EQp5: Air Filtering – Above Green

Required

Intent

To protect occupants’ health by reducing particulate matter from the air supply system.

Requirements

Install air filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 or higher on all recirculating space conditioning systems, per ASHRAE 62.2–2010. Design ductwork and specify the central blower to account for the pressure drop across the filter. Air filter housings must be airtight to prevent bypass or leakage.

Non-ducted systems are exempt from the minimum MERV 8 requirements but must have an internal air filter in the air-handling unit.

Install air filters rated MERV 6 or higher for mechanically supplied outdoor air for systems with 10 feet (3 meters) of ductwork or more, per ASHRAE 62.2–2010, Section 6.7.

Projects may use equivalent filtration media class of F5 or higher for MERV 8 and G4 or higher for MERV 6, as defined by CEN standard EN779—2002.

Projects that earn the EPA Indoor airPLUS label automatically meet the requirements of this prerequisite.