On June 24th, ASHRAE announced Standard 241 for Control of Infectious Aerosols, targeting the reduction of airborne disease transmission risks in the indoor environments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many government agencies looked to ASHRAE for HVAC-related procedures for dealing with the spread of infectious viral aerosols. The new standard’s approach follows the lead of Standard 62.1’s indoor air quality procedure (IAQP), the IAQ outcome driven HVAC installation and operational methodology, and advocates the use of air cleaners in combination with outdoor air ventilation for meeting indoor air quality targets.
Indoor spaces with many people, such as classrooms and offices, facilitate the spread of infectious diseases such as the flu, RSV, COVID, colds, and pneumonia. HVAC systems have been historically designed for promoting occupant comfort, specifically temperature. As a result, HVAC system and building air distribution designs are not optimally designed to optimize indoor air quality, including the removal of airborne pathogens.
The traditional approach of increasing ventilation of outdoor air as the primary method of indoor air quality treatment is limited due to outdoor air pollution concerns as well as the high energy use and costs associated with reconditioning cold air in the winter and warm air in our increasingly hot summers.
ASHRAE Standard 241 puts a new emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) and the use of air cleaner technology to achieve IAQ targets: “Dilution of indoor air contaminants by ventilation with outdoor air can be an energy intensive and expensive way to control indoor air quality. Standard 241 provides extensive requirements for use of filtration and air cleaning to effectively and safely achieve equivalent clean airflow requirements efficiently and cost effectively.”
The recent wildfire smoke clouds covering large swaths of the US and its major cities highlighted another shortcoming of the exclusive dependence of ventilation, and an additional danger since up to half of outdoor pollution makes its way into many buildings.
As ASHRAE President Farooq Mehboob noted, “Standard 241 represents a significant step forward in prioritizing indoor air quality. By implementing the requirements outlined in this standard, we can improve the health, well-being and productivity of building occupants. This standard empowers building owners, operators and professionals to take proactive measures in safeguarding indoor environments. It’s an essential tool for creating healthier indoor environments and promoting sustainable practices.”
To ensure effective, safe, climate-friendly, and economical indoor air quality requires making the best air cleaning solution portfolio choices. When adopting air cleaners, all of the above requirements as well as occupant experience have to be considered and balanced. Results should also be monitored. ASHRAE 241 arrives at a pivotal time and paves the way for the adoption of functional, performance-based IAQ solutions.
Tatama Air Cleaner
For commercial new construction or retrofits into existing facilities
Tatama uses Metalmark’s advanced HEPA-grade filters to capture airborne particulates, smoke, VOCs, and pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
Sierra Air Filters
For your existing commercial HVAC systems
The HVAC filter with enhanced protection against wildfire smoke. A simple drop-in replacement with no change to air flow or pressure.
