I've been doing a tweet series, which has been quite popular, where I post the changing of our Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) filter, side-by-side old with new so that you can clearly see the different. It is an excellent demonstration of data visualization in a real world application.
Here is the MERV13 filter replacement, from our Panasonic Intellibalance, that was in operation from Jan 1 through April 29. This filter is sticky, covered in a gunk/grime, that really disgusting. The PM2.5 levels across this time period averaged to nearly 12 ug/m3, which is 33% higher than the recommended EPA levels and 140% higher than the recommended WHO levels.
The point of this is twofold: One - to raise awareness around air quality in general, and how we cannot take outdoor air quality for granted. Two - to advocate for filtered mechanical ventilation, specifically E/HRV, being required by code in all homes. Those who rely on natural ventilation or ventilation through infiltration will not being able to filter the outdoor air before being introduced into their home and that is a big big problem. If a filter isn't doing it, then our lungs are, and whatever the lungs don't get, makes it into our bloodstream.
#airquality #IAQ #healthandwellness #homedesign #architecture #engineering #HVAC #sustainability
