Author: T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Many people in Long Island have been looking forward to getting back to the gym. One of the last businesses to reopen, gyms have been given a list of protocols that they must follow to open successfully. In addition to proper sanitization, mask-wearing, and social distancing rules, regulations, and considerations, the air handling systems in gyms are also subject to the new guidelines.

While it can be confusing to know what, exactly, is needed per state mandates, there are a few items that are requirements rather than suggestions. Per the NYS website, “… Responsible Parties must ensure central HVAC system filtration meets the highest rated filtration compatible with the currently installed filter rack and air handling system, at a minimum MERV-13, or industry equivalent or greater, as applicable.”

Indoor Air Quality Can Reduce Risk at the Gym

As we discussed last month, MERV ratings indicate the ability of a filter to remove particulates from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective it is at removing a variety of contaminants, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses. Therefore, having a filter with a higher MERV level installed in a system can help remove more of the bad stuff from the air. In places like gyms, where there is more potential for airborne bacteria and viruses to move through the air, advanced filtration is one measure that can help keep the air cleaner.

New York State also suggests, but does not require, increased rates of outdoor air ventilation, system testing and balancing as needed, regular system inspection, installation of appropriately designed ultraviolet (UV) systems, and installation of air cleaners. These are steps gyms can take to ensure even better indoor air quality.

How do I know if my gym complies with the regulations?

For reopening purposes, gyms needed to affirm their obligation to operate per NYS guidelines. If you have any questions at all, you should feel free to discuss them with the gym owner or manager.

I own a gym and would like to learn more about improving our air quality.

At T.F. O’Brien, we take the health and safety of our commercial clients, their employees, and their patrons very seriously. We can help you ensure your system complies with NYS regulations. And, we can work with you on system improvements that can further ensure that your facility’s air quality is the best possible for your employees and clients. To learn more, give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

As our area of the state reopens, there are guidelines we as residents are required to follow. Mask-wearing, social distancing, and staying home if we’re not feeling well are all some of the ways the average citizen is responding to the COVID-19 crisis, but for businesses, some additional rules and guidelines must be followed.

Recently, Governor Cuomo issued a mandate that requires buildings such as malls to follow proper ventilation protocols. As part of this, the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system needs to be fitted with filters that provide a minimum of MERV 11 filtration with the caveat that MERV 13 filtration is preferred.

As an HVAC contractor, we understand the importance of proper filtration concerning the coronavirus, but also recognize that the layperson might not know what MERV even is. While it sounds like a guy’s name, the first thing we’d like to point out is that MERV isn’t a person, and he hasn’t created a rating system for air filters. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, a rating developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Why should building owners pay attention to the MERV level their filtration system offers?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “MERVs report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.” Understanding this value is helpful when comparing the effectiveness of different air filters. And, the higher the MERV rating is for a filter, the better it is at trapping certain particles. So, by installing filters with a higher MERV rating, buildings are better able to ensure better, cleaner air circulating throughout.

It should be noted, however, that there is much unknown about COVID-19. While there are other coronaviruses, such as MERS and SARS, COVID-19 is a new form of the virus. Therefore, taking measures to protect yourself is still important, even when you’re in buildings that have advanced MERV filtration.

Should I install a filter with a higher MERV level in my home?

People are wondering if they should have higher filtration in their homes. As an HVAC contractor, we can help both residential and commercial customers get the appropriate indoor air quality (IAQ) products for their needs. For your home, working with T.F. O’Brien is the best way to ensure you have the proper IAQ equipment to keep your air cleaner and healthier.

Generally speaking, residential HVAC systems can’t quite handle MERV 13 level filtration, because such filters require air to be moved much more forcefully than most home furnaces are capable of. However, we offer several different types of residential IAQ products that can effectively reduce and eliminate particles such as allergens, bacteria, and viruses from your home’s air.

Want to learn more about how T.F. O’Brien can help with your home or business’s air quality needs? Give us a call.

T.F. O’Brien takes the health of our clients and our employees very seriously. That’s why we’re following stringent CDC guidelines, to ensure your utmost safety. Click here to find out how we’re making every effort to keep you safe. And, to learn more about how we can improve the air quality in your home or office, give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll gladly schedule an appointment with you.