COVID-19: Important Information Regarding Chemical Product Applications in HVAC Systems

Posted on 03/19/2020

COVID-19: Important Information Regarding Chemical Product Applications in HVAC Systems

Due to the spread of COVID-19, NADCA anticipates a greater consumer demand for NADCA members to "sanitize" or "disinfect" HVAC systems.  Numerous antimicrobials on the market have been approved for use in HVAC systems and in HVAC ductwork.  These could be helpful to NADCA members in treating HVAC systems if these products are used in accordance with the law and the instructions on the label and if these products are specifically stated by the manufacturer to be effective against COVID-19.

However, as noted in NADCA's White Paper, "Chemical Product Applications in HVAC Systems," the terms "sanitize" and "disinfect" are legal terms in the U.S. and other countries with specific meanings (they define very high kill rates).  Not all antimicrobials approved for HVAC components can be claimed to "sanitize" or "disinfect."  We encourage NADCA members to use correct language - as described on product labels -  in their proposals, marketing, and client communications in discussing the option of applying antimicrobials to HVAC systems or components.

Here is the language from the NADCA White Paper.  The full White Paper is available for free download at https://nadca.com/sites/nadca/files/images/2016/nadca_white_paper_on_ch…

"At this time, the EPA has not accepted any disinfectant, sanitizer or fungicidal products for use in the ductwork of HVAC systems. However, some of these products are accepted for use in other parts of HVAC systems. Those products which have been accepted by the EPA for use in the ductwork of HVAC systems include the following: 

Fungistatic
Bacteriostatic
Inhibits odor-causing bacteria and fungi
Inhibits stain and damage-causing bacteria, fungi, and algae
Deodorizes
Inhibits fungi and algae
Cleaning (a non pesticidal activity; removal of contaminants)"  

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact NADCA at info@nadca.com.