The COVID-19 pandemic has caused mass disruption for businesses across the country, including HVAC companies and the wider construction industry.

We know our partners have faced severe difficulties during this time and we want to support you the best way we can, so we have collated information from the Government and other independent sources that we hope will help you now and into the future.

How has COVID-19 impacted HVAC businesses?

HVAC contractors have been carrying out important work to maintain modern levels of energy-efficient comfort in a time when we need it most. Unfortunately, this hasn't granted the sector immunity from the personal, professional and economic quakes that COVID-19 continues to bring.

Throughout this crisis, challenges and opportunities have presented themselves for HVAC businesses. Social distancing and restrictions forced businesses to temporarily shut down, lay off employees or pivot to working remotely.

However, the important role of the HVAC contractor in servicing building equipment to operate in line with new best practice guidelines didn't go unnoticed.

Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Wall Mounted in Lobby 1

But as we prepare to enter a new lockdown, the thoughts of the HVAC sector are once again returning to how to cushion the blows that will inevitably come from the second round of national restrictions.

This is a continuously unfolding situation making it difficult to plan too far ahead. Therefore, it is important to work together as an industry, from manufacturers to installers, to support each other and to help the fight against coronavirus.

Exterior of office buildings with a large pond

Stay informed

From Tuesday 5th January 2021, the UK entered its third lockdown due to rapidly rising COVID-19 cases across the country.

The key restrictions include working from home unless you cannot do so, or are providing voluntary or charitable services. Exercise outside is permitted with your household, support bubble or one other person from another household, but this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

You can also meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.

These measures will apply nationally, the details for how long have yet to be announced, and the government will look at returning to a regional approach post-lockdown.

 

Approximately 1 in 3 people who now have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. It's therefore important to remember the following:

Hands: Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
Face: Wear a face-covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet
Space: Keep 2 metres apart from people you do not live where possible, or 1 metre with extra precaution in place i.e. face-coverings

For more guidance on meeting others safely, see here.

Under lockdown rules, you may only leave your home for work if you cannot reasonably work from home. This includes, but isn't limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing, they should continue to travel to their workplace. For those working on construction sites, the Construction Leadership Council produced best practice Site Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of employees on-site.
Where it is necessary for you to work in other people's home, for examples tradespeople, you can do so. Guidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to other people's homes can be found here.

Please note under the new restrictions, we must all stay at home regardless of whether we have COVID-19 symptoms or not.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 you should get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result.

Please visit the NHS website to find the latest information on COVID-19 and to get advice on testing.

How to prevent spreading coronavirus: To avoid the spread of coronavirus we are now being advised to stay at home. Where you must leave the house, you should follow preventative measures such as the following:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitiser when you get home and into work
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands immediately after
  • Avoid close contact with others who have coronavirus
  • Only travel on public transport if you need to
  • Wear a face covering
  • Maintain 2-metres social distancing
The full list of preventative measures can be found on the NHS website.