IEQ R3: Minimize Indoor Air Contamination - HVAC

Requirement

PURPOSE

Reduce indoor air pollutants through filtration and equipment location.

CRITERIA

IEQ R3.1 MERV 8 Filter or Better

Install a filter of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) eight or higher for all heating and cooling systems.

If the air handlers are used during construction and/or building flush-out, project must install air filter/cleaner on all systems with a MERV 8 or higher. All filters must be replaced prior to occupancy with a MERV 8 filter at minimum.

Ensure that installed equipment has capacity to handle potential pressure drop from filtration media.

Ductless Mechanical Systems: Equipment that provides heating/cooling without distributing the supply air through a duct system is exempt from the MERV-8 filtration requirements, provided that the following requirements are satisfied: 

• The highest MERV filter available by the system manufacturer is utilized 
• The central ventilation system supplying outside air to the zone heating/cooling equipment contains a MERV-8 filter or better

IEQ R3.2 Locate Outside Air Intakes Away from Contaminant Sources

Intake duct must be at least two feet above roof surface and duct and air sealed to the envelope.

Intakes must be located at least 15 feet from moderate contaminant sources: 

• exhaust outlets 
• plumbing stacks 
• garbage pick-up/dumpster areas 
• garage entries 
• condensing units

Intakes must be located at least 25 feet from high contaminant sources: 

• truck loading docks 
• vehicle idling areas and high vehicle traffic areas 
• cooling tower exhaust

Intakes must be located at least 30 feet from class 4 contaminant sources: 

• commercial kitchen grease hood

IEQ R3.3 No Air Handler Equipment in Garage, Parking Decks or Loading Dock Areas

Air handler and all associated supply and return ductwork must be isolated from garage, parking decks, loading docks or other areas for high potential of vehicle exhaust contaminants.

IEQ R3.4 Air Handler Must be Accessible and Labeled

Air handler equipment must be easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Each AHU, condensing unit and thermostat shall be labeled to uniquely identify each system.

VERIFICATION 

• Construction Documents indicate locations and types of filters, adequate filter access clearance, locations of outside air intakes and location of air handling equipment 
• Site Inspection by ECLC Technical Advisor

RESOURCES

International Mechanical Code IMC Domestic Kitchen Section 5.5.2, Commercial Kitchen Section 505, 506, 507, 508