There are three steps building owners and school districts can take to create a safe environment for building occupants.
Ventilation Verification is a physical assessment of the existing heating, centilation and air conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure. The assessment is performed by a skilled, trained and certified technician. The resulting assessment report allows design professionals to make recommendations for adjustments, repairs, upgrades or replacements with reduced assumptions. School districts and building owners can then make educated decisions on the proposed improvements.
Schedule a Ventilation Verification Assessment
A skilled, trained and certified technician will perform a physical assessment of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This assessment will verify operation and conditions of your existing systems.
Filtration
Review system capacity and airflow to determine the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filtration for reducing contagions, replace or upgrade filters where needed, and verify that such filters are installed correctly.
MERV 13 or better filtration shall be installed in the facility’s HVAC system where feasible.
Ventilation Rate
Calculate the required ventilation rates for each occupied area based on the actual occupancy. Physically verify that the ventilation rate meets or exceeds the minimum outside air (OSA) rates set forth by the local jurisdiction.
Ventilation System Operation
Physically test all ventilation components for proper operation.
Air Distribution
Survey all inlets and outlets. Verify all ventilation is reaching the served zone and there is adequate distribution.
Building Pressure
Verify the building pressure is per design and a negative pressure is maintained for contaminant rooms temporarily occupied by sick occupants.
Operational Controls
Review control sequences to verify systems will maintain intended ventilation, temperature and humidity conditions during school operation. Verify a daily flush is scheduled for three changes of building volume using outdoor air.
CO2 Monitoring
As an indicator of proper ventilation throughout the school year, all classrooms shall be equipped with a CO2 monitor within each zone of the building.
Limited or No Existing Mechanical Ventilation
In cases where there is limited or no existing mechanical ventilation, the assessment would then focus on available options and provide the design professional with documentation to provide ventilation options.
Submit for Design Professional Review
Submit the Ventilation Verification assessment report to qualified design professionals (licensed mechanical engineer, certified industrial hygienist [CIH] or mechanical design professional as defined by state or provincial guidelines).
Begin Repairs, Adjustments, Replacements and Upgrades
Work with the design professional to determine cost-effective options to improve ventilation and filtration energy efficiency for the students, parents and staff who depend on a healthy learning environment.