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COVID-19
The persistence of under-performing HVAC systems and inadequate ventilation rates in the
classroom is of particular concern as states and provinces look to reopen schools during the
COVID-19 pandemic. An April 2020 paper by ASHRAE found that viruses such as COVID-19
can spread through the air in two ways. Larger droplets travel between 6 and 7 feet before
dropping to the ground, but smaller droplets can evaporate and become aerosolized, remaining
airborne for extended periods.6 SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found within aerosols for 3 hours in one study7 and viable up to 16 hours in another study8. Additionally, 239 scientists have signed
on open letter urging the WHO to recognize and mitigate the potential for airborne spread of
COVID-19.9 Increasing filtration levels and ventilation rates removes and dilutes these
aerosolized viruses, reducing the risk of infection for occupants. For that reason, WHO10, the
CDC11 and ASHRAE12 recommend ensuring HVAC systems operate properly, increasing
ventilation rates, and installing filters with a minimum efficiency rating value (MERV) of 13 or
better where possible in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A May 2020 report by Dr.
Jovan Pantelic at U.C. Berkeley further recommends continuous CO2 monitoring and
maintaining relative humidity in the range of 40%-60%.
Individualized HVAC Ventilation Verification
Improving the performance of school HVAC systems not only saves energy and provides a safer
and healthier building environment, but it also has a significant correlation to student
performance. In a 2017 literature review, W. J. Fisk, a senior scientist with the Indoor
Environment Group, summarized that eight studies reported statistically significant
improvements in some measures of student performance associated with increased ventilation
rates or lower CO2 concentrations, with performance increases as high as 15%.
School Ventilation and Efficiency Verification and Repair
prepare
schools to reopen with functional ventilation systems that are tested, adjusted, and if necessary
repaired, by qualified personnel in order to provide recommended ventilation rates as reliably
and energy efficiently as possible. Recipients shall: (1) assess, maintain, adjust, and, if necessary,
repair existing HVAC systems to ensure ventilation rates meet or exceed the standards, provide MERV 13 filtration or better where feasible, or the maximum
MERV filtration compatible with the system design and airflow requirements; install CO2
sensors in classrooms as an indication that proper ventilation is maintained throughout the school
year; and prepare an HVAC Ventilation Verification Assessment Report documenting the
work performed and identifying any additional system balancing, upgrades, replacements or
other measures recommended to improve the health, safety, and/or efficiency of the HVAC
system. School facilities that comply with these requirements shall provide the final Ventilation
Verification Report to students, parents, school personnel, and the public as a demonstration that
adequate measures have been taken to ensure the HVAC system is operational and meets all
applicable codes and standards.
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