CALGreen Section: 5.504.5.3 Filters. In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8. MERV 8 filters shall be installed
prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with filters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual.
Exception: A MERV-1 filter shall be allowed for return air only or return with prefiltered outside air if the filter is of a re-usable, non-disposable type, and the fan energy use of that air delivery system is 0.4W/cfm or less at design airflow.
Intent:
The intent of this regulation is to filter particulate matter from the air by the use of at least MERV
8-rated filters for improved air quality.
Change for 2012: CBSC is proposing modification of this section providing clarity for the code user to emphasize that MERV 8 filters are to be installed prior to occupancy and that their replacement with like filters should be a recommendation for operation of a building. (See also Section 5.504.1.3, above.) Also, in response to comment, an exception has been added for certain ductless HVAC equipment which is incompatible with the MERV 8 filter requirement, but which is highly efficient and provides other benefits to a building operator or occupant.
Existing Law or Regulation:
There is NO current law or regulation for this code provision.
Compliance Method:
Specify and install prior to occupancy at least MERV 8 filters for the return air grilles.
Enforcement:
Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the plans and specifications to confirm that the filters are specified to meet MERV 8, or that specified equipment qualifies for the
exception.
On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans and product data sheets maintained by the contractor to verify that HVAC filtration specified on the approved plans and specifications are installed, or are stored on site with the ability to be verified. The inspector may check a sample of installed filters to verify the MERV rating.
CALGreen Section: 5.714.4.6.1 Filters. In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8. MERV 8 filters shall be installed
prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with filters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual.
Exception: A MERV-1 filter shall be allowed for return air only or return with prefiltered outside air if the filter is of a re-usable, non-disposable type, and the fan energy use of that air delivery system is 0.4W/cfm or less at design airflow.
Intent:
The intent of this regulation is to filter particulate matter from the air by the use of at least MERV
8-rated filters for improved air quality.
Change for 2012: CBSC adopted this section and exception as applicable to additions and alterations as modified for new construction to provide clarity for the code user to emphasize that MERV 8 filters are to be installed prior to occupancy and that their replacement with like filters should be a recommendation for operation of a building. It proposes the same exception for highly energy-efficient ductless HVAC equipment.
Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.504.5.3 of this guide
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