The Front Lines to Achieve Better Air Quality
School Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment requires regular maintenance – work that has surged in importance given the COVID-19 pandemic. As air moves through centralized or room-based HVAC systems, filters are the front lines to trap large-to-small contaminants – dust, allergens, virus-causing microorganisms – that recirculate internally or come into the systems from outdoors. In addition to improved indoor air quality, filters help HVAC equipment run more efficiently to avoid potential costly repairs.4 Filters carry a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) measure rating to show how effectively they remove and prevent contaminants from entering the air stream. MERV is based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) standards.1,2,3
MERV FILTER ESSENTIALS
- The higher the air filter efficiency, the healthier the indoor air quality and better protection from airborne contaminants and disease.1
- Filters with a rating of at least MERV 13 are now recommended for use in school HVAC systems if those filters do not affect
system operation, according to a growing consensus of experts – EPA, NAFA, and ASHRAE among them.2,6 - Research indicates MERV 13 filters are at least 85% effective at capturing SARS COVID-19-sized virus particles and the
respiratory drops on which they travel; MERV 14 filters are at least 90% effective at capturing those same particles and are ASHRAE’s preferred filters for schools.3 - MERV-rated filters play a key role in daily multi-hour purge cycles, where facilities are flushed out with clean air pre- and
post-school occupancy.3,4 - A proper filter should be obtained and changed on a routine basis based on HVAC system guidelines, filter maker
recommendations, as well as NAFA and EPA practices.5 - Filters that carry MERV ratings above what is recommended by HVAC manufacturers can reduce system performance.6
- In addition to using the highest-rated filters for a given system, cleaning evaporator coils, fans and other major
HVAC components are all recommended as short-term measures for schools.7,8 - Replacing aging, outdated or inadequate HVAC systems may be an optimal solution to achieve clean air, a healthy, comfortable environment and the best learning experience for all.8
Airedale by Modine’s ViewPoint
Airedale wants every student to do their best everyday – to live, laugh, and learn in comfortable, clean, healthy environments. Air quality is central to that opportunity in our schools – now more than ever. We understand this and is equipped to respond to your air quality challenges. We recognize you want the healthiest learning environment, the safest educational institution, and the highest-performing school community. We will help you gain the maximum benefit that improved air quality and control systems can play in achieving those outcomes.
From single classrooms to campus environments, Airedale by Modine delivers smart, flexible solutions. Working in schools for over 90 years, Airedale by Modine is a trusted leader for Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in educational institutions. Airedale by Modine’s legacy is your leverage. Airedale’s innovations, ideas and ingenuity will resolve your school air system quality control and ventilation challenges today – and tomorrow. Airedale by Modine – a leader in school solutions for 90 years.
Sources
1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Schools.” EPA
2 “COVID-19 rarely spreads through surfaces. So why are we still deep cleaning?” Nature
3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “What are the trends in indoor air quality and their effects on human health?” EPA Report on the Environment,
4 “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.” Reference Guide for Indoor Air Quality in Schools
5 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. “Reopening of Schools and Universities.”
6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “How Does Indoor Air Quality Impact Student Health and Academic Performance?”
7 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Ventilation in Schools and Childcare Programs.”
