Proper air circulation in buildings helps keep employees and customers healthy and comfortable within the premises.
Businesses that have reopened need to achieve quality airflow, in order to reduce the risk of airborne viruses and pollutants. This is more than a convenience, as it’s a New York State (NYS) mandate.
Air circulation has two main categories:
- Total air circulation - The cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved through the HVAC system. This has a direct impact on indoor air quality (IAQ), because it shows the measurement of air that’s being filtered or cleaned every hour.
- Ventilation - The amount of air that the HVAC system is bringing into the building. This is important, because it relates to the amount of fresh, outside air that is breathed in.
Ventilation and IAQ dependent on building’s mechanical code
Ventilation, air circulation and the amount of air filtered each hour depends on the building’s mechanical code
How much ventilation, air circulation and the amount of air that is filtered each hour depends on the building’s mechanical code and the classification of the business?
For example, malls in size greater than 800,000 square feet must ensure the HVAC system filtration meets the highest rated filtration, compatible with the currently installed filter rack and air handling systems. Their minimum requirement is a MERV-13 filter, and it must be verified and documented by a certified HVAC technician.
“If you bring in the outside air through your HVAC system, it conditions and filters the air first,” said Wesley Marchand, the Vice Preident (VP) of Commercial Installation at Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning.
Air ventilating with the HVAC system is key to health IAQ
He adds, “So, you’re making sure you’re cleaning that air, before it comes into your building. If you don’t filter the air through your HVAC system, you open yourself up for allowing other particulates, like allergens, to come in, which will cause other problems for your employees and customers. Ventilating with your HVAC system allows you to be in control of the conditions that you are allowing into your facilities.”
A smaller scale example would be buildings operating HVAC systems at less than a MERV-13 filtration rating and buildings older than 15 years.
Enhancing outdoor air ventilation in old buildings
These buildings need to increase ventilation rates and outdoor air ventilation, keep HVAC systems running for longer hours, disable demand-controlled ventilation and consider the installation of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), in order to deactivate airborne virus particles.
New York State (NYS) requirements are complex and a lack of compliance could cost businesses financially
The New York State (NYS) requirements are complex and a lack of compliance could cost businesses financially. Businesses shouldn’t get caught assuming or guessing if the air circulation is up to code. A certified Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning technician will help understand the latest NYS requirements and walk building operators through the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to ensure the air and business is flowing smoothly.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV Ratings
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV Ratings report a filter’s ability to capture different sized particles. A higher MERV rating means that the air filter is more efficient at filtering small particles, such dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and airborne pollutants.
“Not every HVAC system can support higher rated MERV filters. At Isaac, our technicians and project managers can recommend the best choice for your business,” said Wesley Marchand, the Vice President of Commercial Installation at Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning.
