On June 9th, ASHRAE published an updated guidance document, “Practical Guidance for Epidemic Operation of Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems,” addressing concerns on the operation and use of energy recovery ventilators during an epidemic such as the current pandemic crisis.
The updated guidance states that “well-designed and well-maintained air-to-air energy recovery systems should remain operating in residences, commercial buildings and medical facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because maintaining at least normal Outdoor Air Ventilation rates, with proper temperature and humidity conditioning of the inside space, is important for maintaining health and combatting infectious bioaerosols.
Source: ASHRAE, June 9, 2020 ASHRAE TC 5.5 Practical Guidance for Epidemic Operation of ERVs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Normal Operation of the ERV Component is Recommended – Changing the system operation settings without an effective understanding of the system likely will result in unintended consequences such as reduced Outdoor Air Ventilation rates or out-of-control indoor humidity conditions which may themselves favour the spread of viruses
- Increase Outdoor Air Ventilation and Operate ERV – In epidemic situations it generally is recommended (see ASHRAE’s Building Readiness Guide) to increase Outdoor Air Ventilation and operate ERV, in order to increase dilution, while maintaining comfort conditions
- Clean and Maintain your Energy Recovery Equipment – Clean the exchanger surface as recommended by the manufacturer. NOTE: Some exchangers can be washed, others cannot.
If you are designing your next project, make sure that the equipment has good service access to clean the Heat Exchange Modules. Even though most manufacturers mandate filters, access for inspection and cleaning of the heat exchanger is imperative.
For access to the most comprehensive range of Australian made ERV equipment, have a look at our range today.
