As more and more businesses reopen after cornoavirus shutdowns, attention may need to be paid to air quality …
… indoor air quality, that is.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) put out recommendations for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that’ll put occupants at ease and breathing easier.
Shoot for best air quality filters
Not all HVAC filters are compatible with every building’ system. Your facility manager or building contractor can double check what’ll work.
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the best on the market but they may restrict air flow.
If HEPA filters aren’t an option to improve air quality at your facilities, consider filters rated minimum efficiency rating value (MERV) 13 or preferably 14.
These filters cost more money but typically don’t require as frequent changeouts as cheaper filters that become clogged with dirt and dust.
Ultraviolet can work wonders
More companies are turning to ultraviolet lamps to kill microbes lurking inside HVAC ducts.
Consider a UV-C air cleaner as a supplementary air quality tool.
Boost outdoor ventilation
Public facilities like shopping malls are reducing the amount of air they recirculate and increasing the amount of outdoor air pulled in at intakes.
NIST recommends this step, along with 24/7 outdoor ventilation, for commercial buildings as well.
Also: Keep relative humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
