As we move through another cold and flu season, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued updated ventilation guidance aimed at reducing the spread of respiratory viruses in everyday spaces. The guidelines emphasize the importance of air quality management in homes, schools, and workplaces, highlighting ventilation’s role in creating healthier environments that help curb the transmission of airborne illnesses. 

Why This Guidance Matters Now 

Indoor spaces, particularly those with limited airflow, have long been associated with challenges in maintaining high air quality. HVAC systems can also carry viruses further from their original source, potentially spreading contaminants throughout an entire building. With respiratory viruses more likely to spread indoors, effective ventilation and air quality management have never been more crucial. The EPA’s latest guidance reflects a commitment to enhancing public health by offering practical solutions for cleaner, safer indoor environments. By implementing these measures, organizations can support health and productivity while contributing to a safer community overall. 
 

Key Recommendations from the EPA 

The following key recommendations are based on the EPA’s latest guidance to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: 

1. Increase Outdoor Air Ventilation: Improve ventilation by boosting the intake of outdoor air. This can be done by opening windows and doors, using exhaust fans, and adjusting HVAC systems to maximize fresh air. Increased ventilation helps dilute airborne contaminants and reduce exposure to potentially virus-laden particles. 

2. Set Ventilation and Filtration Goals: To manage respiratory virus spread, aim for ventilation goals measured in Air Changes Per Hour (ACH). The EPA recommends achieving at least 5 ACH with outdoor air or using a combination of outdoor air, filtration, and air treatment to reach 5 Equivalent Air Changes Per Hour (eACH). Consult with HVAC professionals as needed to ensure your system can meet these goals effectively without compromising performance or thermal comfort. 

3. High-Efficiency Filtration in HVAC Systems: Use high-efficiency filters, such as MERV-13 or higher, to capture airborne particles within HVAC systems. Regular maintenance ensures filters continue performing effectively and contribute to better overall air quality. 

4. Portable Air Cleaners for Supplementary Filtration: Employ portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to enhance air quality in specific areas, especially when HVAC upgrades are not feasible. This helps ensure consistent air quality in high-traffic or enclosed spaces. 

5. Continuous Air Quality Monitoring: Utilize CO2 and other sensors to assess ventilation effectiveness. High CO2 levels can signal the need for ventilation adjustments, ensuring that air quality stays within recommended EPA standards. 

How Fellowes Supports This Mission 

At Fellowes, we understand that indoor air quality is critical to public health, productivity, and overall well-being. The EPA’s updated ventilation and filtration guidelines emphasize the importance of proactive measures to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, which can significantly impact community health and business continuity. That’s why we’re committed to supporting these guidelines with the advanced technology in our Array IAQ system—a groundbreaking solution designed to seamlessly complement existing HVAC systems. Here’s how Array helps organizations meet and exceed these critical air quality goals: 

1. Supporting Enhanced Ventilation and Achieving 5 eACH: For spaces that may struggle to reach traditional ACH targets through outdoor air alone, Array supports HVAC efforts by enhancing air movement with its powerful fan, all without any connection to existing ductwork.  Array’s Proprietary mixed flow fan helps provide eACH to reach building requirements; reducing strain on existing HVAC Systems.This feature helps businesses maintain high air quality standards and align with EPA guidelines that prioritize occupant safety and health. 

2. High-Efficiency Filtration with H13 True HEPA: Array units come equipped with H13 True HEPA filters, which are twice as effective as MERV-13 filters at capturing airborne particles, including virus-laden respiratory droplets. This high-efficiency filtration aligns with the EPA’s focus on effective particle capture, aiding in the reduction of virus transmission and fostering safer shared spaces. 

3. Strategic Placement for Targeted Air Cleaning: Array units are designed to be placed close to contaminant sources and within the breathing zone, ensuring that airborne particles are captured before they disperse through a room or travel through the HVAC system to additional spaces. Array offers a suite of installation options, including ceiling-suspended and recessed, wall-mounted, and portable stand units, enabling flexible placement to best suit the needs of different environments. This targeted approach enhances protection in critical areas, supporting the EPA’s emphasis on practical, location-specific air quality improvements. 

4. Sense and React Technology for Automatic Air Quality Management: Array units are equipped with the advanced sense and react technology, EnviroSmart+, which is designed to respond to changes in occupancy and other environmental factors. An added functionality unique to Array is the ability for the units to work in tandem, automatically cleaning the air across a space more efficiently than standalone units. This synchronized operation accelerates air purification, ensuring that air quality improves quickly and effectively throughout the environment. 

5. Real-Time Data Insights for Informed Decision-Making: Array units provide valuable, real-time data through the Viewpoint dashboard, powered by an extensive sensor suite that monitors key indoor air quality parameters. This data is visualized to reference the RESET Air Index, offering a comprehensive, standardized view of air quality levels. This continuous feedback empowers building managers to monitor indoor air quality, take informed actions as needed, and align with the EPA’s guidance for ongoing air quality monitoring and data-driven decision-making. 

Creating Confidence Through Air Quality Management 

Indoor air quality directly impacts health, comfort, and productivity. The EPA’s updated guidelines serve as a vital roadmap for improving these aspects of indoor spaces. By adopting advanced IAQ systems like Fellowes Array, businesses and institutions can align with EPA recommendations to create environments where occupants feel safe and confident. 

For more detailed information and to review the full EPA guidance, visit the EPA’s updated ventilation and filtration guidelines. For more on how to enhance indoor air quality and implement these recommendations, consider a complimentary indoor air quality assessment with Fellowes. We’re here to help you take practical steps toward cleaner, healthier air for everyone.