ASHRAE PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES TO RE-OPEN

Last week (July 17, 2020) the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) presented a set of guidelines and best practices for the reopening of schools and higher education campuses.  Within the information they provided was additional justification and potential concerns related to filtration and indoor air quality systems. 

As the world addresses the challenge of providing a hygienic and safe environment for education, this document serves to assist those tasked with designing and maintaining the mechanical systems of these facilities.  As one can imagine, the options available to a manager of a vintage building which without a modern HVAC system is very different from those that can be implemented in a modern building with sophisticated HVAC systems and controls.  The information that ASHRAE has provided through this effort does a very good job of taking the general guidelines which have been highly publicized (MERV 13 filtration for example) and helps managers with the decision-making process of when, where, and how to apply them.

Filtration Group and Madison IAQ are proud to participate in ASHRAE and the Epidemic Task Force that was created to address the new concerns arising from COVID-19 pandemic.  

Several solutions that we provide are highlighted in these guidelines including:

  • MERV 13 Air Filtration in the HVAC systems to reduce pathogens in the air: Various types of MERV 13 air filters are available from Filtration Group
  • Stand Alone HEPA Air Purifiers when MERV 13 cannot be used:  Purashield and Phoenix Guardian HEPA Air Scrubbers are available in various sizes for different applications
  • Ventilation Equipment: Madison IAQ companies produce a wide range of equipment for both ventilation and dehumidification

Below is the link to the ASHRAE website and the information presented on 7-17-2020 on this topic.

https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/ashrae-reopening-schools-and-universities-c19-guidance.pdf

Click on the Step-By-Step Guides on the menu bar for more information how these solutions can help address concerns in your building.