10-Point Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Plan: Keeping our Long Term Care Homes Safe

The Ministry of Long-Term Care has indicated that as Ontario continues to experience waves of COVID-19, it is critical that HVAC systems in Long Term Care homes are properly maintained and operating at optimal levels. Properly operating HVAC systems positively impact the health and safety of long-term care home residents, staff, and caregivers.

Ministry of Long Term Care and Infrastructure Ontario have created the following 10-point HVAC Plan that encourages LTC homes to review and ensure their HVAC systems are operating at an optimal level.

V&R has the expertise and knowledge to provide these services to Long Term Care homes. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

10 Point HVAC Plan 

1. Clean, inspect and maintain HVAC systems in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer, at a minimum. This includes air handling unit systems, roof top units, exhaust/return fans, hydronic systems (radiators), fan coil units, electrical heating, etc.
2. Replace air filters including inspection and repair filter housing/racks as required to minimize air leakage. In locations without centralized filtration and/or poor ventilation, install Standalone Air Filtration Units, where feasible. Where operationally feasible, upgrade to MERV 13 or the highest level achievable including High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration. The American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends that “Filters in HVAC systems should be changed according to the typical schedule or longer than normal.” 
3. Inspect, test, and where necessary repair, all air dampers every 60 days, where applicable and feasible. In homes with building automation systems (BAS), verify physical actuator and damper operation against BAS operation/readings. Carry out adjustments, repairs or component replacements as required.
4. Bypass heat recovery systems, where applicable and feasible, to minimize recirculation of unconditioned air throughout the HVAC system. The bypass of the heat recovery system will minimize recirculation of unconditioned air throughout the system.
5. On daily basis, maximize outdoor air and reduce/eliminate recirculation, where applicable and feasible. As reasonable and where possible, maximize outdoor air supply as operationally feasible.
6. Prior to summer cooling season, complete a full preventative maintenance program for full cooling season, as per the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendation at a minimum. Start-up/maintenance of cooling systems including cooling towers, chillers, water treatment (as applicable), split systems, roof top units, pneumatic systems, window AC units, heat pumps, fan coil systems, individual room cooling units, etc. to ensure optimal system operation.
7. Prior to winter heating season, complete a full preventative maintenance program for full heating season, as per original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations at a minimum. Start-up/maintenance of boilers, water treatment (as applicable), radiators, rooftop units, heat pumps, fan coil systems, humidification systems, pneumatic systems, individual room heating units, etc., to ensure optimal system operation.
8. Run air handling units/fan systems 24/7 while maximizing outdoor air. Run washroom exhaust fans 24/7 to provide increased air exchanges in the washroom facilities, where systems are capable.
9. Test and operate the sequences of the Building Automation System/HVAC controls every 30 days. Review and update operating schedules as required. BAS sequencing/schedules will be tested prior tore-entry. Daily checks of the BAS system are completed by onsite staff, reprogramming will be completed as conditions dictate.
   
10. Monitor and trend temperature, relative humidity and ventilation levels on a continuous basis, where feasible. Continuous monitoring of the BAS system allows for ongoing monitoring of building conditions, indoor air quality and allows for early intervention and action of changing conditions.​
    

ASHRAE Recommendation

ASHRAE has posted recommendations online to reduce the risk of spread in buildings. The building ventilation is identified as one of the elements that could be improved to respond to the pandemic. Several other elements can also minimize risks:

• Modifications to the ventilation controls strategies to increase dilution.
• Improvement of filtration / UV disinfection / portable HEPA filters.
• Reduction of contact areas at risk: electrification and automation of several systems (doors, distributors, hand dryers, etc.).

​Modifications must be implemented in a concerted way in order to ensure that systems have the capacity to respond and to avoid various problems.

CKHA Healthplex & Bradley Center Temporary COVID-19 Homeless Shelter

V&R recently provided mechanical and electrical design services in collaboration with ROA Architects for the temporary COVID-19 CKHA Healthplex and the Bradley Center Temporary COVID-19 Homeless Shelter. In these unprecedented times, V&R is proud to have been able to support its community and do our part.

Chatham Healthplex- Temporary Covid Shelter​

Chatham Healthplex-Temporary Covid Shelter​

Bradley Center-Temporary Covid Homeless Shelter