the worst of the pandemic in New York City, many businesses installed MERV 13 filters in their air conditioners. City and state regulations recommended them, and in some cases, required them to enhance filtration. Homeowners also followed suit, looking for protection against the airborne Covid virus. The result? Hopefully safer air, and definitely a higher cost for filters.

As New York eases up on Covid restrictions, do you still need to spend more on MERV 13 filters?

In many situations, we still do recommend these filters when the system can accommodate them. But in some situations they may not be the right choice. Here are the top reasons why, and why not.

Return to the Office: Occupancy & AC Maintenance in NYC

Michael C. Rosone • July 28, 2022

Last Updated on

Last Updated on August 4, 2022

AC maintenance in NYC, return to the office

People are trickling back to the office, albeit reluctantly in many cases. Employers are renovating spaces and adding perks in an effort to make the environment welcoming and make the return to the office more attractive for employees. But what about indoor air quality? Have you done what’s needed to make sure the air in your space is both comfortable and safe?

Attention to air quality and AC maintenance in NYC is essential, both for the satisfaction of returning employees and also for the health of your system.

COVID Prevention & Air Quality Technology Shown 99.9% Effective

Michael Rosone • November 19, 2020

RGF’s REME HALO device is an important component in Arista’s strategy to help our customers prevent the transmission of COVID within their spaces and keep occupants healthy. The following is an announcement from RGF with some great news about the proven effectiveness of their technology.

Scheduling AC Maintenance & Start Up as Buildings Return to “Normal”

Michael Rosone • April 21, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 7, 2020

To our valued customers:

First and foremost, we hope you are safe, healthy, and navigating these unprecedented times with a sense of hope and optimism.

We would like to share some important information about startup and maintenance of your HVACR systems as you reopen your business and increase occupancy.

Is Too Much Humidity Hurting Your Health?

Michael Rosone • May 7, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 7, 2020

visible signs of too much humidity on an exterior door

You may have read recent research that suggests raising indoor humidity levels may help to deactivate coronavirus particles. During the winter months when our spaces are closed up and heated, humidity levels can drop to extremely low levels (as low as 20 percent).

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus has been shown to thrive and remain viable for longer periods in these low-humidity conditions. (Controlling humidity is just one way HVAC can help in the fight to prevent COVID. Get our guide to HVAC Strategies for COVID to learn more.)

However, too much indoor humidity can also cause health problems. For example, viruses are known to spread more easily in humidity levels higher than 60 percent. So what is considered high humidity and what are safe indoor humidity levels?

And most importantly, how do indoor humidity levels affect your body and your health?

What Is Ventilation: How Does It Impact Your HVAC Comfort?

Michael Rosone • May 14, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 7, 2020

technician installing ventilation to improves comfort and air quality

We all know that heating and air conditioning systems are essential to the comfort of our homes and work spaces. Yet the “V” (for ventilation) in HVAC may be something of a mystery. What is ventilation and why do you need it?

5 Reasons to Change HVAC Filters More Often

Michael Rosone • June 4, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 7, 2020

If your home or business has a furnace and an air conditioning system, these systems have air filters designed to protect the equipment from dust and debris. When these HVAC filters get clogged, system performance is compromised and your indoor air quality suffers as well.

Let’s take a look at exactly why you need to change HVAC filters regularly, how often to change them, and how to do so.

UPDATE: Cooling Tower Maintenance Checklist for NYC

Michael Rosone • June 11, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 7, 2020

cooling tower maintenance requirements and best practices for NYC

Since the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City a few years back, there has been a great deal of concern and confusion about what’s required for proper cooling tower maintenance.

With many NYC buildings preparing to reopen after being unoccupied for months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is concern about making sure cooling towers are restarted safely and properly maintained prior to building occupation.

In this article, we’ll share an updated cooling tower maintenance checklist aligned with the current regulations.

The Ultimate Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Michael Rosone • July 9, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Take the guesswork out of getting commercial HVAC preventative maintenance

If you’re like many business owners and managers, you feel like a fish out of water when you’re faced with choosing a commercial HVAC preventative maintenance contract. When you’re not an expert on the subject, evaluating the merits of one contract or vendor versus another can be difficult and confusing.

Today, we’re going to take the mystery out the commercial HVAC preventative maintenance once and for all.

HVAC & Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Better Health

Michael Rosone • July 16, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Are there indoor air quality solutions that can promote improved health, fewer employee absences and reduced insurance costs? By looking more closely at your indoor air quality and HVAC systems, you can offer your customers and employees an improved environment that will reap benefits for your business.

Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Is It Time for Testing?

Michael Rosone • July 23, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

There are many reasons business owners and employees might be concerned about indoor air quality in office buildings:

Stale and stuffy air
Too much humidity
Lingering odors
Mold starting to appear in damp spots
People suffering from health issues such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, respiratory issues, or skin problems while they are in the office
Concern about the spread of COVID-19, or talk about Sick Building Syndrome

Indoor air quality in office buildings affects everyone’s comfort and health. Business owners should also be concerned about the impact on productivity and their bottom line.

Why and How to Change an AC Filter

Michael Rosone • July 30, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Why change your AC filter?

The air filter’s job is to keep dust and debris out of your HVAC equipment. You’d be amazed how much builds up on there in a very short time.

Recently, AC filters have gotten a lot of attention due to the pandemic. With the uncertainty about airborne transmission of the virus, some experts are recommending the use of higher-efficiency filters to trap virus particles.

If that’s why you’re looking to change your AC filter, read this first. And, learn about the most effective HVAC strategies for COVID from our helpful guide:

In this article, we’ll cover more reasons why air conditioner filter replacement is so important, and how to take care of it safely.

