ES7: Filters

• Filter easily accessible for occupant 
• Access panel includes gasket and fits snugly 
• At final, all filters ≥ MERV 6

Purpose

Filters should be easily accessible so that occupants may change them when needed, this increases the likelihood for good indoor air quality. A snug-fitting gasket door prevents air leakage during system operation.

Higher rated air filters are more efficient are trapping particulate matter from indoor air. HVAC filters should have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 6 to meet EarthCraft requirements.

Criteria

Filter easily accessible for occupant 

• Design system so that the filter is easily accessed by occupants. Easily accessed includes locating the filer in a location that is reasonable for an individual to reach and is not obscured in any way that would prevent an individual from fully pulling out a filter to remove it.

Access panel includes gasket and fits snugly 

• Eliminate filter bypass between the filter and filter rack by sealing the filter access panel to prevent air leakage and ensuring it fits snugly against the exposed edge of the installed filter when closed.

At final, all filters are ≥MERV 6 

• Install an HVAC filter with ≥MERV 6 (according to ASHRAE 52.2) on all HVAC systems. HVAC design and installation must account for airflow based on filter selection.

Clarifications 

• Filters perform best when the filter rack design includes flexible, airtight (e.g., closed-cell foam) gasket material on the downstream side of the filter and friction fit or spring clips installed on the upstream side of the filter.
• Non-standard efficiency ratings for filters (e.g., 3M’s Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)) and filters that do not have a MERV rating (e.g., electrostatic filters) need prior approval by EarthCraft. 
• HVAC system design and installation must be designed to accommodate the criteria.

Confirmation

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will visually confirm compliance of criteria at mid-construction and final inspections.