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CI-2009 IEQc5:Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control

MERV13s on VAV boxes

We continue to struggle with the issue of whether VAV boxes must have MERV13 filters to comply with IEQcr5. VAV boxes do "process return and outside air". Yet we are told by our CxA that VAV boxes do not need them to comply. Does anyone have a definitive answer for this?

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Dylan Connelly
Mechanical Engineer
Integral Group
LEEDuser Expert
342 thumbs up

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 23:58

VAV boxes themselves do not need the MERV 13 filters. However, there needs to be MERV 13 filters on the Outside Air Intake of the air handling unit serving those VAV boxes in order to comply. Check with the building engineer.

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 15:26

Thanks, Dylan. The building engineer is checking with us.
Profile picture for user dconnelly
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical Engineer
Integral Group
LEEDuser Expert
342 thumbs up

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 15:37

To elaborate: Ask the building engineer if they use MERV 13 filters on their Air Handling unit that is serving your space's VAV boxes. If not they need to start using them or you don't qualify for this credit. Adding MERV 13 filters to each VAV boxes is not standard practice and would require a lot of maintenance and expense. Also to clarify, usually the filters in the AHU are located after the OSA and RA mixing box and before the coil(s).

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 15:48

Thanks, we already know the AHUs have it and the VAV boxes are capable of taking them. Since VAVs do recirculate some small percentage of the return air and obviously filtering the outside air alone is not enough for the intent of this credit, we just haven't been able to ascertain through a review process 100% for sure (or as close as you can ever get), how this "return air filtering" is defined. If we only need to filter the outside air and the portion of the return air that is being re-distributed through the AHU, then we're fine. Thanks.
Profile picture for user dconnelly
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical Engineer
Integral Group
LEEDuser Expert
342 thumbs up

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 15:58

Ah Fan power VAV boxes. Per the latest addendum (4/1/12) only units that are processing Outside Air need to have the MERV 13 filters. Recirculating units do not. You are fine. Here is the new credit language: “Particle filters or air cleaning devices shall be provided to clean the outdoor air at any location prior to its introduction to occupied spaces.”

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