LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What filtration media is necessary for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) strategies?

1. MERV 8

2. MERV 11

3. MERV 13

4. MERV 16

The correct answer is: MERV 13

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) strategies aim to improve the air quality within buildings, focusing on reducing airborne pollutants and allergens. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a crucial aspect of this, as it measures the effectiveness of air filters at capturing particles of various sizes. A MERV 13 filter is deemed necessary for Enhanced IAQ because it can capture a higher percentage of smaller particles compared to lower-rated filters. Specifically, MERV 13 filters are effective at trapping particles in the 0.3 to 1.0 micrometer range, including dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, which are common indoor air contaminants. This effectiveness not only contributes to improved air quality for building occupants but also supports compliance with various health and sustainability standards, such as those outlined in LEED certification. While MERV 11 and MERV 16 filters also provide enhanced filtration, they may not specifically meet the necessary requirements for certain Enhanced IAQ strategies. MERV 11 filters capture fewer particles compared to MERV 13, and while MERV 16 filters offer even higher efficiency and are excellent for very fine particles, they may not be practical for all HVAC systems due to higher pressure drops and potential energy consumption