New Work Schedules Impact Heating and Cooling

Many businesses had to make significant changes in response to the novel coronavirus (CODIV19). Companies which were not on the list of “essential businesses” either idled their employees or implemented work-from-home. In many states and cities, workers are being allowed to return to their places of work – often with different work schedules than prior to the pandemic.

 Some workers may return to the office in staggered shifts to maintain physical distancing requirements. Other employees may be working “off-shifts” such as in the evenings, nights, or weekends due to work or family needs.

 The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has these recommendations for employers who will be bringing employees back into the office environment:

 ·        Conducting daily health checks

·        Conducting a hazard assessment of the workplace

·        Encouraging employees to wear cloth face coverings in the workplace, if appropriate

·        Implementing policies and practices for social distancing in the workplace

·        Improving the building ventilation system

 The ventilation system is an important aspect for the safety of all workers. Care must be used to ensure the system is in full operation according to the guidelines. The workers may have opinions on what is the safest manner to run the HVAC systems; it is critical facilities management professionals maintain control of the systems. Using a secure and protective thermostat is an important tool. The CDC recommends these steps to improve ventilation in the building:

 ·        Increase the percentage of outdoor air

·        Increase total airflow supply to occupied spaces

·        Disable demand-control ventilation (DCV) controls that reduce air supply based on temperature or occupancy (using a secure thermostat cover)

·        Consider running the building ventilation system even during unoccupied times to maximize dilution ventilation.

If employees have access to HVAC controls, the effectiveness of the system may be compromised. Using a product such as StatGuardPlus in clear or opaque increases control for facilities managers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all returning employees.

The “new normal” may mean altering the scheduled run times for HVAC systems. Conscientious employees may try to “save the company money” by shutting down the air and ventilation systems when other employees are not present although this might run counter to the CDC recommendation of running ventilation during the off-hours.

We understand that many businesses and employees have suffered because of COVID19. The changes brought about due to the response to the pandemic will be with us for many years – we will all need to make adjustments in the way we work and in how the HVAC systems are maintained and managed.

Reach out to us today to share your experiences and needs. We are here to listen.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/office-buildings.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html