INCREASE VENTILATION
Fact
Schools can dilute indoor air by increasing airflow and air-exchange. Maximizing the flow of fresh outdoor air during occupied times can reduce airborne contaminants.
Tip
Mechanical Systems should be operated in occupied mode (including normal or peak outside air rate introduced to each space) for a minimum period of 2 hours prior to occupants re-entering the building.
Warning
Increasing airflow will result in higher fan energy consumption, longer mechanical run-time, and increased heating and cooling costs.
IMPROVE FILTRATION
Fact
Target Level for filtration for schools is MERV 13 or higher. This minimum target will on average remove a minimum of 75% of particle size of 0.3-1.0 µm.
Tip
Air filters are your first-line of defence against airborne contaminants. To increase the filtration rate to 95% consider upgrading your filters to MERV-16 or higher.
Warning
There will be an increase in fan energy used to overcome additional pressure drop from filters, resulting in less airflow to heat and cool the spaces during peak hours/days.
CONTROL HUMIDITY
Fact
In order to decrease viruses, bacteria and ozone in the air, relative humidity levels should be between 40-60%. Optimum humidity levels can improve indoor air quality, significantly.
Tip
Evaporative humidification systems are more energy-efficient than steam systems and provide additional cooling benefits.
Warning
Increasing airflow will result in higher fan energy consumption, longer mechanical run-time, and increased heating and cooling costs.
ELIMINATE DUCT-LEAKAGE
Fact
Leaky ductwork is one of the biggest contributors to energy waste in buildings today. In fact, on average all ducts leak between 25-30%, which represents BILLIONS of dollars in annual energy waste.
Tip
Mechanical systems are normally oversized to account for duct leakage. By sealing your ducts you can increase system performance by 25-30% without costly upgrades and lengthy downtimes.
Warning
Avoid duct taping, caulking or mastic. Instead, opt for aerosolized duct sealing which seals ducts from the inside out.
TREAT & PURIFY AIR
Fact
There are two types of air purifying technologies, active and passive. Passive air purification units use air filters to remove pollutants, while active air purifiers release ionized hydroperoxides into the air, attacking microbes like bacteria, viruses and mould.
Tip
Schools are high-traffic, high-contact environments. Increased ventilation and active air purification will help mitigate student-to-student transmission, whether airborne or through common surfaces.
Warning
Not all air purification systems are built the same. Most systems require contaminants to travel through the filtration system. Instead consider Active Air Purification that uses Hydroperoxide Ions & Bi-Polar Ionization to treat ducts, the air in the space and hard surfaces.