As you can see from the research, HVAC systems with filters that have a high MERV rating tend to have a greater pressure drop across the filter. This decrease in air flow can have an undesired effect on the cooling side of the system, leading to a cold coil that can eventually freeze and form an ice ball, completely blocking airflow. This can cause more expensive problems in the condenser coil. When it comes to chemical disinfectants, it is important to note that their effects on filter performance are unknown.
Therefore, they should only be applied with the air conditioning system turned off and not to ventilation filters before they are used. UV systems are quite effective at maintaining the cleanliness of HVAC coils, drain trays, and other damp surfaces. These systems generally require more lamps to provide significant doses of UV in a short period of time. A typical single-pass inactivation efficiency is 85%, but systems can also be designed for inactivation greater than 99.9%.
In addition, a well-designed UV air disinfection system located next to the cooling coils can also provide surface disinfecting benefits. Wall-mounted accessories can also be used to create an irradiated area above the occupant and disinfect the air in the space as it circulates naturally, mechanically or through the HVAC system. Mobile UV systems are also frequently used for cleaning terminals and disinfecting surfaces in health centers and other spaces. Designing and sizing effective ultraviolet disinfection systems can be a complex process due to the need to determine the dose administered to a moving air stream or to an irradiated region of a room.
Superior air systems require an adequate air mix to function properly, while paying close attention to reflective surfaces that could cause room occupants to be overexposed to UV energy. Accredited manufacturers and system designers can help by making the necessary calculations and designing specific systems for individual spaces. For facility managers, investing in higher-quality filters can reduce energy and filter replacement costs. MERV 13 filters can trap more contaminants than MERV 8 filters, but they are more expensive and can restrict air flow to the point that they are incompatible with some air conditioning systems.
MERV 13 filters will provide better indoor air quality if you live in a place with a lot of air pollution. If only more companies would promote the installation of magnetic pressure gauges and pressure gauges, as well as simplistic information brochures that explained why jumping into a MERV 13 from a 50-micron filter can be problematic, or letting a filter double its depth due to dust accumulation, then more people would be protected from harmful pollutants. As an expert in this field, I have identified that there is an increase in pressure drop and energy costs when switching to MERV 13 filters or higher. Many pleated HVAC air filters can still have a high MERV rating, without drastically restricting airflow. Using a filter higher than MERV 13 in a home is not necessary and can restrict airflow and damage the air conditioning system.