HVAC Humidity Control: 5 Reasons Your AC Is Ineffective

Michael Rosone • August 6, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Isn’t air conditioning supposed to remove humidity? So why is yours not doing the job?

Controlling humidity indoors is now more important than ever due to COVID, because the virus thrives in both very high and very low humidity conditions. It’s just one more reason (beyond comfort) to keep humidity between about 40 and 60 percent for most spaces.

If you’re sweating your way through another muggy August, read on to learn more about HVAC humidity control and why your AC might not be up to the task.

Then we’ll tell you 4 ways you can get an older unit to remove more moisture so your space doesn’t feel like a tropical jungle.

Humidity Control In Your Restaurant Kitchen

Michael Rosone • August 20, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

poor humidity control in restaurant kitchen

Poor humidity control is not just a comfort issue for restaurants

Too much humidity makes us unhappy for a whole host of reasons beyond comfort: sticking doors and musty smells to name a couple. If you’re running a restaurant, poor humidity control creates problems that can actually drive away customers and hurt your business.

Plus, if you’re concerned about the spread of COVID, humidity control should be part of your mitigation strategy.

HEPA AC Filter for COVID: Help or Hype?

Michael Rosone • August 27, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Read this before buying a HEPA AC filter for your home or business

Chances are, you have been hearing a lot about HEPA AC filters and HVAC filters as a solution for preventing the transmission of COVID. The idea got a lot of media attention here in New York after Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke about using HVAC HEPA filters in malls to prevent airborne spread of the disease.

Here’s what you probably don’t know: HEPA filters are not for everybody. There are significant downsides to using HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

Allergies and Duct Cleaning: What’s the Connection?

Michael Rosone • September 3, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 6, 2020

Could there be a connection between your sneezing and your HVAC ducts? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time that dirty ducts turn out to be the culprit behind air conditioning allergies. Let’s look at the possible connection between your allergies and duct cleaning.

Is AC Healthy? Air Conditioning Health Problems & Benefits

Michael Rosone • September 10, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 5, 2020

Cooling is obviously one of the greatest health benefits of air conditioning. But it does more than just keep you comfortable in the summer. AC can make conditions better for preventing heat related symptoms or for recovering from illness.

However, you may have heard some scary stories about air conditioning making people sick. Some are even concerned about air conditioners spreading COVID. Many people wonder, is AC healthy? Rest assured, the answer is yes, as long as you take proper care of your AC unit. Air conditioning health problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and cleaning.

Healthcare HVAC: Quality Maintenance Reduces Risks

Michael Rosone • September 17, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 5, 2020

For facility owners and managers at medical facilities, healthcare HVAC is a critical component to the health and welfare of your patients. That’s always been true, but the COVID crisis has raised the stakes.

Let’s take a look at the symptoms of a poorly functioning healthcare HVAC system. Then we’ll discuss what you can do to prevent and fix healthcare HVAC systems at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physical therapy and wellness centers.

7 Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution with HVAC Technology

Michael Rosone • September 24, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on October 5, 2020

Here in New York City, outdoor air pollution gets a lot of attention. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of some pollutants is often two to five times higher indoors than the concentration levels outdoors.

With Americans spending an average of 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution poses a major health risk. This is especially true for young children, older adults, and people who have heart or lung diseases — who, by the way, all tend to spend even more time indoors.

Fortunately, HVAC technology offers a number of ways to prevent air pollution and improve indoor air quality (IAQ).

10 Ways to Improve Air Flow in Your Stuffy Office

Michael Rosone • May 28, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on September 24, 2020

Improve air flow to improve comfort & indoor air quality

Do you sometimes look for an excuse to escape from your office or workplace just because you feel like you can’t breathe in there? You may have noticed others doing the same thing: going outside for a cigarette even if they don’t smoke, volunteering to make a Starbucks run, taking long lunches and skipping out early.

It doesn’t take long for stuffy air in your workplace to sabotage your business by seriously reducing productivity.

Also, experts say that properly designed air flow and ventilation can help to prevent transmission of airborne contaminants such as coronavirus.

Indoor air quality problems often result from air flow problems with your air conditioning system. Read on for some simple tips that will improve air flow, air quality, and comfort in your space, and get people back to business.

8 Reasons Restaurants Need a Make Up Air Unit For the Kitchen

Michael Rosone • April 16, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on September 24, 2020

chef standing in kitchen with air make up unit

What exactly is a make up air unit for a kitchen?

When you add a make up air unit for your kitchen, it adds replacement air for what’s being drawn out of the kitchen by your exhaust hoods.

What is make up air? Simply stated, a make up air unit pulls air in to your space from outdoors and conditions it to the indoor temperature, to replace air that’s pulled out by your kitchen exhaust equipment. Without it, you get back drafting, poor temperature control, negative air pressure and air quality problems. Poor ventilation can also contribute to the spread of disease.

Let’s explore the reasons why a make up air unit is so essential for restaurant kitchens.

Summer Humidity Is Scarier Than You Think

Michael Rosone • August 13, 2020

Last Updated on

Last Updated on September 24, 2020

HVAC humidity control is critical in summer

This time of year, it feels like summer humidity is the enemy:

The minute you go outside, all your clothes are stuck to your body.
Summer humidity and hair just don’t get along.
In this weather, anything that gets wet stays that way.
Right after you get out of the shower, you feel like you need another one.
Crowded elevators and subways… well, you get the idea.

Plus, there are much scarier facts you should know about summer humidity and how it can affect your health. Luckily there are easy solutions for HVAC humidity control.

COVID-19 & Your HVAC System: Your Questions Answered

Michael Rosone • June 25, 2020

We know you have questions and concerns about the COVID-19 virus and operating/ maintaining your HVAC system. In this article, we’ll share the most accurate and up-to-date information available to help you make decisions.