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FAQs about IEQc1.4 :

Is it true that MERV 13 filtration is no longer required for return air circulation?

Can we earn this credit by adopting a phase-out plan of our old filters and replacing them with MERV 13 filters?

Can we use pre-filtration in combination with filters that are less than MERV 13 in order to earn the credit? For example if we use carbon pre-filters combined with MERV 11 would that work?

We are working on a project outside of the U.S. What options do we have for an alternative but equivalent standard to the MERV 13 filter.

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EBOM-2009 IEQc1.4:IAQ Best Management Practices—Reduce Particulates in Air Distribution

Indoor AHUs and MERV 13 filters

The first paragragh in your "birds eye view" states that "As of November 2010, a USGBC addendum removed a requirement for return air circulation to also have MERV 13 filtration." Below is the November addendum stating: "Replace the paragraph with the following: In mechanically ventilated buildings, each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air shall comply with the following during the performance period: Particle filters or air cleaning devices shall clean the outdoor air at any location prior to its introduction to occupied spaces. These filters or devices shall be rated a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2 or greater for all outside air intakes and inside air recirculation returns. Establish and follow a regular schedule for maintenance and replacement of these filtration media according to the manufacturer's recommended interval. " We submitted an informal Inquiry to LEED Online confirming the statement in your bird's eye view section. According to the GBCI reviewer this information is incorrect. The reviewer says "As it clearly states, inside air recirculation returns do require MERV 13 filtration." I would caution those planning on trying to earn this credit by not putting MERV 13 filters on insdie air recirculation returns. You will most likely not receive the credit.

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Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
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Tue, 11/15/2011 - 02:05

Wendy, as I read it, the addendum refers to MERV 13 filters on outdoor air intakes, not on return air, i.e. recirculation.Does that square up any better with what you heard?

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 22:36

Tristan is correct. We've submitted projects after the addendum and met the requirements. So, the MERV 13 filters are required on OA intakes only and not on the returns.

Mon, 07/22/2013 - 21:08

I think I see the problem. The EBOM 2009 Document Addenda posted on 11/3/2010, replaces the paragraph on page 379 with the heading "Requirements" to now read: In mechanically ventilated buildings, each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air shall comply with the following during the performance period: • Particle filters or air cleaning devices shall clean the outdoor air at any location prior to its introduction to occupied spaces. • These filters or devices shall be rated a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2 or greater for all outside air intakes and inside air recirculation returns. • Establish and follow a regular schedule for maintenance and replacement of these filtration media according to the manufacturer’s recommended interval. But the BD+C 2009 Document Addenda posted on 7/19/2010 for IEQc5 replaces the third bullet item on page 511 to now read: • In mechanically ventilated buildings, each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air shall comply with the following: o Particle filters or air cleaning devices shall be provided to clean the outdoor air at any location prior to its introduction to occupied spaces. o These filters or devices shall be rated a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2. o Clean air Filtration media shall be installed in all air systems after completion of construction and prior to occupancy. It looks to me like the EBOM 2009 Addenda includes the phrase "for all outside air intakes and inside air recirculation returns" that is not included in the BD+C 2009 Addenda. I wonder if this an error in the EBOM 2009 Addenda. I wonder if the intent is for EBOM and BD+C to both have the same wording as found in the BD+C Addenda. I would hope so.

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