IAQ, FILTRATION AND THE CONSUMER MARKET Matthew Klein, PE-ME, MBA Indoor Air Quality Solutions, Inc.

IAQ IMPROVEMENT Ventilation, Filtration and Source Control The top three methods for controlling indoor air contaminants Control air contaminants >>> improve IAQ

IAQ AND VENTILATION Ventilation ASHRAE Standard 62 Basically contaminant dilution Even diluted, some contaminants are still problems Has an energy penalty Air usually must be cleaned

IAQ AND SOURCES Source Control Source elimination, attenuation or substitution Requires knowledge of source Usually complicated/impossible Usually involves change for occupants > > >difficult

IAQ AND FILTRATION Filtration Will Always Be Needed For Contaminants –Originating in the Building –Originating Outside of and entering the building

IAQ AND FILTRATION Filtration Will Always Be One of the most energy efficient options for improving IAQ One of the most doable options for improving IAQ One of the lowest capital cost options for improving IAQ

IAQ AND FILTRATION Filtration Also has an energy penalty But, provides energy return by preventing decline in other HVAC component performance And, provides other cost benefits, e.g. less maintenance

The Paradox Since Filtration Is So Important & Advantageous to IAQ Why Are There So Many Bad and Problematic Filtration Systems?

A POSSIBLE REASON? At the consumer level, filtration systems are still considered dust control systems Filtration systems are not considered contaminant control systems Essentially: the arrestance vs. efficiency by size range mindset

DUST VS. CONTAMINANT DUST Focus is on objects: –Coils –Fans –Building surfaces CONTAMINANT Focus is on occupants: –Health –Well-being –Productivity

DUST VS. CONTAMINANT DUST Goals: dust buildup soiling maintenance equipment protection CONTAMINANT Goals: illness irritation absenteeism productivity

DUST VS. CONTAMINANT DUST Properties of concern: –physical composition –larger (visible) particles –amount to load filter CONTAMINANT Properties of concern: –physiological effectors –0.3 to 10.0 m particles –airborne concentration

DUST VS. CONTAMINANT DUST Filter selection: –what is cheapest –arrestance –bypass and leakage less important CONTAMINANT Filter selection: –what is to be controlled –MERV –bypass and leakage more important

BUT Nowadays BOTH are important considerations, depending on the conditions AND they are not mutually exclusive control for contaminants, control for dust

IAQ and Effective Filtration Systems Filtration system selection the contaminant control model 1.Determine what is to be controlled 2.Determine the level of control 3.Select the best filtration system

IAQ and Effective Filtration Systems Filtration system installation the contaminant control model 1.Correctly install the filtration system 2.Commission the filtration system 3.Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine what is to be controlled Determine what the customers control needs areallergies, asthma, dust, etc. Dont assume you knowask Determine the important contaminants in the building based on the customers concerns

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine what is to be controlled Determine the physical properties of the important contaminants Consult knowledgeable IAQ professionals (and maybe docs) when needed Sample when necessary

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine the level of control People factor: –varying reactions to contaminants (medical and personal) –varying degrees of potential exposure in the same building –psychosocial influences

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine the level of control Contaminant factor: –many different types (e.g. biological vs. inert) –many different variations (e.g. 100,000 mold species) –many different forms (e.g. particle vs. fiber) –environmental influence –synergism

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine the level of control No exact criteria are available for most contaminantshuge gap in research Building properties and air handling system design will impact contaminant concentrationstry to account for variables

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Determine the level of control needed Sampling might help determine approximate contaminant concentrations Most times, experienced WAG is going to be good enough, but seek help when needed Customers needs should have major impact on level of control needed

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Select the best filtration system Best system provides control of important contaminants to the desired concentrations Focus on the customers needsnot the products available for sale

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Select the best filtration system MERV 10 minimumbased on mold (about m particle size range)but, system should have most efficient filtration in particle size ranges of contaminant of interest Filters should not exceed allowable fan pressure drop when loaded to factory specification

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Select the best filtration system Filters should not load up too rapidly System should have minimal bypass and leakage Gaskets should be reliable, effective, durable and easy to replace

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION Select the best filtration system Filters should be easy to changeout and have minimal gizmo hardware (KISS) System should be adaptable for future modifications Etc.

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Correctly install the filtration system Make sure system is installed so filters can be easily changed and hardware can be easily maintained Seal all seams between filter and fanCaulk non-removable panel seams; gaskets on removable panels or doors; tape if not gasketed

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Correctly install the filtration system FOLLOW NAFA RECOMMENDATIONS Training, continuing education, professional input, trade shows

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Commission the filtration system Thoroughly inspect each filtration system to make sure it was installed according to spec and works as planned Dry-run filter changeout to anticipate problems

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Commission the filtration system FOLLOW NAFA, ASHRAE, SMACNA, Etc. RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES Document, document, document

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance Make sure the customer understands how filtration works in general Make sure the customer knows how the filtration system works in particulardont trust the customer to read the manual

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance Dry-run filter changeout with customer Make sure the customer knows specifically which filters to purchase Provide the customer with all manuals and specifications for system