Building HVAC systems, opening building windows and COVID-19

Please review the building HVAC systems and COVID-19 information sheet from UGA’s Facilities Management Division, which covers the efforts taken to increase fresh-air supply and air movement in buildings while maintaining air conditioning operations. Each College of Education building has been reviewed independently to best balance the operation of the HVAC system while meeting CDC and OSHA recommendations.

We received inquiries about opening windows in Aderhold and River’s Crossing to bring in fresh air. Unfortunately, open windows introduce temperature and humidity variations that work against the function of the HVAC system and can also introduce allergens and outside contaminants into buildings (air tests consistently read higher mold spores outside rather than inside). In Aderhold specifically, windows were not designed to be opened on an everyday basis, but for specific reasons, such as construction-level activities. Additionally, the keys that open windows have to be in the locked position to withdraw from the lock, so windows would need to be left open. This situation poses a danger as windows are large enough for an individual to fit through and would allow water to enter the building during weather events.