Real World Recommendations for Cleaner Indoor Air

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that good indoor air quality (IAQ) isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s a must have. From allergens to infectious diseases, indoor air carries a lot more than what meets the eye. We talked with Eric Haley —a Baskervill Principal and mechanical engineer—about the work the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Epidemic Task Force recently completed to provide easy to understand recommendations for building owners. 

“First, it’s important to know that no amount of building equipment or filtration is capable of eliminating risk entirely,” Eric says. “We’re aiming to reduce risk where we can and assess the most impactful improvements you can make for the investment. Contrary to anecdotal logic, suggestions to ‘just open the windows’ doesn’t quite cut it.”  

So, if you own or operate a building, and want to make its air as safe and clean as possible, how do you do it?

Energy efficient ventilation

Improving ventilation or increasing the rate of outdoor air in a space either through open windows or enhanced air through your HVAC, has been proven to be effective in increasing IAQ. However, open windows put an increased demand on systems and decrease its overall efficiency and performance, increasing costs. Cranking up the ventilation via the HVAC is also ill-advised for similar reasons. Eric says Task Force members agreed: to make increased ventilation most effective, systems need energy recovery installed.

Clean filters

HEPA filters are great but can significantly stress an existing system and are only impactful if they are able to capture particulates. For effective filtration you want to be using at least MERV-13 filters, which are 85% effective at capturing particulates 1-3 microns in size, and clean and replace filters in accordance with manufacturer instructions.  

 Ductwork and distribution adjustments

Consider ductwork and distribution changes based on the long-term risks of your space. Can you separate riskier spaces or create segregated air systems to service specific areas of concern instead of making all-encompassing changes to your entire space? 

Strategic ASHRAE-approved tips

Employ a multi-faceted approach which dilutes potential concerns and enhances ventilation. “Overall, this is ASHRAE’s most sound and cost-effective recommendation,” Eric says. 

• Disinfect surfaces so there is less potential for germs and pollutants to become airborne  
• Utilize an off-hours or nighttime flush of ventilation via your existing HVAC to move more (clean) air through the space, creating better air quality during its on-hours use. 
• Bonus: Add energy recovery to that HVAC for maximum energy savings results. 

Read more about how to achieve better indoor air quality on our blog.