Summer season will be at its peak in coming days and during this summer season all we need is cool air flow but during this pandemic the central government has issued guidelines on regulating the temperature of AC’s, coolers and ventilation at home, offices, healthcare facilities to keep the virus at bay.
The Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioner Engineers (ISHRAE) compiled a guideline and were shared by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) which reads that the ideal temperature that should be maintained while operating a domestic air conditioner should be set between 24-30 Degree Celsius, while the relative humidity must remain between 40-70 per cent.
The guidelines also suggest that “Recirculation of cool air by room air conditioners must be accompanied by outdoor air intake through slightly open windows and exhaust”.
“In dry climates do not allow the relative humidity to fall below 40 per cent. Water evaporating from a pan kept in the room will increase humidity if it falls below 40 per cent,” it added.
The panel suggests that the rooms should be kept ventilated even when ACs are not running. The guideline further said that the windows should be partly kept open while using electric fans. “If an exhaust fan is located nearby then it can also be switched on to exhaust air for better ventilation”.
For commercial and industrial facilities, the document recommends ventilation with outdoor air as much as possible. “The mechanical exhaust air shall be 70-80 percent of the fresh air quantity to maintain necessary positive pressure in the space,” it said.
“Most commercial establishments have remained closed during the lockdown. These establishments will need maintenance for both engineering and health safety. The air-conditioned spaces of establishments under prolonged lockdown will pose health hazards due to fungus and molds in the ducts and open spaces depending on the humidity and temperature prevailing within. Further there may be bird droppings, and excreta of rodents as well increased level of insects,” the advisory added.
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