Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration Maintenance

Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, HVAC systems in commercial and industrial facilities focused primarily on the comfort of guests and staff. Air conditioning certainly makes indoor spaces more inviting during the heat and humidity of summers in the South. However, this event added the focus on mitigating dangers from biological dangers. Distancing and sanitizing practices were enhanced, and HVAC air filtration became a major emphasis. While the immediate danger has abated, the need to be vigilant remains.

Airborne Organic Matter

There are a variety of allergens, bacteria, and viruses moving about in both indoor and outdoor spaces. As people move in and out of these spaces, they bring these particles inside. Unless they are removed, the concentration of particles increases.

• Most of these particles are simple allergens, such as pollen or mold spores.
• These particles are heavier than air and fall to the surface. Good janitorial practices—dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing remove most airborne particles.
• The motion of air, people, and equipment stirs a small number of particles. Many of these particles are collected by the HVAC system and captured in the air filter.

Organic Matter Size

The danger of these organic particles varies. The size of these particles also varies greatly.

• Pollen spores range between 2.5 and 25 microns
• Mold spores range between 2 and 10 microns
• Bacteria range between 1 and 2 microns in diameter and range between 5 and 10 microns in length
• Viruses (the source of the COVID-19 illness) range between .02 micron and .5 micron

Air Filter Ratings

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed a rating system to measure the efficiency of air filters in removing airborne particles, the Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV. (Don’t we just love acronyms?) MERV is expressed in the percentage of certain-sized particles removed:

• MERV 8 removes 85% of particles 3 to 10 microns, enough to remove most pollen, mold, and bacteria.
• MERV 9 removes 50% of particles 1 to 3 microns.
• MERV 10-12 removes 64 to 89% of particles 1 to 3 microns.

These filters will remove most viruses but filters with openings small enough to capture all viruses pose a problem for normal air conditioner systems.

Air conditioners require the movement of massive amounts of air, especially for large commercial systems. A filter with extremely small openings restricts the flow of air enough to interfere with air conditioning function. These filters require blower motors that move an increased amount of air to both filter and cool the air.

• The manufacturer’s manual will designate the appropriate range of air filter MERV.
• A local HVAC technician can acquire the proper MERV filter for your system.
• The proper MERV filter rating for your system is also available from ASHRAE.

Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration Beyond Filters

If removing viruses and other small particles is important, speak with your commercial HVAC contractor concerning the availability of auxiliary products.

• Ultraviolet light products are installed inside of the ductwork. Ultraviolet light disrupts the cell walls of viruses, bacteria, pollen, and mold. (That is what happens when we get a sunburn.) The dead cells are more easily captured by filters.
• Ionizer filters do not kill cells. This product adds electrons to airborne particles and gives them an electric charge. Since opposite poles attract, a positively charged surface acts as a magnet and removes them from the air.

Let us help with your Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration!

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial HVAC contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration questions.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration needs.