O’Dell Associates-Ottawa is proud to represent AAF/Flanders and offer solutions to help improve your indoor air quality. Whether it be to help the fight against Covid-19, improve occupant comfort or improve overall IAQ to help reduce employee sick days and promote productivity.
Questions that we are frequently asked:
Should I increase the MERV rating on my filters?
Yes. Viruses are typically very small and can go through most standard filters, however we know that these small virus particles generally piggyback on larger dust particles as they travel through a building. The virus particles move erratically through the air stream and hitch a ride on particles in the size range of 0.3 to 1.0 microns and these are the sizes that we can capture with proper air filtration. Wherever possible, minimum MERV13 filters should be used for optimal performance. Upgrading from a MERV 7 air filter to a MERV 13 filter reduces the likelihood of infection by nearly 40%.
How will it affect my HVAC system?
Your initial static pressure may increase slightly, but your system should be designed to handle a filter at its final static pressure, which remains the same. Most pre-filters have a final SP of 1”. Increasing MERV rating should have little impact on your system. Moreover, a higher MERV rating doesn’t necessarily reflect an increase in pressure drop.
How can I save money on filters?
There are a couple of simple solutions to save $$$
- Upgrading your prefilters to a higher MERV rating in a 2-stage system will not only increase chances of capturing viruses but it will also extend the life of the secondary filter which is typically the more expensive one.
- Consider reviewing your systems and possibly installing blank offs to allow you to use standard size filters instead of ordering custom sizes. This will be more affordable, and the filters will be more readily available. We can help!
Can I upgrade my MERV 13 prefilter to HEPA?
No, not without upgrading your current HVAC system. It is not designed to use HEPA filters. HEPA filters have a much higher pressure drop and they require a slower airflow. They would also face load, lessening their life by a lot which can be quite costly as they can be expensive. However, we have a solution.
Look out for our future blog article on HEPA portable air cleaners.
Lack of proper air filtration is the
#1 cause of poor IAQ
At O’Dell Associates, we will work with you to develop a comprehensive indoor air quality plan for your building. Contact us today for your free evaluation.
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