Installation of MERV13 Filters

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The CDC hypothesized that the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 could become suspended in the air stream and transported through the typical HVAC system and dispersed throughout a work area. To combat this, Howard County, Maryland, Department of Public Works/Bureau of Facilities implemented a program for the replacement of standard air filters in all building HVAC systems with higher efficiency filters “MERV13” to trap smaller particulate matter. MERV is an industry term for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of the air filter mediums performance. In an effort to support the higher filtration, and in units where MERV13 filters were not compatible, the installation of Ultra Violet (UV) Light Fixtures has been installed to kill the virus. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore conducted experiments regarding the COVID19 virus, killing it with UV light on the surfaces of equipment when the virus effected and increased the turnaround time of exam and treatment rooms. The practice of introducing Ultra Violet Light in the HVAC air flow resulting in the killing Bacteria, Viruses, and Mold was popular in the late 20th Century but fell out of practice as the development of new antibiotics were introduced. It began a resurgence in HVAC Equipment installed in treatment facilities the late 90’s when various strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria emerged.