The change of seasons is always a good time to inspect the condition of your facility’s air filters, but as spring 2021 arrives, it has never been so crucial.
Good news! Steady vaccine rollout is showing gradual gains. That said, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic won’t be over any time soon. Glimmers of hope exist despite the lingering gloom. Even so, we are not out of the woods just yet. Many indoor settings are reopening – so what does this mean for your commercial property? The change of seasons is always a good time to inspect the condition of your facility’s air filters, but as spring 2021 arrives, it has never been so crucial.
The Real Meanings of MERV Values
Let’s begin by taking a second look at what the MERV values represent. It’s easy to presume that a higher MERV rating automatically means that your HVAC has better airflow quality. Unfortunately, this line of thinking tends to be nothing more than a mirage. Stronger filters capture particulates such as dust far more quickly than their counterparts. As such, the so-called “dust cake” buildup effect is much more pronounced. What this means is that your HVAC system’s airflow distribution decreases. That’s part of why you shouldn’t go above MERV 13; your RTU or air handler will not be able to accommodate such a change.
Other Suggestions for Boosting IAQ
On the other hand, you do have some other solutions. Make sure that you run the HVAC unit’s fans as often as possible. Likewise, open the fresh air dampers. These components will bring cleaner air from outside the building to inside. The positive air pressure created by this exchange will push stale air out. Then take the time to clean the evaporator coil. If such a task is beyond you (and we would understand why), it’s time to engage a professional HVAC technician who can complete this objective for you.
A Look at How HEPA Filtration Works
Consider this: air filters, for the most part, are designed to protect the HVAC equipment they are attached to. Their primary purpose is not to improve the indoor air quality of your office or other commercial spaces.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA filters) are immensely helpful in the fight against COVID-19. However, they are not one-hundred percent effective against all types of viruses – Coronavirus included. Thus, HEPA filters are much better suited to operating rooms, research laboratories, clean rooms, and server racks. But in places with high foot traffic and doors and windows that are continually being opened and closed, they simply aren’t as effective.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals navigate the post-COVID-19 environment. We can develop a cost-effective, customized program for your building that will mitigate the potential health risks of COVID-19. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of reopening your building safely, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority treatment with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!