Indoor Air Quality
Due in part to the increase in wildfire smoke events, as well as the emergence of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19), indoor air quality is a hot topic in facility maintenance circles.
For COVID-19, dilution through increased circulation and outside air changes is part of the solution. Conversely, during wildfire smoke events, decreasing outside air and recirculating clean filtered air is preferable.
Despite these conflicting needs, air filters play a significant role in improving indoor air quality.
ASHRAE currently recommends using a minimum MERV 13 filter, which is at least 85% efficient at capturing particles in 1 µm to 3 µm size range. A MERV 14 filter is at least 90% efficient at capturing those same particles. Thus, the recommended filters are significantly more efficient at capturing the particles of concern that a typical MERV 8 filter which is only around 20% efficient in the 1 µm to 3 µm size range. Filters with MERV ratings higher than 14 would capture an even higher percentage of the particles of concern.
Stay up-to-date with the most recent CDC advice and guidelines by visiting their website.
Disclaimer: COVID-19 is a deadly virus. MENG Analysis accepts
no responsibility for the transmission of COVID-19 in any facility.