|
#1 - Filtration
Filtration: Ideally MERV 13 but the higher the filtering capability, the greater the resistance. This means the greater the MERV rating, the greater the required filter size to maintain proper airflow without undue wear and tear on the hvac equipment. https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-disinfection |
|
DIY - Filter
Another creative option for increased filtration is to make a filter fan like some of our friends have posted -- this particular setup was posted by Comparetto Comfort Solutions. This can be a DIY project and made for around $100. This opens the door for better air filtration for renters, systems without filter upgrade options, or boiler systems. |
|
|
#2 - Humidity Control
Comprehensive resource for humidification
https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/i-p_s16_ch22humidifiers.pdf
Properly sized, commissioned, and multi stage or ideally variable speed equipment plus a humidifier and dehumidifier are essential for comfort and health (air quality)
During the winter, there are times when the temperature and humidity are lower than desirable (heat/humidify). During the spring, summer, and fall, there are times when the temperature and humidity are higher than is desirable (cool/dehumidify).
By properly sizing the cooling system to the buildings requirements you can help manage the dehumidification with the air conditioner, but only when there is a need for cooling. By managing both the heat removal and humidity removal, you maintain a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment(see dehumidifiers for when there is not a need for cooling). See Home Performance Assessment for more info on this:
www.portmech.com/building-performance-assessment.html
Next most important is commissioning the equipment, dialing in airflow for proper operation with regard to humidity control (sensible/temperature versus latent/humidity heat removal). This is done in multiple ways but is typically controlled via a higher end thermostat, variable speed blower motor, and multistage or ideally variable speed equipment to match your need to the demand.
www.trane.com/residential/en/products/heat-pumps/premier-18/
Humidifiers:
During the winter time the humidity level is too low and a properly controlled humidifier can correct this, ideally with regard to the outdoor temperature.
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/indoor-air-quality/humidity-control/humidifiers/power-humidifiers/
Dehumidifiers
There are also times when humidity will creep up without a need for cooling. This is when either reheat dehumidification (all electric HVAC system with proper control) and/or a dehumidifier will improve the comfort and air quality in your home.
https://www.santa-fe-products.com/resources/how-home-dehumidifiers-work/
Comprehensive resource for humidification
https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/i-p_s16_ch22humidifiers.pdf
Properly sized, commissioned, and multi stage or ideally variable speed equipment plus a humidifier and dehumidifier are essential for comfort and health (air quality)
During the winter, there are times when the temperature and humidity are lower than desirable (heat/humidify). During the spring, summer, and fall, there are times when the temperature and humidity are higher than is desirable (cool/dehumidify).
By properly sizing the cooling system to the buildings requirements you can help manage the dehumidification with the air conditioner, but only when there is a need for cooling. By managing both the heat removal and humidity removal, you maintain a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment(see dehumidifiers for when there is not a need for cooling). See Home Performance Assessment for more info on this:
www.portmech.com/building-performance-assessment.html
Next most important is commissioning the equipment, dialing in airflow for proper operation with regard to humidity control (sensible/temperature versus latent/humidity heat removal). This is done in multiple ways but is typically controlled via a higher end thermostat, variable speed blower motor, and multistage or ideally variable speed equipment to match your need to the demand.
www.trane.com/residential/en/products/heat-pumps/premier-18/
Humidifiers:
During the winter time the humidity level is too low and a properly controlled humidifier can correct this, ideally with regard to the outdoor temperature.
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/indoor-air-quality/humidity-control/humidifiers/power-humidifiers/
Dehumidifiers
There are also times when humidity will creep up without a need for cooling. This is when either reheat dehumidification (all electric HVAC system with proper control) and/or a dehumidifier will improve the comfort and air quality in your home.
https://www.santa-fe-products.com/resources/how-home-dehumidifiers-work/
Proper control
|
Humidification
|
Dehumidification
|
|
#3 - Fresh air ventilation / make up air -
Health is arguably the most important attribute in our lives. Fan "on" and outdoor air as needed (see air quality monitor) provides multiple benefits but the most important is to help provide fresh air to the occupants in your home to prevent co2 from building up. High co2 (>1000 ppm) affects health / sleep and cognitive abilities (15-50%). Air Quality monitor we recommend https://www.portmech.com/air-quality-monitors.html co2 studies https://aranet.com/en/home/why-measure |
|
#4 - Air Purification
New data has come out and we're apprehensive to implement these Adding an Ultra Violet air and/or surface treatment system can reduce the presence of bioaerosols (mold bacteria, and viruses) as well as reduce the quantity of VOC (volatile organic compounds -- chemicals) in your home or business https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/martin.pdf Second Wind Model 2000 Brochure "BY COMBINING THE HIGHEST INTENSITY GERMICIDAL ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT WITH PHOTO-CATALYTIC OXIDATION ODOR (PCO) CONTROL, THESE MODELS PROVIDE THE SAFEST, PURIFIED AIR. " Brochure - pdf shared via Dropbox University study from the 2013 Coronavirus and how Second wind performed https://www.secondwinduv.com/coronavirus-solutions |
|
