Facts About Using an Air Conditioner At Home During Coronavirus Outbreak

With the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, the number of items in the coronavirus do’s and don’ts list is also increasing. 

Day by day, people are getting more involved in googling what else they can do to prevent coronavirus. 

By now, you too must have followed Covid-19 safety measures such as usage of masks, avoiding touching your face, and following social distancing guidelines. 

Drinking warm water, having turmeric milk, consuming food items that increase immunity are also good options you can bring into practice to keep coronavirus at bay. 

However, if you are planning to start using your air conditioner to fight the scorching summer heat, wait!

Staying at home all the time in the hot, summer season, and that too without using the air conditioner may seem next to impossible to you. 

However, first and foremost, it is important for you to understand whether or not the use of an air conditioner would be ideal during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Is using an air conditioner really putting people at Covid-19 risk? Let’s find out!

Before you go ahead, check: COVID-19 Transmission from Symptomatic, Pre-Symptomatic & Asymptomatic Patients

Can Air Conditioning Spread the Coronavirus?

While the Internet is laden with various sites and social media accounts claiming that the use of air conditioners is leading to the spread of coronavirus, the fact is a bit different. 

According to experts, home AC units are safe to use.

Window ACs do not pose any additional risk of Covid-19 infection, especially when people are inside their homes with no outside contact left. 

The real coronavirus infection threat is the system of the central air conditioner. 

So, if you are living in modern apartments with central air conditioning, there are high chances you might get infected from coronavirus, especially if a COVID-19 infected person is living nearby. 

If none in a home having window AC are infected with coronavirus, using the air conditioner isn’t a threat. A prime reason being, coronavirus’s inability to stay suspended in the air for a very long time, eventually settling on the surfaces. 

On the contrary, centrally air-conditioned modern apartments might become a hub of coronavirus infection with the virus getting recycled in the air for a short span of time, even if a single person is infected. 

You may also like to read: This Is What Happens to Your Body After Coronavirus Contraction

What to Do With an Air Conditioner at Home?

In case, you have a window air conditioner, make sure there is an increased outdoor airflow rate if possible. If not, keep a window open so that more outside air could come in. The same goes with split type air conditioning system. Opening a window will help you allow entry of outdoor air into your room. 

If your home has a central air conditioning system, it is not advisable to make use of air conditioning at all. Instead, opt for 100% outside air so that you can prevent transmission of coronavirus by eliminating the chances of recycled air being used in all the spaces. 

Additional Measures That You Can Take 

• You can switch ventilation rates to low power when people are not there so as to remove virus particles out of the building. 

• Keep exhaust ventilation systems of toilets on 24/7. 

• If you live in a building that does not possess mechanical ventilation systems, keep windows open for at least 15 minutes before anyone enters, specifically if space was previously occupied by other people. Keep in mind, that keeping toilet windows open in this case will encourage contaminated airflow from the toilet to other rooms, therefore it is advised to keep windows of the toilets closed. 

At Last 

Now the air pollution levels in India have reduced due to lockdown, the air quality has increased in a massive way. 

While earlier you were closing windows to avoid air pollution, it is the best time to open all those closed windows and enjoy the fresh air day and night. 

Still, if you want to use your window AC or split AC, make sure you have windows still open. 

Rest, keep on observing good personal hygiene and washing hands frequently with soap. Even if you have to step out due to a valid reason, ensure a 3-feet distance, especially from a person who sneezing or coughing. 

Also Read 

Health Insurance Companies See 40% Jump Sale of Policies During Coronavirus Lockdown

Those willing to secure themselves with Coronavirus Health Insurance, give our InsuranceDekho experts a call at 7551-196-989 without any delay!